On the Business of Being a Team Leader

It's been almost two months into my second year at my school, and I figured it is time to talk about being a Team Leader. This title makes me in charge of three other foreign Native English teachers in my department (2nd grade). It also means that I am in the intermediary between the English crew and the Korean homeroom teachers. When I was first given this duty I was stricken with fear that I couldn't do it, and would find myself stressed out too much. Today I am going to expose how being a Team Leader has developed for me and give insights into what's been happening so far.

Things started off kind of rough when on the first day back I was bombarded with level testing. I wasn't aware this had to be done so I was found scrambling for the test and spending my prep time giving it to the new students. But I handled it quite well and did my best to keep up with the day. During that first week I thought it was very important to make a good impression with the Korean staff, and so tried to talk with them, and one day gave them some chocolate I acquired from recent travels. But it seemed they were too busy and into their own worries to really pay attention to me or my English staff in general. I mostly just tried to go with the flow and so stayed out of their way.

Since then I have gotten use to being the person the Korean staff goes to when delivering important messages. Information includes schedule changes or nuances about vocabulary and tests. There are four Korean homeroom teachers and the make up is interesting. One of them is an older woman and doubles as the school's Vice Principal. So she doesn't really talk to me much, but I try my best to be nice and mild around her. The other homeroom teacher is the one to go to for paperwork and schedule changes, and mostly for English messages. However, she is going to have her first baby at the end of this month, so we won't see her again till next semester. Then there is the next homeroom teacher, a guy, who pretty much keeps to himself. I only go to him if one of the kids from his class is having trouble. That leaves us with the Head Teacher, a guy who is nice and communicates well with me. All major things pass through him, so I try to be nice and just do whatever he requests.

For example, today we had a new student and this morning as I was just setting up in my room, he informed me of her. I was to give her the level test. If this were me about 4 years ago when I first came to Korea, these last minute things and random invites would have me in a twirl. But I've gotten use to a lot of the Korean workplace nuances and so I'm nice about these things.

Otherwise, being Team Leader seems to mostly be about keeping up with everyone's paper work. Monthly planner, vocabulary and lesson plans are the major forms of paperwork I have to check and make sure are all right throughout the month. I have to make sure folks are keeping up with these things and occasionally ask them to hurry along.

As leader itself I am letting things grow at a good pace. I have had bi-weekly meetings with my staff to catch them up on current topics and agenda. It seems to make my team happy, as we also end up talking about the kids and our classes.

I have to say I find being team leader not as stressful as I thought it would be, but at times I hope I'm not slacking off too much. My concerns would be that I don't really talk to the Korean staff or get to the know them. This is something I am notorious for doing. I just figure if I'm being nice and doing what is being told, than I am on their good side anyways. Hmm, maybe time to rethink my strategy, haha.

In the end, I feel that my position at this school and the unique teaching environment that I am is a fortunate win on my side. So being Team Leader, so far, is treating me very well.

Hangang Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

In the nearly five years that I have lived in Korea, I have never once been to the infamous Yeoudio Flower Festival. Usually the reason I didn't go was that my ex's told me it was too crowded, parking was horrible and it's far away. Well since this year I have no man to tell me not to do things, I decided to head there anyways. Unfortunately, I wasn't blown away.

I got out of Yeoinaru station and saw some cherry blossom trees but nothing like I had seen in pictures. I thought what happens is you find yourself on a set path filled to the brim with blossoms. I think the first issue was that spring is still starting to happen here in Seoul. Maybe now that it has been 24 hrs later, the trees are more in bloom.

Also, what was kind of was disappointing was that the "blossom path" was right next to a busy street. Making enjoying the blooms frantic and laden with noise and pollution. So to the left of you was the traffic and to the right the lovely scenery of the Han River park. But even the park was barren of green grass and leaves on trees.

I tried my best to enjoy this festival and got into checking out the street food stalls. One of which included coconuts for sale, which I'm not sure if they opened them up for you.

There were blossoms to see though, and I made due with trying not to be a nuisance while stopping and taking photos.

If you really must head to Yeouido and enjoy this time of the year, I suggest bring some friends and a picnic. As there was plenty of room for that and lots of people watching to enjoy.

I enjoyed a light snack by myself than checked the map and realized that a familiar and fun spot was nearby. So I got up and headed towards such location, which I will show in my next post.

On my way to the station I found myself in front of Seoul's capitol building, The National Assembly. I realized this was the closest I had ever been to this iconic feature of Seoul, and that felt like quite an accomplishment.

Anyways, stay tuned for more flowering goodness!

