Similarity in History: US and Korea

I was mentioning at one point that my Korean students are very creative.  They had watched the movie Tangled based off of the German fairy tale known as Rapunzel.  In this movie you have a kidnapped princess who wants to visit the world outside her home (which is a tower) in order to better see the lanterns that always appear on her birthday.  She blackmails a thief into helping her.  They fall in love.  Her mother (who really isn't) steals her back.  He saves the day.  They go back to her real family and everyone lives happily ever after.

There are a series of characters in this Disney film that could get the students' attention.  Rapunzel is the obvious choice.  She is beautiful, kind, and has long magic hair that glows when she sings.  The thief, known as Flynn Ryder (but whose real name is Eugene), is also much loved for his caustic sense of humor.  Rapunzel's pet chameleon named Pascal really keeps the story going and is a cool, fun character.  Maximus, a palace horse and eternal nemesis of Eugene, is smart and brave in tracking down the thief but becomes a friend and helps save the day.  I figured some of my students would pick Mother Gothel, the evil lady who had kidnapped Rapunzel because she is pretty neat too.  Then there were some thugs who we all nicknamed: hook, cupid, mime, etc.  You can guess what their characteristics might be.

Some of my students really liked Eugene (the thief).  However, they spelled in their essay his name as Yu Jing or some other Korean version.  That amused me.  They took a European name and make it Korean.

My dearest twin had the amazing thought... America did that to immigrants.  A lot of people who moved to the states had their names changed "accidently" by customs.  We did it too.

Japan - But the Best End

So I woke up this morning and realized I had slept a wonderful and much needed 10 hours.  Enjoyed using the beauty products the hotel provided me with, then went downstairs to check out.  Check out was at 10am, so I have 3.5 hours to kill before I could go get my visa.  I pulled out the map I had picked up at the hotel and planned a route to food... the scenic route of course.  Got to see a shrine, temple, and two parks.  The first park was for walking dogs.  The second was for little kids.  Neither had benches, chairs, or tables.  So I kept going.  People watched for quite a while.  Walked in a shopping area where the street is closed to traffic and the top is covered with a roof.  Found a starbucks there... but didn't get any.

At the embassy, I found two white guys ahead of me.  Recognized one from the day before.  Typical.  Neither spoke to me.  Outside on my way in, I saw a middle aged couple.  I managed to catch the lady's eye and smile.  She returned the smile.  Finally, a foreigner acknowledged me.  *sigh*

Now that I was armed with my visa, I merrily made my way back to Namba Station... and got lost at the front door.  It is more than a station, it is a mall.  Lovely.  However there was a map and an area with the Nankai Line or something close enough to that... so I went in that direction.  Saw signed with an airplane and that name, kept going.  Right up to second floor where there were ticket machines.  After five minutes of panicking over how to use them and what I wanted, a light bulb blinked on and I quickly got my ticket and headed to the tracks.

Once there, I approached a lady and held my ticket out to her.  I wanted to confirm I was at the right tracks and this train went to Kansai airport.  She looked desperately at me and finally got out "changee" while making circles with her two hands.  I understood and knodded my thanks.  I was at the right tracks, however I didn't want this train, but the next one.  An English announcement of the next train confirmed that.

Never have I been so eager to get to an airport.  Nor looked forward to a plane ride so much.  If there wasn't an ocean between me and my school, I wouldn't have been so nervous.  Made it to the airport, got something to eat (McDonalds) but couldn't finish it.  Some things about travel never change.  I went to throw my trash away and was curious what to do.  One said paper.  One said plastic.  One was for liquids.  Where though did I put my left over sandwich?  A worker there pointed to paper.  Paper is was.

Went up to 4th floor, did a survey and got a free playing card with an anime screenshot on it, got my ticket to my airplane... found my gate.  Again there was a cute guy.  He watched me a lot.  I watched him alot... when I wasn't sleeping.  What is it with finding cute guys everywhere I go?  Anyrate, a foreigner couple sat nearby when it was almost time to board.  I was laying there and suddenly realized I was hearing English.  I looked over at them thinking they were Asian because the girl's English was like my Korean students... but both of them were white.  I went back to sleep.  Finally boarded.  Plane took off.  Watch Osaka disappear below me, and it was a pretty view with the lights at night.

