Not On The List

So I made my way to Bundang and got on the shuttle bus to the Orientation Center. On the way meeting some new people and mingling.

Got in a long line for registration. They looked and looked over the list and my name was not on it.

"Please stand over here while we figure this out."

But things were busy for them so they told me to wait at the office. No one was there and I wondered why my name was not on the list.

But as I thought I realized what may be the problem.

Last week I pleaded with my coteacher that I don't have time to go to the Orientation. That I am swamped with planning the advanced class and the addition of the teacher's English class.

So she called the coordinator's office to plead for me to not go. But Friday passed and we never got an answer from them. So we assumed that I should go anyways, and that is what I did.

I finally found the coordinator and she checked again but of course my name wasn't there. I told her about what had happened last week with the no phone-call business and we went to another office to speak with another coordinator.

This other gal, as soon as she heard my name, told me she was the one who crossed me off the list last week. So I told her we never got a response and I assumed to come to the Orientation.

There wasn't room for me at the Orientation since they were packed with the teacher's who didn't screw it up. Therefore, I was told to go home.

Getting home was a little tricky as I had to make my way down the mountain and to a rural area with a few city like buildings. But a few nice men were at the bottom of the hill and helped me flag down a taxi.

Ah but did I get to go home and relax?! Nope Principal called in and said I should head to work. So here I am frazzled and tired from all the bus riding. But there are only 2 hrs left of work. I guess though I should do some of that planning I was so worried about.

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Seoul Folk Flea Market

Let's go down memory lane. Do you remember those days when your Mom or Dad took you to a flea market?

The booths lined up next to each other selling different items, some of which worth something others just filled with plastic toys from China.

I have such fond memories of when I grew up in Florida. There was a flea market type mall that I was taken to often. I remember the moldy and dank smells that filled the low-lit space of the flea market. I was charmed by the pewter figurines and crystal necklaces.

In general I have always been fascinated by the atmosphere of flea markets. They are spaces where junk and treasures come together. Inside a flea market you have to put your skeptical spectacles on because you never know if you are getting the right bargain.

And so I was excited to learn that there is a Flea Market in Seoul. Actually walking down a street in Seoul where there are cart sellers is close enough to a Flea Market anyways, but this flea market has something more special, foreign sellers.

The event, which provides a chance for local and overseas people to mingle together in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere, is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Sinseol-dong, Seoul.

It's called the Seoul Folk Flea Market and I was very pleased to have visited there. So how about you come with me as I show this unique space in Seoul and it's hidden treasures.

Getting There:
The way I got there was by taking the subway. By taking Line #2 the Green line I got off at Sinseol-dong station. After looking at the map to locate the flea market I made my way to Exit 9.

Coming out of Exit 9 onto street level you could see on the ground taped a handy sign pointing in the direction of the flea market.
But if you keep your nose pointed towards the sky then you can just follow the international flags strung about.

And you are there! This is the entrance to the indoors part of the flea market. Inside are stalls with Ahjumma's and Ahjusshi's selling their goods such as shoes, table wares, trot music and the list could go on.

But to get to the "Foreign" section you have to walk through the indoor part and come out the other side.

Flea Market for Foreigners Section: Running into a familiar face
I was tipped off about this event by reading it off of Lunalil's blog, where she mentioned that she will be there selling off her excess stuff (She is going back to America soon). So I thought it might be great if I found her, if not well at least I tried.

But it wasn't too hard to see her, she had the first booth in the line up of sellers.

Actually she spotted me and said "I know you! You're Foreigner!" Haha notoriety! And I said to her that she must be Funk Seoul Sister, and we hit it off from there.

I had a great time running into her and bought a few things from her Umbrella Stand. I got there about 1.5 hours after it started and she had sold most of the good stuff.

She invited me to sit down at her stand and we had a good time chatting about the place and the experience.

It was fun to watch people come up to her booth and check out her stuff. She is better versed in Korean and would greet the onlookers in Korean, surprising them at times.

There were kids there too, and we tried to frazzle their English skills while they checked out the stuff.

After resting for a while I got back up and checked out the other foreigner booths nearby. It seemed there were some Europeans selling off sweaters and short skirts, but I think most of their good stuff was sold already.

The amazing thing was that there was a reasonable crowd of people looking for a bargain.

At the end of the booths there were some food stands. Here I believe nationals from Turkey were serving couscous and chicken, I tried some and it was rather good.
I went back to my friend Lunalil's booth and rested some more and took in the vibe of the place.

Flea Market Characters:
What flea market wouldn't be complete without a few sketchy and strange characters? As time passed there was one man who came by often. He was an Ahjusshi (older man in his 50's) and he liked to inspect the stuff on her table. After inspection he would point out that most of her stuff was made in China and that this was no good. It was funny watching him give a close inspection, carefully looking for the "Made in China" label.

Another character was this one guy who walked around with a megaphone shouting something over and over. He was dressed with a vest that had the venues name on it, and uncannily was wearing those goofy plastic glasses with the little mustache underneath it.

He certainly was a spectacle.

I think these guys made the experience authentic and memorable.

Antiques for Sale:
I got up again, this time curious what was for sell nearby. There was an antique booth near the entrance to the flea market hall that had many items. I found a really nice old Korean style mirror and asked how much it was, only to find out it was 50,000 Won! Hmm not in my budget.

So I had to take home some free pictures...

There is something phallic in this picture:

After looking at the antiques I went inside and had a look around. It seemed there was mostly stuff I wasn't really interested in, like old man shoes or glasses. There was an upstairs section and if you followed the ramp you could find some eateries. Also the upstairs area had childrens toys.

Treasure:

But the real treat was found when I went to use the bathroom and on the way saw something sparkling on one of the booths.

It was a box full of crystal balls. On the way back from the bathroom I stopped at the booth and asked how much in Korean. From what I gathered it sounded like one was only 1,500 Won, which I found to be amazingly cheap. So I plucked out two and started to hand the woman 3,000 Won. But then her and her friend mumbled something and soon one of the women was pulling out more crystal balls into my pile. Then she said "Okay?" and I nodded and she took my money. She then wrapped them up in newspaper and put them in a bag. I can't believe I got 7 of these for just 3,000 Won (one of which went to Lunalil). In America these guys can fetch for around $15 each! haha~

I am going to hang a few from my window at home, and maybe some at the office.A Stop in Hongdae:

After the market was over we were hungry and decided to head over to Hongdae, considering that I thought I had never been there. Although I am still unsure whether I have or not.