Wandering Around Anam Area

There are places in Seoul that you end up at that you have never been before. The thing is, though, nearly every place in Seoul pretty much looks the same. Except for several key places like, Samcheongdong and Insadong, otherwise you can pretty much expect the same old...same old.

However, if you look closely you will notice unique places to go to in these typical neighborhoods. My friend heard of this "dog cafe" and so wanted to take her two little ones to it. The area was near Anam station, which is nearby Korea University. When we arrived at Latte King, after riding the bus with 2 little doggies, we were hoping for a fun cafe where the dogs could meet other ones and romp around.

Yet, that wasn't the case. When we walked into Latte King we first ordered some drinks and a snack. Then as we went upstairs to sit, we noticed there were no other dogs. Not only this, but the cafe didn't even look pet friendly.

I have yet to go to a dog cafe, but I have been to a cat cafe. And from my impression these places have toys and water bowls out for the animals. This place just looked like a regular cafe that you could happen to bring your pets to.

To say the least, my friend and her furry companions were quite disappointed.

The place sort of made up in their strawberry juice and cream-cheese bagel.

On my way I noticed that a sign on the door does welcome pets...as well as aliens. So I felt right at home...haha

Our goal was to take a look around the Korea University so we headed in the direction of the campus. On the way we noticed a Dos Tacos and an Indian restaurant, Otsal right in the same building. I think if I lived in this neighborhood this place would see a lot of my business.

We never did get to see the campus because we got lost and stuck around the dorm area. At one point we tried finding a trail in this meek forest, but only to be yelled at by an Ahjumma. It was fun and hilarious too.

Seeing the dorms and students wandering out of them, reminded me of my college days. Yet I wondered how these guys got to classes as we couldn't figure out the path into the campus. Otherwise at one point we had a nice view of the area.

We headed back the way we came and stopped at the cafe, "I'm Bean" which wouldn't allow us to sit inside with her dogs. So I enjoyed my milk tea outside in a warm spot around the corner.

Then we decided to head to Otsal for some Indian grub. I'm glad to see Indian restaurants still thriving in Seoul and not some trend that washed away. Their menu had a good selection and some sets to choose from. We went for the lentil curry and tikka masala along with some herb and garlic naan.

If you are in the area I would highly recommend dining here, but I do wish the staff were more friendly. They kind of mixed up the order there at some point.

Anyways, maybe someday I'll find my way to the Korea University campus and meander around there. Till then...

Monster Cupcakes: Noksapyeong

One can't help but feel a sense of duty to go and try out a new cupcake shop. Past Noksapyeong station and in the neighborhood nearby Standing Coffee, is the place Monster Cupcakes. I went and visited them recently and took home two scrumptious treats.

The place is cozy and with just enough room to order, take a look around and head out. Seating is available, although it's pretty tight.

Your choices range from the cute and whimsically decorated to standard flavors. I took home the "Apple Cinnamon" and "Lemon" to try. Also I feel the prices of the cupcakes were considerably reasonable, in comparison to other places.

The Apple Cinnamon was the better choice, as the topping tasted like it was made from cream cheese. The Lemon one tasted like it had buttercream for it's topping, making it way too sweet.

The defining point when it comes to cupcakes in Korea, is the cake. Most of the time Korean bakeries really don't get this right, where for example the cake ends up tasting too sweet and fluffy. However, Monster Cupcakes did a good job and their cake portion was thick and not too sweet with just the right amount of themed flavor.

If you are in the area I would highly recommend popping in and taking home a few delicious ones with you. The place is fairly easy to find and nearby some good eats, as well.

MAP LINK

Bonus picture of Tom:

Walk Through Itaewon

After having that incredible experience at the Leeum museum I decided to head towards Itaewon. But I went through some back streets to get there. Along the way were mostly residential houses, the more pricey ones. Here the houses are hidden behind thick gates and walls. Some of which are guarded by spikes.

The street I came out onto was the one with a favorite cupcake shop of mine. 

But no cupcakes for me, just yet, I was on the prowl for lunch. As I walked up the hill towards the main street of Itaewon I saw a Thai restaurant, but it was closed.

I'll be honest, I don't really like the main street of Itaewon. It's always crowded and there are times I don't really like the foreigner crowd I find myself sharing the sidewalk with. So usually when I have to go to Itaewon, I head to the side streets.

But this time it wasn't so bad and I had a good lunch at the Petra Palace. The falafel meal was scrumptious and very satisfying.

Even though my feelings of Itaewon are mixed, it is always fun to see what new restaurant has popped up in the neighborhood.