Got to Gimhae airport in Busan and happily bought a bus ticket.  While waiting for the bus I called Teacher Oh so he would know what time to pick me up at the bus station.  Asked some of those really good looking airport police if I could take a picture... they apologized and said no.  Disappointed, and a bit embarrassed, I hid in a food court and ate ice cream.  My throat hurt so it felt good.  Slight sore throat still here after the weekend.  Sadly.

Got on the bus, made it to Dongdaegu.  However it wasn't the same building that I got on the bus at.  So I was lost and was worried how Teacher Oh was going to find me.  Poor guy was tired as it was driving me to these appointments and caring for his newborn son.  I decided to start walking until I recognized something, but saw a payphone first.  Great, I would call him... but then I saw him coming towards me.  So grateful.

I made up for not talking much the last two days by talking to him.  Probably helped keep him awake.

I have three sets of Japanese coins... and more random coins but they aren't in sets.  The 50 coin was the rarest for me to get.  It has a hole!

I must have been biting my mouth in my sleep from the stress of this trip because it has a hole in the cheek that leeks clear, weird tasting liquid.  Looks like a sore sorta.  Hoping salt water swished around helps.  Or just cool juice.  Whatever helps it heal quickly!

Japan was expensive.  Compared to the USA, moderately so.  Compared to Korea, very much so.  I didn't do much shopping, but enjoyed seeing things and taking a few pics.  Though I didn't take much pictures because I didn't want to offend anyone.  *sigh*  It was a good experience and helped prove to myself that between Jesus and I, things will be okay.  He directs and takes care of me, and I soak up everything I can.

First Day - Japan

Okay, so right off the bat I am just going to say... I don't handle airports and planes very well.  At all.  That said you can imagine I had no appetite before I got to Busan and was feeling rather nauseous from the moment I went inside the airport to the moment I finally landed.  With that horrible bit of info out of the way, let's discuss me going to Japan!

Teacher Oh picked me up at 5am and took me to the bus station.  I got a nice bus ride straight to Gimhae.  That is how I suggest getting to and from airports.  Anyrate, then I went inside and got my ticket.  The security guards are young men in black walking in teams of two... and looking so incredible.  Oh man.

Then I went through security.  Their security is a bit lax.  You don't have to take off your shoes and pull out your liquids.  They just want your laptop out.  That is all.  That was easy.  Got some breakfast, of which I could only eat half.  Then I changed my 500,000 won for about 30000 yen.  Okay that sucked.  Finally it was time to get on the plane.  Went through the gate, down some stairs, onto a bus, walked to the plane and climbed on.  Did I mention I wasn't feeling so good by this point?  Anyrate I got some pics of Japan as we went over.

Then we landed.  I gladly got off that plane... after making some insane eye contact with a pair of intense eyes.  Why am I do attracted to all these men?  At least it wasn't one way.  Thankfully lost him in the crowd.  Well, I let him go on ahead.  Found my way on a tram to the main building where I walked through quarantine, inspection, and finally immigration.  Once through all that, I happily made my way out to the train platform.  I pulled out a map, pointed at Namba Station, and asked what to do.  Everyone was really helpful. Not in the nice and smiley way that Koreans are.  More professional and formal.  I went where they pointed and sat down on a train.  Stayed on that for like 50 minutes until I got to Namba Station.

I was armed with my map and headed eagerly outside.  Half a block later I was lost.  So I asked some traffic person for help.  He scratched his head and muttered train station... then called some fellow who knew a few more English words to help me.  I didn't understand his Japanese, but I did make out some of the pidgin English... so I got to walking and finally found my hotel.  Checked in and then headed to the Korean Embassy.

That was quite the experience.  I saw a lot of stuff and made mental notes to get pics on the way back or stop by to shop for food tomorrow.  Used 2/3rds of my yen already on transportation, hotel, visa... *sigh*.  At least McDonalds is cheap.  Sorta.  Compared to everything else, yes.  Compared to America, no.