Anyways, we didn't do much walking around due to that it was kind of windy and we were tired. But we did catch a bite to eat at Dos Tacos. On the way I spotted what looks like an Apple Store getting ready to open some time soon.

Dinner was amazing!!!!

It was so great to run into Lunalil and spend my Saturday hanging out with her. Otherwise I was going to be at home thinking too much about life and stuff. hehe

I am considering gathering some things and putting up my own booth there next month or sometime in the summer. Looks like it would be a lot of fun. By the way if you don't speak Korean there are volunteers there who will help you translate. ;)

**BTW I have to attend GEPIK Orientation next week for 4 days, so blogging will probably be slim. But I hope to report back on this event.**

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A Sneak Peek of Spring

Well looks like it will probably be time all us bloggers put up something about the changing of winter into spring.

I kind of wanted to wait until there was more sunlight out to capture the scenery, but what the heck...on with it!

Flower shop displaying more than just greenery.

Spring buds~
The grass is greener on the ....

You know life seems to always be about changes. Winter turns into spring and then into fall and so on. In 2 months it will be my one year anniversary here in Korea, and I can't believe time has flown by so fast.

I wish, like anyone with a full time job, that time could just slow down for a while so that I could take in all that is happening.

Yet in the moments I am able to cherish what I have I remind myself that I am still here and there that there is still so much I want to see and do.

Well, I will keep looking for more spring moments as time passes on.

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Bowl Cut

An interestingly musing story here from the SF Chronicle. They are running a contest on the best picture of a bowl cut. You know the kind of hairdo that looks like your mother put a bowl on your head and cut away.

(One of the submitters picture:)

I don't know if my Mom did the same thing, but I do recall her cutting our fingernails as a child. Usually after we went to the beach.

Interestingly, I have a feeling that mothers out here in Korea give their kids haircuts. As probably all peoples of the world could be found doing. Whether or not it is a bowl type cut, sometimes you can tell the kid's hairdos were done by a non-professional. But I think parents take their kids to the public baths here, where a lady cuts the kids hair.

Certainly funny when you come across the boy or girl who has a perm or died hair do, unknown whether they requested this look themselves.

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Tax Time Follow Up

Quick follow up here to my tax time post. I am still figuring it all out but thankfully was sent on the right track.

I am going to start with a look at "IRS Publication 54". Which is actually a guide to paying your taxes when getting foreign income.

So for the rest of you out there I would say take a look and get it started, unless you already have.

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Hagwon Hauntings

As most of you know I use to work at a hagwon when I first arrived here in Korea. After 5 months I quit and switched to a public school.

Lately, I have been finding that I still can't escape the hagwon system. Certain aspects of my work at a hagwon has crept into my current life.

I teach an advanced class three times a week. This is an after school program for selected students. Last semester I didn't hear many complaints from the Mom's. Either because there weren't any or my old coteacher didn't bother telling me.

Since last week I have already received two parent complaints. It isn't anything as severe as it was in the hagwon. Meaning I won't get fired over it. But one student was pulled from the class from her Mom.

What's the big deal?
The class is a mix of 6th grade down to 4th grade, so that means the English levels differ. I have to talk slower for the lower grades but provide higher level material for the advanced kids.

So some kid's parents might think the class is too easy, while others will think it is too hard.

Competition with hagwons:
The main grief I am experiencing I feel is because there is the option to send their kids to a hagwon. Of course it would be a lot more expensive, but certainly more thorough.

At hagwons kids are tested on many levels, given progress reports, butt-loads of homework and a lovely ride in a hagwon van.

At the Advanced Class in an public school the activities and work is determined by the Foreign teacher, myself.

So the parents see all the work other kids are doing at hagwons and think "Why can't my kid be doing that at the advanced class?" And so they examine my class and call up to make some comments.

At first I was a little take aback by the comments, because I thought I had left that kind of thing when I quit the hagwon. But I can see now that the parents are just concerned for their child's education.

This semester I already have planned more homework, activities and tests that are more extensive than last semester. Already the mention of these things have not pleased the students, who just want to play during their time in my class. But I hope it gives the parents something to agree with, and at the same time help my students learn English.

But I am going to follow my own style and methods, not what a Mom thinks should be done because she saw it at a hagwon.

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World Baseball

I am a baseball fan. Grew up with it in South Florida, when my Mom would take us to the Marlins games. Also my brother played baseball all the way up through high school.

So I have been having a good time keeping up with the World Baseball games going on.

The best part is watching Japan vs. Korea because they are rivals on so many levels. Plus it is even more fun to watch BK get all hot and bothered over what happens when they play together.

But some think it's kind of boring due to that Korea has been playing against Japan too much lately.

Still it will be fun to watch. Kicks off Tuesday (Monday time in USA).

Japan is now headed to the World Baseball Classic championship game to defend its title against Korea in the fifth meeting between the two countries in this tournament. The teams split two games in Pool A at the Tokyo Dome and split two games at PETCO Park in the second round.

Overall, Korea holds a 4-3 advantage in two Classics, although Japan defeated Korea in a single-elimination semifinal game three years ago on its way to the inaugural championship. Korea defeated Venezuela, 10-2, in the other semifinal game on Saturday.

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Local Eats

When it comes to dinner time, after work, I usually eat out. It's not like I don't like to cook or don't know how to cook. In college I cooked dinner for myself every night and nearly every meal, which saved me a lot of money.

But I have a tiny kitchen with little room to prep food. However, I have been making myself a few meals now and then. Such as pasta, mandoo (dumplings) and ramen (I know bad).

So since I am mostly not cooking my dinner I eat out in my neighborhood. I live in a well sized area that there are several options for dining. But I do end up going to the same places and if you live anywhere and do that it can get a little stale. However, you have to take what you got and I don't really mind the options here. Koreans seem to cater to a wide array of taste buds. For instance, there is even an Indian place in my area, which is really good.

Well, I have been meaning to write up the places I eat at regularly but haven't gotten around to it. BK even makes a little joke at me, asking me which one is in rotation. I do see the same people often, and when you eat by yourself you tend to get the curious eye.

I can't bring myself to take pictures of the food or the restaurant by myself because it would just cause more anxiety and embarrassment. But I ate at one of the places with BK on Sunday so I took it as an opportunity to take some pictures.

The name of the place Hoa Binh and it is a Vietnamese noodle restaurant. The restaurant in the picture is the one with the green lettered sign next to the orange lettered sign 2F (2nd floor).
I ordered a stir fried noodle dish, on the mild side. I have tried their "hot" version it is really hot! I love how their dishes come with a little side of pineapple.
BK ordered a Pho dish (noodle soup) with beef. Here he is mixing it up.
I try my best to still eat healthily while eating out, but you know it can be hard when you don't want to eat the same stuff all the time. Oh well, I am grateful anyways for my choices! Hopefully I can figure out more meals to cook for myself and save some money.

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Tax Time

One Question!!??

How do you file your taxes abroad?

I am doing my research online and I am getting mixed messages. I guess I could do it by hand but that is so old fashioned!

What have you done before?

Keep in mind I am a US citizen.

Thanks :)

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Can I have A Cheezburger?

Yesterday I was tired from all the fun time I had spent with my peers the following night, and so didn't feel like trekking it to Seoul. BK was busy with family matters and so I had the day to myself. I spent the first half doing laundry and cleaning my square feet. I also cleaned out my large suitcase. I took out the warmer weather clothing and packed in some sweaters and other clothing I felt I didn't need anymore for this season.

But now I have two full bags of clothes I want to donate, but don't know where to donate. If anyone knows of a service where I could drop off some clothes, let me know. I am going to ask my coteacher if there is a service in this area.

After all that cleaning and sorting out I was hungry, and a good meaty cheeseburger was calling my name. So I thought of going to Kraze Burger. Checking out the many store locations I spotted one in Sadang, which is just about a 20 minute train ride from my area. I called up Kristen to see if she wanted to join me and she did.
Let me first give you a pronunciation lesson on how to properly pronounce the word "Kraze" in Kraze Burger.

First of all it isn't pronounced CRAZY Burger. So how do you say it?

Start with the sound that is made when you say: crawl but take out the 'l' sound. You have a craw kind of sound.

Next say the word "say" but with more of a "Zay" to it.

Put craw and zay together you have Craw-Zay burger. That's how the Koreans say it! Now you can too!


Food! Moving on, let's see what all the hoopla is about. Why it would be a lovely cheeseburger and fries. These goodies come at a shiny price, but they are very delicious. There are many other items on the menu but we went for the classic cheeseburger and fries.

Before:

After:
Kristen saying hello...

After enjoying our meal we left the place and wandered around the area. This place had a few cafes and donut shops. One of the cafes had these lovely cakes perched out front in a window display. We got excited over the strawberry tarts and considered going inside. But when we came to the front door there were two employees standing there and it felt really too posh for us. We walked away.
We found the rest of the area not that exciting and so decided to get some Krispy Kreme donuts and head home. You can tell spring is starting to affect businesses by that more patrons are enjoying outdoor seating.
On the way to the subway entrance we caught sight of one of those prize machines. But this time something odd was inside, a boot! We wondered how you win the boot and who would really want to win it. But it was funny to see.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at Kristen's house with her two cats and one dog. I enjoyed petting the felines and watching X-Men on TV. It was a good restful Saturday.

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My Peers

Yesterday I had a meeting with the other teachers from my city's district. The purpose was to discuss and sign up for the English Cafe and Summer Camp.

In my contract it stipulates that I must do a session of English Cafe for the city. Basically this is where I will go to a youth center location in the city and teach an evening program of English to Elementary youngins. I only have to go once a week for 6 weeks. Actually I don't really know how long I have to do this, which brings me to the highlight of this meeting.

The meeting served a great purpose to see who my peers are in my region. I got to see the other public Elementary school teachers. But when it came down to all of us working together things fell apart, in my opinion.

English Cafe Selection Process:
First we were to be assigned which place and date we would work at for English Cafe. There were two locations, one close to my home and another a bus ride away. But I didn't find this out till after the fact. When they started discussing the English Cafe I was confused how it all worked but didn't a get a chance to chime in. This is because the more experienced teachers starting barking what days they want and location.

The selection process was by drawing a number out of a small black-box, which is ridiculous if you ask me. But no one asked me. I ended up with a number for the English Cafe that is a bus ride away and I was pissed. They gave us the opportunity to switch with each other, but by the time I figured out what my number meant everyone had finalized their switches and was stubborn to change with me. Needless to say I felt, as a new teacher, duped.

Summer Camp Selection Process:
But then came the Summer Camp week selection. In the summer the kids will have 38 days off for vacation. As a teacher I have to teach 1 week at school and 1 week up in the mountains just like I did for winter camp. I understood what all this was about and didn't have any questions.

So once again the little black box came floating around. Luckily it started at my end of the table. To my delighted surprise I received the first week of camp duty. This was a big relief. For I am trying to plan to visit America in the summer for two weeks. All I need now is to secure the 2nd week of summer vacation as the school's version of camp, and I will be set!

Oh but then it came time to meet the other people who will be at the camp with you. So the first week group got together and immediately everyone starting writing down what activity they will teach. Before I was able to open my mouth most of the spots were being taken. First I wanted Arts & Crafts, taken! Next, Movies...taken! Next....Cooking...taken! The option left was Drama and I am not a drama person. So after some negotiation I ended up with Geography, which I was pleased with.

But what was unpleasant was how disrespectful everyone one was. Instead of as a group deciding what we want to do, everyone individually jumped in and claimed a spot. Although, the members in my group appear to be nice people I feel that due to this one hiccup on the first day of meeting that I will not look forward to working with them. But I have 3.5 months to get over it so we will see.

My Peers:
But let me get back to the subject of meeting my peers. Looking around the room I saw a wide selection of teachers. Mostly men but there was a good sized group of women as well. Also there was some diversity in the crowd, not only in racial background but also experience.