Got to the embassy, went inside.  Allowed my complete exhaustion to show in my face as I asked "What now?"  Did I mention I didn't sleep well all weekend?  Particularly the night before I flew?  I was tired.  Like I would start to zone out and have crazy dreams that made no sense, only to jerk awake.  Anyrate, a lot of paperwork and even more time spent sitting... I finally get the visa stuff stored away.  No interview though.  That is kinda weird.  I can pick my visa up at 1:30 tomorrow.

So on the way back I pulled out my camera and started snapping pictures.  Found McDonalds and got a late lunch... well, I hadn't been eating so half then and the other half later for supper.  Then I made my way back to the hotel.  I was almost 3pm and check-in wasn't until 4pm... so I chilled and read a book.  Then the lady at the desk brought my key (which turns on the lights as well as unlocks my door), and a basket full of beauty products.  I picked up one of everything.  It was nice.

Then my vacation started.  I have a normal bathroom.  A bit small... like a camper.  However it has a tub and shower... so I took a bath.  And then a little later I took another.  And I used a face mask and pampered myself.  I enjoyed sitting back and reading.  I plan to sleep well tonight.  They provide slippers, coffee, all toiletry items anyone could need, pajamas, a pants press, New Testement, Buddha book... TV that is all in Japanese... At least the heating is the same as in Korea :)  Figured that out easily enough.  It is a lot warmer here though.  I am grateful for that.  It would suck though if there was a tsunami right now... I am pretty sure I am only a foot above sea level.  Your either on a mountain or you are not.  Most are not.

Anyrate, I am sure there was a lot more I was going to say.  However the outlets are not like American outlets or Korean outlets so I have limited battery.  And I want to post some pics on facebook yet tonight.  So I am going to go.

Tomorrow's plan is check out by 10am.  Walk around and eat until 1:30.  Get my visa.  Get to the train station.  Get to the airport.  Wait for plane... go back to Korea... at like 8pm at night.  Call Teacher Oh and let him know when my bus leaves.  Get on bus and have him pick me up in Daegu probably around 10pm.  Get back home around 10:45 or 11?  Maybe?  Then get up early and teach?

Actually I want to thank Teacher Oh right now and right here.  He is getting only a few hours of sleep transporting me all over... getting home late, leaving early... and dealing with a newborn kid.  So he is in worse shape than me.  I pray he didn't fall asleep at the wheel this morning after dropping me off.

Now I am saying bye.  God bless!

Japan - Not the Best Start

I made a reservation at a hotel where I will be staying tomorrow night.  I made the reservation through a service that said you could pay for your stay there.  In cash if you prefer.  So trustingly I made the reservation.  They charged my bank account.  It is expensive to stay in Japan.  I want the school to pay for it.  So having it come out of my bank account seriously was not a good idea.  Hoping when I get to the hotel tomorrow with cash in hand, that they will put the money they took back in my account.  Japan isn't starting out with a good rep.  They need to work on their PR a lot.

Korean/American words

So you know how I am over here and should be learning some of the Korean language.  And that is a good idea, I'm not saying it isn't.  I just want to show how different a lot of things are.  Americans call South Koreans, well, Koreans.  And we call their language Korean.  We do this in fact for many cultures.

However, they are not actually Koreans... and their language isn't Korean.  South Koreans call themselves Hanguk-in.  And their written language is Hangul.  Their traditional clothes are called Hanbok.  Notice that these all start with "Han."  If you are from North Korea then it is entirely different.

South Koreans call Americans by a completely different name.  Our country and citizenship doesn't sound even close to what they call us.  I don't remember what the names are, and I apologize for that.  Just thought it was interesting.

Date

The other day Teacher Oh took me into Jain to get pictures for my visa.  On our way back, he was explaining a lot of what we would have to do once I had my visa.  Set up bank account, go get a physical at the hospital.  He then said we would be going on another date.  I looked at him in surprise, so he expanded, "When guy and girl go somewhere together, it is called a date."  He meant the best, and I couldn't help it.  I giggled.  It was funny!

And for those romantic relatives and friends of mine... don't matchmake us.  He is married with a newborn son ;)

Soy Sauce

Linda was eating chicken the other day with the freshmen boys.  I was with the freshmen girls.  She was explaining to them how she couldn't remember the Korean word for soy sauce.  She liked to be able to ask specifically for the soy sauce chicken.  The boys explained that it wasn't just soy sauce, but soy sauce was the base.  (Hint for Mindy the next time she attempts to make chicken.)