After the meeting everyone migrated out the door and I walked up to a group of women. They said hello and asked if I was going to the bar. I said no and that I didn't know we were going there. So they invited me. We introduced ourselves on the walk over. I felt kind of nervous because I knew I would not want to drink but others will.

The bar we went to was on a rooftop and so had a patio. We sat outside and enjoyed the warm air and cool breeze. I ordered a kiwi juice drink while others ordered beer. I didn't get teased, thankfully and so felt at ease.

More teachers showed up and soon everyone was chatting, laughing and having a good time. I got to know some new people and hopefully made some new pals. Facebook will be the magic wand for now...haha

But what I enjoyed most was getting a glimpse of other teacher's experiences here in Korea. It seemed everyone enjoyed their jobs and being in Korea.

However, I got the distinct sense that my overall experience here has been contrastingly different from most teachers. For one I never spent any nights going crazy and drinking it up in Itaewon. It seemed everyone had a story of some great drinking adventure they went on. I didn't feel jealous, but kind of like an outcast. Wondering if I am the only one.

Ah well it was stilll good to get to know my peers and speak English in full on sentences.

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Thirst

Park Chan Wook the director of Old Boy has a new movie coming out called Thirst.

Have you seen Old Boy? Well I would hope so and also wish you saw his other films.

But maybe here is your chance to catch up.

His new movie is a vampire themed movie, so that means blood and violence of course. But I think it will be a thrill to watch considering his unique cinematographic style.

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The Light

It's a sign of hope when you notice a full beam of direct sunlight shining into your office-hell.
That is what I noticed while I was boiling my pot of water for spaghetti tonight. Despite the yellow dust lately, having the prospect of full on sunshine in my tiny home is promising. I realize now that I spent the whole winter without direct sunlight. But thanks to the miracle of science the Earth has rotated in my favor. (Or however it works).

If you notice I have a real-like curtain over my window now. That was installed this last weekend, with the good help of BK. It is a kind of sheer curtain so that when it is down there is a nice glowing light about the room.

Time moves so fast and I just want to enjoy the way light glows about my room.

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White Irish Day

What do you get when you have "White Day" (Love day in Korea where boys give to girls) and an Irish Festival? White Irish Day!!!

First let's look at the White Day part of this adventure.

Before I went into Seoul to see BK I walked around my town and took snapshots of the White Day sales going on outside the Marts. Out front they were selling gift sets of chocolate and other candies.



After catching a glimpse of the White Day sales I went to Seoul. My destination was Hyewha station which is in the northern part of Seoul. Another hip area of Seoul where there were many couples out on the streets.
We were headed towards the St. Patrick's Day Festivities at Marronnier Park, Daehangno nearby exit 2. On the way, little did I know, that this was the location of the poop sculptures I have seen notoriously posted on other people's blogs. Hey did you know this part of town is known for its theatres??

Oops~ Sunshine was in my eyes.

St. Patrick's Day Festivities: Outsider / Insider
We arrived at the park and could tell we were there due to seeing people walking around with green balloons. Stepping further into the park you couldn't help but feel like you were stepping out of Seoul.

There were so many Westerners that it felt like I wasn't in Korea anymore. This felt very strange and was very difficult to shake off. BK too was a bit taken back by being inside this ring of westerners.

Also, I immediately felt shorter! There were so many tall people around.
People were having a jolly good time in the park. But how could they not with the beer floating around, and English being exchanged freely.

Some individuals found comfort up in a tree. BK was very alarmed at this site and wished they would get down. BK's reaction was that he felt like he was back in America. He was surprised that Westerners just like to drink while standing around and talking.
As for me I just found myself estranged by the fact that I felt out of place amongst my peers. But it kind of makes sense if you think about it. This is because I never really felt comfortable being around drinking people. I only lived that kind of life during my junior year of high school.

Slowly we made our way towards the exit. On the way we saw the stage where there were performers. And near the stage was a tent giving away free cups of Guinness beer. BK picked up a cup, but found the taste dissatisfying.

Byby Irish Festival~

We went to my neighborhood and relaxed and rested for the rest of the weekend. While we were walking around my neighborhood we caught site of these trucks loaded with chairs. It was certainly a photographic moment. We couldn't figure out if someone was moving in or moving out.

Then we headed to Indeogwan for that lamb galbi dinner that we love. To our surprise the restaurant was set up differently when we walked in, now the tables are not the sit-on-the-ground kind. Also the side dishes were more plentiful and delicious! Overall, it was still a great meal as always.Well that ends my White Irish Day! Till next year~

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Caring About Dokdo

Some have said that no one in the world would give a crap about Dokdo and the dispute Korea and Japan have over these tiny islets in the sea.

Well I guess we don't have to care about the rocks themselves, instead let's focus on the dispute.

Following MISSISSIPPI to KOREA's blog post about this issue mentioned in the Boston Glob, I came across a thoughtful remark left by "PN" in the commentary.

There is an interesting disconnect between how East and West view Japan. Westerners think of Japan as a modern, polite and peaceful nation. A land of smiling faces and cute cartoon characters.

In Asia Japan is more noted for its fascist, imperialist past - a nation that killed tens of millions of innocent civilians, forced hundreds of thousands of girls and women into sexual slavery, and conducted medical experiments on live human subjects. Millions of people who suffered under Imperial Japan are still alive today.

Imperial Japan, in many ways, was much worse than Nazi Germany.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_war_crimes
This history is common knowledge to any school age kid in China and Korea, but is swept under the rug by the Japanese education system. The US education system isn't much better in this regard.

Japanese territorial aggression goes back way farther than WWII. It's a centuries old story for Japan to claim land that does not belong to her.

I see a lot of people wondering what all the fuss is about. This conflict is not just about two little rocks in the middle of the sea. An issue like Dokdo will only make sense when put into proper historical context.

A great point was made in this quote, which is that the citizens of Eastern Asia have an internally historical relationship with Japan. If you grew up in a nation that had been raped and ravished by another nation, than you might too feel a little sting underneath your grin. And I think the same would go for the citizens of Japan, although I have no clue, that they might feel a bit of pain for the context of their history.

Ah well, who knows if this issue will some day be put to rest. For now it will always make for great topics to discuss and I guess make fun of.