They went further and explained it wasn't good for you to eat just soy sauce.  That if you ate just soy sauce, it would turn you into a girl.  Linda thinks she now knows why Kim Hyun Joong is so cute... he eats a lot of soy sauce.  ^_^

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I taught my co-teaching kids about Thanksgiving.  It was a lot of fun.  Once I was out of classes for the day, I ran off to my apartment to finish preparing food.  I made chicken!  I decided to call it Zesty Basil Chicken, and was a bit afraid there was a wee too much basil.  Turns out the basil was the least of my problems.  It had way too much lemon juice saturated throughout all the pieces of chicken.  Next time I am using soy sauce as my base!  Not doing that again.  Teacher Linda loved it though :)

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.  Amalie and Emma were amused by the amount of food we had.  They also got to try new foods they had never had before.  We had mashed potatoes and yummy gravy, green beans, cornbread dressing (thank you Linda), vegi ham topped with pineapple and raisins, dinner rolls, and so much more.  Of course there was pumpkin pie.  Can't enjoy a meal without it.

Pumpkin pie is very sweet to Koreans.  Amalie ate the pumpkin filling with bits of her dinner rolls.  It shows how much difference there is between our cultures and it was great to talk about it.  We had a lot of fun hanging out and just talking.

Scandalized

So I think I seriously surprised Amalie today.  Koreans are very particular about footwear and what to where when.  I was at Teacher Linda's apartment next door.  I just needed to run over to mine and grab one more fork.  So I didn't bother to put on my shoes, I went in my socks.  That is faster... and I grew up in Kansas.  Come on.  We do things without a lot of extra ceremony.  Koreans love their ceremony.  The look on Amalie's face when I went out that door was hilarious.

Reservation

It was worked out so that I would be heading to Japan really early Monday morning.  I like to have a plan.  I want all my bases covered.  If I have someone to help me, then usually we get it straight how I do what and when.  For instance, on Monday I climb into Teacher Oh's car at 5am.  We go to the bus station where I have a ticket.  I climb on the bus and sit in seat 16.  I stay on the bus until it arrives at Busan.  I climb out and walk into the airport, check-in, and fly to Osaka.

Then I have to plan.  I need all my bases covered.  If there is no one to help me, I have back up plans B, C, D, E, and a variety of spin offs of those plans.  They are interchangeable.  For instance, once I am in Osaka I can take a cab, bus, train to the Korean embassy, a hotel, Nanba Station... where I then walk to any of the before mentioned places.  I should eat during this time, so I am researching convenient stores, nearby restaurants, and McDonalds.  I know the three closest McDonalds to the embassy.

However, even on this I had help.  Teacher Michael suggested the train from the airport to Nanba.  It is the cheapest and I stay on all the way there.  He sent me a website where I could book a reservation at a hotel for free.  This way I can pay in cash when I get there.  I actually made my a reservation at a hotel in a foreign country.  How cool is that!

I of course will be printing off maps and making sure I always have a place to be.  I can't check in at the hotel until 4pm, so will have time to spend walking around looking at shops and being baffled over a new language and customs.  It will be fun.  I have a plan... with a back up plan :)  And a good reservation :D

Translation - because it amuses me

Please note that

Failure in the press room (interior cleaning and parts replacement)
Rubbish that should not be used for a while

Available as early as Monday through Friday if we are late
Please note that

This is what I got out of it...

There is broken stuff in the press room that should not be used until fixed.  They will be fixed next week.

how did you do?

Thanksgiving Plans

About a week or two ago.  Teacher Linda and I began planning our Thanksgiving meal.  We talked about what to do and who should come.  We decided to have us three English teachers and our Korean assistants be the ones there.  We planned what to make and what we needed to buy.  The top most thing being a turkey.

In order to even find half of what was on our list, we would have to go to Costco.  Some of the items we would have to make ourselves... like dressing.  Turkey is hard to find here, unless you go to a western-like store.  That would be Costco.  There are no buses, trains, or subways that go close to Costco, so we are reliant on Teacher Oh.

I asked Teacher Oh if he would take us.  I got out a calender, showed when Thanksgiving was, and said we needed to go to Costco by that date.  I explained we really wanted a Turkey, and a few other things.  So he arranged between classes last Friday for us to go.  We had fun picking out stuff for the Christmas party and hunting for our Turkey.  And man did we hunt.  We found a turkey but it was like $80.  We wondered if that wasn't just a bit expensive and decided not to get it.  We found turkey breast and almost bought that... but decided it was okay.  We wouldn't get it.  We did get our pumpkin pie, dinner rolls, and a few other things and told Teacher Oh we were really excited for Thanksgiving.

Monday night I went to E Mart to pick up fixings for a salad and to make my own dressing.  I will have to bake some cubed bread for the dressing.  I also plan to make mashed potatoes and gravy.  We are all really excited to have an American styled Thanksgiving meal.

Today I got a message from Teacher Oh saying I shouldn't make plans for dinner on Nov. 24.  Tomorrow.  I asked if that was lunch or supper... because different people refer to it for different meals.  He said supper.  He would tell me when and where later.  I sat there surprised.  What about our plans?  I talked to Teacher Linda.  She told him we had plans.  He asked if those plans were with the other foreign teachers (Michael and me).  She said yes, they were made over a week ago.  "Remember the turkey hunt?"  He said next time we should make an appointment.

Communication isn't the best attribute at this school.  It appears we might have to move our own plans to Friday.  Not sure how this is going to work.  I'm trying to shrug it off.  But it is harder for the other two and I understand why.  Just wish that there was better communication.  Though I have to admit, they gave us better warning that they did last time.

Translation for Today

I have a translation for you.  Just got this and thought it would be fun for you to try to figure out what they are saying.  ^_^

Already in the middle of this week, realize faster time halsuitneungeotdivorced are today operating on my middle school classroom curriculuminspection team will visit our school at 2:00 pm is a major feat for greetingsto the guests so that led us your lunch hour Subject to the trash will not make the map and ask your instructor to be good at classroom management. Iwish you a good day to ask: ^ * ^

To me this means:

We are already halfway through the week.  Time sure flies.  There will be guests visiting the middle school to inspect how classrooms are set up and run around 2pm.  This is a really big deal and we want them to feel welcome here.  So at lunch, help make sure that there is no trash laying around.  Help keep our campus clean.  Get the kids to help too.  Have a good day!

Is that what you got?

Planning Japan

So today has been really busy.  With the ES Visa information collected and approved by the Korean government, I am now ready for the next phase of my life here.  Getting the V2 Visa.  This requires going to Japan.  How long can that take right?

Long enough surprisingly.  Originally I would leave Sunday morning and come back Monday night.  However, upon learning that you can't get the visa the same day you apply, that had to change.  The Korean embassy isn't open on weekends you see.  So I will be leaving here at 5am to get to a bus station in Daegu.  I will ride to Buson and take a plane to Osaka, Japan.  I will go straight to the embassy and apply for the visa.  Then I can go find a hotel and crash or walk around.  I want to sleep well that night, so more likely will walk around or something.  Japan is super expensive so I won't be able to do much.

Then Monday I can hopefully get the interview out of the way, get my visa, and get back to the airport.  Catch my plane back to Buson.  Call Teacher Oh and let him know when my bus leaves.  Climb on and get home in time to go to sleep.  That is the plan.  What actually happens... better be according to plan ;)

Korean Version of Western Food

I bought a lovely case of macaroni just over a week ago at Costco.  Not doing that again.  I made some today.  A late supper for all intents and purposes.  I have to say, the noodle texture was rubbery and the taste... undiscribeable.  So now I get to go find a Korean who might want it.  I highly doubt any foreigners would.

This lead to some other disappointing experiences I have had since I came here.  Their speghetti is sweet.  Their garlic bread is sweet.  The dill pickles are sweet.  The mild ramen is not so mild.  The pizza has corn on it.  Their idea of western foods is not very western tasting.  Thankfully there are still some things that do come from good 'ole America.  Prego sauce being one of them :D

Week of Prayer

This week has been Week of Prayer.  This means chapel everyday instead of just Tuesdays.  Chapel is hard just like church because everything is in Korean.  Our translators are only students.  They get tired, confused, frustrated, and anxious while trying to listen to him, translate, and then tell us.  Understandable.