In the meantime please enjoy these photos of a Dokdo Documentary DVD I found at the Kyobo bookstore in Gwanghwamun.
I didn't purchase this oh so collectible item (on a budget lately) but if I did I think it would look something like this:

Sorry, Dokdo Korean Documentary Trailer - Free videos are just a click away

The awareness campaign for Dokdo here in Korea spreads to T-shirts, hats, pencil cases, notebooks and so on. A spectacle, really.

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Portrayal of Female Foreigners in Korean Media

At Gusts of Popular Feeling blog there was a really extensive post about male English teachers being portrayed as rapists.

Whether you know it or not, expats, our image in the media is not a positive one. We are not portrayed as the intelligent, 4-year college degree, kind and open minded people that we mostly are. Instead we are portrayed as lowly scoundrels.

At that blog he talked mostly about the portrayal of foreign men in the media.

So I brought up the question:

So I am trying to raise the issue here of the woman expat's role in all of this. What is it? Is it as badly portrayed as the male? I have to say that I see blog posts about your topic often across the K-blogs. But little do I see how woman expats fit into the puzzle.

And he answered it!

His current post can give a really great examination of how both female and male foreigners are portrayed in the media here. Of course, the final result is that men are still shown as idiots, while women are shown as exotic sex-objects.

It's important that we take a look out our portrayal in the media here. And it is even more important to correct it.

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Leadership

Finally expats here in Korea have some new leadership.

Where are we to go when we are struggling at a hagwon?

How can we know for sure our rights are being upheld?

Can we say that we belong to a community? If so who will be our leader?

ATEK is the answer. A new organization that promises to deliver. Besides I think it is time we got ourselves off of Dave's ESL for answers, if you haven't already done so.

You can join them and receive benefits. So far the benefits I find that will be the most useful to me are the statistics. I love statistics!

Access to English teacher statistics, including average salaries and weekly hours by region and type of teaching job, average level of satisfaction with various job types, average length of stay of foreigners working in Korea, average pay and benefit increases when re-signing for a second year, and much more. Want to know if your contract offer is above or below the average salary for someone in your city and education level? Get access.

This kind of stuff will be useful when I consider resigning with my current school or getting a new contract.

So for all you lost expat souls out there look towards the light my friends. For there is a way~

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Immigrant's Stories

Here is a video worth watching. It is a little documentary about immigrants in America and their stories.



I am not an immigrant in Korea but still I am caught wondering what led me to come here. Economics, dreams, fate, love....?

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F4 the Gathering

Yes I watch the drama Boys Over Flower, which was originally an Japanese Manga. Actually I haven't been watching it much lately. Something about how the lead female role's lack of spunk during the 6th episode makes me uninterested.

But that doesn't mean you can't have fun with this drama. For if you are of the tender Korean age of 10 - 15 year old you will have one of these guys as your hero.

Last month I was eating at a Bon Juk Bi Bim Bop place in my neighborhood and saw an F4 poster on the wall. I put two and two together and figured out you can get a free poster with your meal.

The next day, at school, I put up the poster in my office. And like moths to a flame the kids came pouring in to drool over their favorite F4 dude.



Who do you like, teacher?
"I like Jee Hoo!" "Ohhh, Jee Hooooo..."
This would be the F4 dude who sports orange hair and white outfits. I have seen this actor before and he just knocks my socks off. So cute and adorable!! Actor's name is Kim Hyun-joong.

But when I give this answer and ask if they like him too, usually I get a "no" response. I don't know why, either. The guy has good looks and appears to be a kind man. They all go for the curly haired dude Gu Jun-pyo (the one in the middle of the poster). Actor's name is Lee Min-ho.

I try to convince them Jee Hoo is way cuter than the other guy, but they are pretty stubborn in their decision.

What's in that pencil case?
Students tote around with them a pencil case, some large and fancy others simple and generic. I think within each student's pencil case are hidden treasures that they and their friends only know about.

So it was that with the F4 craze some paraphernalia started to crop up.

Cards!

Boys and Girls alike have their own collection of F4 cards. After I saw these around class I started asking the advanced kids where they got them. Apparently from they come from stationary stores. But I went to the stationary stores around town and looked for them. I concluded that you had to be a kid and ask the store clerk for them.

But I managed to get one of the kids to buy me some (I gave her money) and now I have my own collection. Some cards were just given to me by kids who thought I wanted them...hehe.

Stuff like this makes living here great! This is because you feel like you are a part of the culture instead of the outsider. I think we all try to be an insider here on some level, and getting involved in pop culture like this is just one way.

Well, I am going to leave you with this video of a parady of the show. It is done by the comic team well known here (XMen).

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With the Boys

This last weekend wasn't majorly eventful, but still I was out and about around Seoul.

The first stop I had to make on Saturday was the GI Hospital to get my blood test and prescription. After that I was free.

BK met up with me and we got on a bus headed for Cheongyangni. Sometimes I don't really know where BK is taking me or for that matter why. After inquiring he said we were going to go shopping with his brother. Now that BK has a paying steady job his family expects him to help out in these matters.

We had to transfer buses and while we waited there were street vendors nearby the bus stop. It was morning time and the weather was sunny but also windy. I took a picture of this street vendor who was selling pillows. I like the juxtaposition of the soft pillows against the dirty old wall in the background.
After another bus ride we met up with BK's brother. I will use the initials MC for BK's brother. MC is younger than BK, but way-way taller. He is a nice guy and has some English skills but not as advanced as BK. Usually he tries to ask me things and strike up a conversation.

We went to the Lotte Department Store for shopping. First, we got a bite to eat at a mandoo place. Afterwards we noticed there was this contest going on outside.

The player was given a rubber hammer and then they hit the target, which would light up the lights depending on how hard you hit it. There was a long line for this and not just guys but also ahjummas, kids and old men.
The brothers got in line to give it a shot.

The prizes:

• Top = fancy laundry detergent
• Middle = mysterious box (probably socks)
• Bottom = a small pen

BK and MC are not wimpy men, they look like they can pack a punch. But when they both hit the targets their results were at the bottom. I saw them both hit the target very hard and so we concluded that the game was rigged. They weren't satisfied with their small plastic pens. But had fun nonetheless.