So to have chapel everyday was taxing on them.  However, it was surprisingly a blessing too.  The stories the speaker had were good, for what parts we understood.  He had been a missionary in several places including Japan.  Turns out that he shocked the students with pictures of bathrooms in Japan.  The bathrooms had a bathtub in them.  The students had never seen the like.  Now I know what to take pictures of back home ;)

Today was our last day with the speaker.  Before Sabbath School, he came to the back row where we were sitting and asked us if we could understand his talks.  We explained that the students translated for us.  He asked if we liked them, and we said yes.  He knows English because he is a graduate of this school and was a missionary in the Philippians.  Nice guy.

Also learned that Koreans can't hear a difference between i and e.  So keys and kiss sound the same to them.  Yikes.

Korea and foreigners with motion sickness?

So something of interest.  The few foreigners I have talked to have found that things that used to not bother them do here.  Buses cause one friend not to feel so good while traveling now.  Another can't ride in the back seat or read a book in a car anymore.  Me, I've not been able to read a book or be super crowded with packed stuff around me... but here takes it to a new level.  I have to use all my focusing techniques I learned from past experiences to avoid getting sick, and even then I don't feel so good afterwards.  It is another phenomena of Korea I suppose.  Only trains seem to not have that affect that I can tell.

Fudgy the Bear

Okay so, I bought a big stuffed bear.  Just thought I would say so right off the bat.  Now the story.

We went to Costco today to do some Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping before they ran out of stuff.  While we were there, we came across these huge big teddy bears.  These guys are as tall and taller than most Korean. I'm about half a foot to a foot taller, but definitely not bigger around than it.  You know I have a weak spot in my heart for these guys.  And they were surprisingly cheap.  I fell in love.  And you guessed, bought one.  They had light brown and dark brown.  I went with the dark brown this time and Teacher Oh asked what I would name it.  I suggested brownie.  Teacher Linda pointed out that it was a fudge brownie because it is so dark.  She then said she nicknamed it Fudgy.  So Fudgy it is!  I bet if I took that guy on a plane, they would charge an extra ticket!  So he is probably staying here when the day comes where I return to the US.  But that is at least a year away.  For now I am super happy to have him!

Get Out

I'm trying to figure out ways to be more active and get out more often.  Not doing a very good job at it.  However I am making a good basis from which to have more choices.  On facebook, a friend got me invited to a group that gets together every now and then.  Found another one that also does stuff.  All of them are based out of Daegu.  There is one that is hosting a Christmas Party overnight at facilities they have rented on Palgon Mountain.  It is the 24th and 25th of December.  They offer a variety of things for that trip: bonfire, paintball, all you can eat and drink, hiking, visit nearby temples, karaoke, etc.

I think that would be a fun way to spend some of my time.  Hoping though to get a friend or two to come with me.  From what I hear, it is safe enough but I'm still a bit on the shy side.  Making new friends isn't my specialty.  I'll have my next paycheck by then and have gotten money transferred to the states to take care of bills and such.

I'm also thinking about that time to ask Emma or Amalie or another Korean if they would accompany me to a jimjilbang.  I really want to go to one but want someone to show me the ropes my first time there.  It is basically a sauna type of place with different hot tubs, massage areas, sleeping areas, refreshments, and of course a variety of types of saunas.  I think that would be a great place to relax and they are super cheap places compared to anything you would find in the states.  Like $5-$8.

Waiting to see what else pops up for the end of December as the time gets closer.  One thing I am definitely doing is a gift bag for orphans.  You can't spend more than 20,000 won ($20), but you fill a bag they give you with toys and such for a child.  They give each person who comes a profile of a child: name, age, and gender. Then you go buy gifts for them.  I've been blessed so many times in my life.  I can do this small thing for another.

Visitors

Today after lunch, my sophomore literature class started.  They took the meaning test.  It is not one I can really give or grade since they write the meanings of English words in Korean.  So my Korean assistant Amalie is in charge of it.  After that, I gave the kids a few minutes to study.  I would from group to group double-checking and answering their questions.  Then we started our test over the last story we did.  Once that was done, I collected them and gave the students free time.  They have worked hard over the last few weeks and not had much of a break.  Two groups each started the famous game of Monopoly Deal.

I sat at a table and graded the tests.  As I did, students stood around me asking why some questions were right and some wrong.  They all did well and I am proud of them.  After that I was talking with some of them when one girl asked where I had gone to university.  I explained the difference between a university and a college, then drew a map of the US and showed her Texas... Oklahoma... Kansas... and then Nebraska.  Then I pointed out where I lived and where I had gone to college.

As we were talking, long awaited friends arrived.  Lon Gruesbeck is the amazing guy who recruited me for this job.  He brought friends with him whom I was so glad to see.  He introduced me to the Washington Conference President... my ears weren't working.... what?  President!?  The president looked at me and smiled, "Just call me John."  Whew.  I can handle John.  Talked to them all for a few minutes, then rushed to get the materials I would need for my next class - Sophomore Culture.

Background Check

My background check finally arrived in the mail!  So happy about that.  It took the FBI 9 weeks to send a piece of paper saying I have never been arrested.  I know they are super busy with thousands of background checks coming in everyday, but I wish it had come more quickly.  At least it is finally here though.

Today I went to Jain to get official pictures for getting a visa taken.  They come in sets of 10.  I ordered one set, so that two of the pictures can go to the school.  The other 8 are mine.  Impromptu as going to town last minute was, I wasn't prepared for pictures.  However I can proudly claim that I had straightened my hair the night before in order to look nice today.  Not that it did much good.  The straighteners here are not as hot.  The air is evidently more humid as the peninsula is surrounded by ocean on three sides.  So my straight hair gained a slight wave.

Tomorrow Teacher Oh is taking all my paperwork into Daegu to start the process for the visa.  As soon as they get that done (optimistically 7 days... worse 4 weeks) I head to Japan.  Hopefully it will be before the second week of December.  Then I have to leave the country for a night or two.  This is progress though and I am excited.

Milk

In Korea, dairy products beyond eggs are rare and expensive.  It is just not a part of their diet.  This is reflected in what the cafeteria serves.  We don't have milk or cheese often.  Since I am sensitive to milk, cheese, and ice cream and must monitor how much of this I eat to avoid getting sick, this wasn't a problem.

However, I am finding on the rare occasions that I do drink milk, that I don't care for it much anymore.  It tastes okay, I suppose.  But smells absolutely rotten.  I have to taste test all milk now to know if it is good or not because my sense of smell betrays me.

I still love cheese with my pasta, but I am using a lot less than I have in the past.  I want the extra flavor it gives, but it is easier and easier to moderate how much.

My weakness is still ice cream.  I decided I best not even stock it in my freezer.  It is gone too quickly for me to be happy because I know it will show up on my waistline.

I don't mind these changes.  I hope that I am a better person for it.

Care Package

So my mom sent me a really big box.  This time students didn't even attempt to bring it to me, I had to go get it.  It was worth every single step up the stairs.  Once safely in my office, I opened it up carefully savoring the joy and suspence.  The first thing I found was a book I didn't know she could get so quickly, "Humble Hero" an adaptation of the Desire of Ages in today's language.  I really wanted my own copy, and now I have it!

Then came stockings with their Christmas surprises!  Oh the joy!  I love Christmas so much and the colors of these stockers were the richest and more gorgeous of colors.  By this time I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to continue.  Did I really carrying this upstairs?

I came across favorite candies and chocolates.  I discovered why it weighed so much, blessed Linkettes were included.  Though I forgot to mention it, there was even McKay's chicken styled seasoning!  Now cooking will be so much easier!!

And the Christmas lights.  There are boxes and boxes of gorgeous Christmas lights, a must for the holiday season.  Granted, I'll need to go find a power converter and a plug adapter for them, but the joy when they light up my place!

I enjoyed reading the cards that they sent to me.  Full of warm wishes and love.  It was enjoyable to hear from them and the encouragement that flew through the miles straight to my heart.  And then hiding inside of a box were my Swedish clogs.  Since I am wearing a lot of red  today, I am seriously tempted to change from my shoes to the clogs.

It was a very pleasant surprise, though when I saw how much it cost to mail, I was in bit of a shock.  Yes, I'm celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year early, and I don't mind one bit.