MC goes for the goal..

BK goes for the goal after MC...

I guess the thought of winning luxurious laundry detergent was enough to form a long line.

After our fun and games it was shopping time. The brothers walked around the men's section in circles trying to find a brand of clothing they liked and at reasonable prices. It was fun seeing them ask each other what they like or don't like. In my family I never really went shopping with my brother, we usually did that with our friends.

They both were unsatisfied and left Lotte Department store. We then wandered the streets and walked into the small shops nearby.
Afterwards we went to Myeongdong, where we fought our way through an elbow-to-elbow crowd of shoppers. After pushing through the sea of people we came to another Lotte Department store. Like the outside the inside was crowded as well. The brothers did their shopping while I took a rest on a bench.

MC got himself a whole new outfit; shirt, jacket, and pants. All he needed was a new pair of shoes!

After shopping MC left us to go home and BK and I went out for dinner.

It was fun to be with the boys. However, I would of rather skipped the Myeoungdong crowd. Rob had a similar experience this weekend. Oh well live and learn.

*By the way ladies MC is single !! ;)

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TESL Struggle

Hey there folks. I am working on getting my TESL through an online course. Basically the work consists of reading, taking a short quiz and then writing.

This is a course that will give me the TESL certificate which can be used to get more money added to my salary, and also an advantage when it comes to being hired.

However, I think the most important aspect of working on this is that it will improve my knowledge and skills of being an English teacher for EFL students. So I got started on this last week, after finally paying for it and printing out my first assignment. This course is not heavily weighed on grammar but that doesn't mean it isn't a part of it.

I have come to a part in my writing assignment, which deals with grammar. I am not a grammar whiz, as my Mom would tell you. But I am very willing to learn and get over my own mistakes.

I am asking you, my readers, to extend your grammar knowledge to help me with this assignment. I'm not trying to cheat here, I just really don't know where to start when it comes to figuring out grammar. So if anyone can give me some pointers that would be terrific!

The Prompt:
The assignment is to write down three sentences that Foreign language English learners commonly make that are mistakes. These sentences have to be grammatically incorrect and all relate to each other with the same grammar problem.

Their example:

from French:

I have twenty years.

I have cold.

I have ill.

The reason for this error is due to the use of have in French.

My choices:

I goes to a PC Bang.
I go to church.
I was go to home.
These are common answers to the question "What did you do you yesterday?"

The Help I Need:
I know that these sentences are grammatically incorrect. I just can't tell you which grammar rule it relates to. I am thinking it relates to getting the past-tense incorrect, but I know there must be more to it than that! (See how badly I need grammar help folks, my poor students...so sorry)

The Twist:
The assignment requests the following:

• Explain why you think the error takes place.
• Explain in terms of grammar.
• Explain in terms of the MT (mother tongue, Korean language) and then explain it in terms of the English Grammar. This is the part that I need help with, mostly because I don't know Korean grammar.
• Point out the differences.

At least I have a set of sentences that I thought of on my own. That alone was pretty tricky.

In the meantime I will hit up google and see what I can come up with, and try to get myself on the grammar path.

If you know of an explanation I could start thinking of that would be great. Or of any websites that would be awesome, too.

THANKS!

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Tokyo the Movie

Cool~

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Through the Grapevine

There are times in life when ignorance is bliss. I had a moment like this on Wednesday when I had dinner with my new coteacher and old coteacher.

We went to Ashley's, which is a salad bar / steak kind of restaurant in my area. We were all speaking English due to that we all had the ability. The two of them got to talking about our Principal and how he isn't the most enlightened man. They told me a story about him from last year, that I wish I could live the rest of my life not knowing.

It turns out our Principal is a bit of naughty man. At a party last year with teachers and parents the Principal, after doing some drinking, managed to touch one of the parents' breast. Sexual Harassment!! The parent's were shocked. But they didn't come to get their apology till the next day, and he did apologize.

At lunch time the teacher's, who do not eat with the children, all meet for lunch in one room. As English teachers we meet with these people and the Principal. The Principal likes to talk during our lunch hour break. Of course I don't really know what he is talking about.

My coteachers tell me his stories aren't exactly ... clean. They involve sexual innuendo and such stuff. They said that during dinner parties with everyone and after he has drunken soju that these kinds of stories flow more.

So it is that I have to see this man at lunch and around the school, and try not to think of the guy he really is underneath his smile.

I am somewhat nervous knowing there is a guy like this at my workplace, especially because there are children.

But I don't see him doing anything over the edge, like that breast incident, again. However, I bet he hasn't learned to censor his words or stories. So it is the Korean teachers and colleagues who suffer most.

Ah well, I just want the guy to give me extra vacation days and uh, I guess not touch anyone.

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New Beginnings

Here for you finally is an update on what it has been like starting the new semester with my new co-teacher.

Amazing!

That is the word I will use to describe this transformation. Let me break down the experience so far.

First Day of the New Semester:
My new coteacher arrived and we said hello. We went to our desks and got set up for the day. She found out we needed to go to the opening ceremony and so we did.

Back at our classroom we started to chat and she offered me to have a seat. Her English was really good, with full sentences and a high level of comprehension.

Unfortunately, I was in a somber mood because I was so fearful of what this new semester was going to be like. So I didn't really know how to be or act. But I tried my best to be open and conversational with her.

We got to talking about ourselves and our experiences. It was going along well, except for when she asked me "Is there anything you want to know about me?" And I was stumped. I could tell I made my first-day mistake right there.

However, she immediately moved past that and we talked about other things.

She said that it was very important for her to create a warm relationship and that was her goal.

I felt the same way so I was really relieved to hear that.

We talked more but it was mostly general stuff. Had lunch and then worked on our planning and called it a day.

First Day of Classes:
On Tuesday we had our first set of classes. It was with grade 5.

Before everything got started we discussed what we would like to do.

• Do the normal checklist: how are you? Date? Weather?
• Practice giving a different answer to How are you? (usually the answer is "I'm fine thank you and you?")
• Coteacher introduced herself.
• Coteacher prompted students to close their eyes and visualize why they study English. Then they were assigned to write down their thoughts (in Korean).
• Coteacher taught them her method of quieting down (using a clap and respond method)
• Notebook assignment
• Goodbye

Let me just say that she is way-way far ahead of my old coteacher. Which brings me to some revelations I had.

Apparantly my ex-coteacher didn't really want to be the English teacher. Meaning she was a teacher here and then put into the role of English teacher. After realizing this, it all made a whole lot of sense to me why she seemed so dispondant sometimes.

The new coteacher engages the students in a friendly and cognitive way. Although, we haven't clearly defined who does what in the class she has been revealing my role more and more with each lesson. So far it is my job to do the introduction in the class and then she calls on me for certain parts during the lesson. A cooperative kind of deal.

Other Realizations:
My ex coteacher was given some kind of really complicated assignment for the English program here. She could have received help for it, but the Principal denied her the assistance. (I found this out through my new coteacher). So my ex-coteacher was really busy on that assignment.

I have concluded that because my ex-coteacher didn't really embrace her role as English Teacher that her and I had a somewhat surface relationship.

But I do praise my ex coteacher for getting through one year of a job she didn't want to do. All I could have asked for is that she had found me a better home back when I signed up for this job. Next time, when faced with a new contract, I will make sure my new home is something worth taking the job for.

Conclusion:
I am enthusiastic about this new semester and the following 8 months I have left on my contract. My new coteacher shows concern for my well being and has experience working with foreigners. Although, I will still err on the cautious side due to that she is Korean and there could be some office-gossip created if I get too friendly with her.

Here's to new beginnings!

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Insadong is for the Birds

After checking out the Samil Undong celebrations going on in Tapgol Park I headed across the street to Insadong. There I met up with my friend Cynthia and her two adorable sons. We also caught up with her friend Hannah who also has a son, but wasn't accompanying her today.

Insadong street was crowded on this day, seeing how it was a National holiday. But this area is typically crowded so there wasn't much shock in having to walk a slow pace down the street.

There are a lot of touristy shops in Insadong selling the usual stuff, but another shopping aspect of this area are the street vendors. Here you can find people selling hand made jewelry along with street treats.

If you look closely at this picture you can see that this vendor has pictures of herself showing that she was on a TV show. I am wondering now if her treats are especially unique?

As we made our way down the street we all mentioned how none of us have had lunch. So we immediately tried to locate a place to eat for 3 adults and 2 kids. We saw one place peeking out of an alley way that we decided to eat at. I don't recall the name but it was Korean cuisine.

The interior was warm and inviting, for there were natural wood elements.

I believe we ordered a bulgolgi (beef) set. After eating with 2 American gals who have been in Korea a long time and know their Korean dishes, I feel the need to start knowing the names of each item.

My companions had a place in mind that they wanted to revisit and so we were back on the street. But it wasn't long before they found the place they were looking for. Along the way we saw this bowl outside a restaurant with flowers floating atop the water. We found it to be a lovely site.
Apparently, where were headed was on old tea shop that had birds inside that fly around the place. So here for you is my review of the Old Tea Shop in Insadong.

옛잣짐 Old Tea Shop:
If you asked me how to get to this place I really couldn't tell you specifically. However, here is a picture with my friend's sons out front of the shop.

2F 2-2 Kwan Hun-Dong, Chong Ro-gu, Seoul 722-5019

There was a waterfall and pool display out front.

The shop is actually separated into two parts. The downstairs (ground level) tea shop does not have birds flying around, but still has that nostalgic feeling.

A little to the left of the bottom floor tea shop is a stairwell. Take this and it leads you to the part where the birds fly around.
Another unique interior is to be found. Antique furniture and knick-knacks lay about this place. Along with low-lit lamps and candles burning. The aroma was very pleasant and relaxing.

If you go here try to get a seat near the window. For this is where most of the birds hang out. Near our table was an old tree branch that the birds loved to perch on.

I'm not a bird expert but these looked like part of the finch family. Maybe something like this.

I suppose you can liken this place to the cat cafe in Japan that I stumbled upon. Comparing the two, I would have to say that the cat cafe was more interactive with the pets, while the Old Tea Shop the birds add more to the atmosphere of the experience.

At the tea shop traditional teas can be ordered along with tea snacks. We brought with us some Korean snacks so we were all set. I ordered a Cinnamon tea which was oh so warming and delightful.
It was great to get some girl talk done and watch the birds fly about us.

A painting that was hung on the wall.

As we were leaving one of the birds was being very ambitious and came to our area. It was apparent that he was heading towards our crumbs.


After tea we all went our separate ways and headed home. This must have been my 4th time in Insadong but it was still a delight. There seems to be so many hidden treasures in this one area, not to mention Samcheongdong, the space past Insadong.

On my walk back to the subway station I came upon this street stall selling squid snacks. I couldn't help but be tickled by the fuzzy pink squids hanging about the stall.

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Independence From Japan Celebrations at Insadong

Sunday, March 1st 2009, marked Korea's 90th Anniversary celebrating their Independence Day. Way back in 1919 a movement started where Korean nationalists made certain actions towards freeing Korea from the hands of the Japanese.

Koreans call it the Samil Undong.

was a well-planned independence movement against the Japanese. It was historically significant as it increased a spirit of national unity among Koreans, and showed the world that Koreans did not want to be ruled by Japan. The planners were representatives of various independence organizations (most of whom had some religious affiliation) who intended the movement to be peaceful. They made well-organized plans and arrangements. These included the writing of a Declaration of Independence and sending copies of it to participants throughout the country.

On this historic day I travelled to Insadong to meet some friends of mine. Little did I realize what I was walking into. My friend (Cynthia) mentioned that there will be celebrations going, but I didn't know it was going to be at the heightened level that I saw.

After exiting the station and making my way towards Insadong entrance I came first to the site of many old people gathered around the Tapgol Park. On a normal day this park is filled with old men who have nothing to do at their old age but hang about in the park.

However, on this day, the old men had a lot to do. I think this festival was not just significant for everyone, but more so for the elderly of the crowd.

Photo log of the Celebrations:

Near the entrance to Tapgol Park there were pictures posted of the historical day, and some with information about the history (in Korean).

People were gathered inside the park.

There was a stage with ongoing performances and ceremonies.

Hapkido performances.

Lanterns hung about the area.

There was one part where a parade of older women dressed in hanboks and Buddhist monks walked around the stage. They were carrying pictures with them. The images on the pictures were faces and the photos were in black and white. From this site I made the conclusion that they were carrying pictures of people who lead or helped in Korea's independence.

When they came to the stage there was a special table for them to place the pictures on top. Afterwards everyone lined up and took a bow. What these pictures fail to capture are the sounds heard at the festival. Silly me forgot to take a video clip! You could feel the nationalism in the air as nearly everyone had a Korean flag in their hand. In fact on these National Holiday days you can see hanging out the windows of the high rises Korean flags.

I have to admit I felt somewhat odd standing behind the crowd of viewers. I got a few questionable looks from some older men. But I smiled back trying to show I was no threat. All in all I would have to say that I felt fulfilled having this cultural experience.

I will write about the rest of my day with friends in my next post. ~ ;)

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Old Partner/ Movie Review

If English is really your only language here in Korea, even though you know some Korean, then when you want to go see a movie your choices are limited.

Thankfully the movie theater vendors have been showing western movies in English (with Korean subtitles) and some Korean movies with English subtitles.

But any expat will tell you that figuring out where and when a Korean movie with English subtitles is playing can be tricky.

The one resource I have found to help me has been the Korea4Expats website listing the movies this week in Seoul.

Through this site I was able to figure out what BK was talking about when he suggested the movie Old Partner.

I was excited to see this movie for several reasons. One it is a documentary and I love this genre of film. I often say to myself that Expats here in Korea need to make a raw documentary of their experiences so to spread awareness of what our lives are like here. Another reason was that it was a documentary featuring an aspect of Korea. So here for you is my review of the film.

Old Partner:
Korean title: 워낭소리 (Won-nang-so-ri)

The first South Korean film to compete at the Sundance Film Festivel, this documentary is about an elderly farmer Choi and his cow, which ages with him. Even though the old cow can't help him as before, the cow is still his best helper and best friend. One day, a doctor diagnoses the cow with cancer, and they only have one year left together.

It is a raw and vibrant movie about an old couple and their very old ox. They are farmers and farm in the traditional way (no pesticides and no machines). Relying on his old Ox to pull him around the farm, you see how the man and the beast are reliant on each other. The story captures your heart and tickles your funny bones. As his old wife makes complaint after complaint that the Ox is the cause for all her suffering.

What is best about this film is that you get an acute snapshot of Korean rural farming life. The sounds and sites that pass by during the seasons are engulfing. With the couple's 9 children living off in the city they are seen alone in their simple home battling the problems of old age.

All I have to say is that you have to get yourself out there and see this movie. It will give you a wide eyed look into the hardworking nature of the Korean farming people. Also you can see that these people have huge hearts. Sitting in the theater you could hear the Ahjummas gasping at certain scenes and at the end even hear some people sniffling.

Either way it is a refreshing sight to see amongst all the hollywood mish-mash that is at the theaters these days.

Therefore I highly recommend seeing, renting our buying this film.

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Thai Lunch and Fun

The weather is slowly warming up with temperatures now ranging between the 40's and 30's (F). What I notice most is the quality of the sunlight and the deeper blue of the sky. Knowing that it is just going to get warmer and warmer is pleasant.

Saturday BK and I swapped ideas of what we wanted to do. I suggested we go to a museum. But I called him later on to find he really wanted to go to the movies. We hadn't seen a movie together in a while so I agreed.

First, though, we needed to fill our empty tummies. So BK suggested that we meet in Itaewon. He asked me if I could find something delicious to eat. I went over to GalbiJim's website and came upon the choices for Itaewon. I knew there were a lot of restaurants there and different flavors to choose from. So I just picked a handful.

The one place we ended up at was a Thailand inspired restaurant called Buddha's Belly. The name alone got me interested and I have always enjoyed Thai food so I figured it was a good choice.
Getting to Buddha's Belly you get off at Itaewon station from line number 6 and then take exit 2. Walk up the hilly part near KFC and turn Left. It is up on the 2nd or 3rd floor (can't recall).

When we opened the door we were greeted with a lovely sunlight interior and aromatic scents. And of course the site of other diners, who were for the most part foreigners. It felt warm and welcoming. They sat us at one of their large comfy red-velvety booths.
The menu was pretty extensive and you can catch the lunch deals if you get there in time. We ordered spring rolls for an appetizer and main dishes for ourselves.

I had the Pad See Ew (I think that is the name), which was basically large flat noodles stir fried with vegetables (I didn't chose a meat). It was really good, but didn't have any spicy kick to it, which was okay. (Sometimes you want a break from the Korean spicy dishes.)
BK ordered a noodle dish as well (sorry forgot the name) with chicken. He enjoyed every bite of it.

Our dishes with a fresh mango smoothie.

We spent a relaxing time inside the restaurant. I enjoyed the sunlight and fresh air that came inside. After lunch we walked around Itaewon for a little bit and I showed BK the "What The Book" bookstore where we browsed the bookshelves for a little while.

Afterwards we were off to the iPark Mall in Yongsan where we were to catch our movie. (I am going to give a more detailed review of the movie we saw after this post.)

Waiting for a taxi I took this picture of Itaewon. The cool and sunny weather reminded me of San Francisco.

We made our way to the iPark mall and got our movie tickets. By the way, the movie was called "Old Partner". A Korean movie with English subtitles.

While we waited to take our seats inside the theater we went over to the arcade area and took a look around. Over there I found this Japanese video game where you hit fake drums to a beat, kind of like Dance Dance Revolution but with drum sticks.

We put in our 500 Won coin and I took a crack at it. Of course we started on the beginner level, but it was still a lot of fun. I cleared one level with okay marks and then I handed over the controls to BK. It was fun watching him sweat about certain beats that he had to get done fast.


In addition to the fun actions of the game just taking a look at the graphics can get one excited. The characters were crazy-cute and the beat tunes were funky too.
After the movie and after eating sushi for dinner we went to Red Mango for some yogurt ice cream with toppings. We sat at the window booth while talking and musing about our day and upcoming events. Somewhere in that time I took a cutesy Korean style picture of myself.
Well it was a good day and was made even better with the increasing spring weather.

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