Never Be Lied to Again

I'm reading a book I borrowed about how to tell if someone is lying to you.  I am rather naive and gullible, so I felt it would be to my benefit to learn some of the signs of a liar.  This book explains what to look for and why.  It is pretty neat.  There is a lot of detail.  I thought it would be fun to put some of the summaries that are throughout the book here.

Summaries:

1.  If you are being accused of something, check how much the accuser is attacking you.  It is probably a projection of how they see themselves.

2.  If a person is telling the truth, he will be more focused on if you understood him instead of how he appears to you.

3.  Third party views are likely to be absent from a liar's point of view.

4.  In relating a story, the liar will leave out the negative aspects unless that is the main point or explanation for something.

5.  Liars answer your questions, but asks none of their own.

6.  Watch out for reactions that are not in proportion with the question.

7.  Statements will sound similar to how a question would sound.

8.  He will repeat your words back to you to make his point.

9.  If you ask him something, he answers, but you don't give a verbal understanding, then he will keep going and going until you do.

10.  He will depersonalize his answer when he gives his belief or opinion on something instead of giving a direct answer.

11.  Implies an answer but never states it.

12.  Moves away from his accuser, usually towards an exit.

13.  Shift head or body away.

14.  Place objects between himself and the person accusing him.

15.  Timing off between gestures.

16.  Timing and duration of emotional gestures will seem off.

This isn't even a third of the what the book has to offer.  It is indepth and amazing.  Hopefully the knowledge will help me be a better person.  Why place it here?  Because I want to share it!

Happy Pepero Day!

Today is Pepero Day.  Not just Pepero Day, but Millennium Pepero Day.  Pepero Day is on November 11.  Due to this year being 2011, the date for Pepero Day is 11-11-11.  The Koreans are celebrating with extra enthusiasm for it.  They have momento bags, balloons, and who knows what else.

What is Pepero Day you ask?  I will tell you.  Pepero Day is very much like Valentines Day.  Young people and couples give each other Pepero.

What is Pepero you ask?  I will tell you.  Pepero is a candy.  It is a thin, tall pretzel-like stick covered usually in chocolate.  There are many variations than before as now there are peanuts and chocolate, almonds and chocolate, and even sticks filled with chocolate.  It is a pretty big deal.

I don't think there is even any classes today.  The students are running wild throughout the building.  I have already bought a big box filled with 40 smaller boxes of Pepero.  I labeled names of my sophomore literature students on some of them to be given to them.  I don't have to worry about the other ones though I have extra boxes in case students should ask.  If they come and ask, I have to give.  Well, don't have to.  It is nice to though :)

I have already received several.

I have already given several.

The most momentous was when Teacher Michael and I each went to the teachers' room to give Vice Principle Kim a box of Pepero.  It surprised everyone as they had not expected that of us.  They were all laughing softly.  It made him smile.

Then we got the nerve to knock on Principle Jun's office door and we gave him a box each of Pepero too.  We made sure we gave with both hands and bowed.  He returned the courtesy by shaking our hands.  I should have worn slip on shoes.  I bought some.  I just didn't think ahead of time and put them on.  You take your shoes off in his office :)

It has been an exciting day so far.  Waiting to see what happens over the rest of the morning and afternoon.

Nick Name

My sophomore conversation class is a very interesting class.  Most days I want to yank my hair out, yank theirs out, and the roots too.  However, every now and then they surprise me.  A kind note or something sweet.

Today was no exception.  Actually today went well all things considering.  However an added twist to it made it most humorous.

In Korea, evidently calling someone by their first name is considered bad manners and poor taste if not downright rude.  The Korean students have English names and I learned why we can call them by those names and be okay.  Those are nicknames.

The students added the element today that in Korea (supposedly) you call people by a nickname.  It is better that way.  The boys had given me a nickname.  I was no longer Teacher Mindy.  One in particular told me to not be offended.  It was okay here.  I was now Teacher Minda.

To help you understand the humor, the other English teacher's name is Teacher Linda.  I asked about her.  What would her nickname be.  They responded promptly with Teacher Lindy.  They switched the vowels of our last names.  (Yes, sometimes "y" is a vowel.)  She and I bursted up laughing.

NOTE:  I have permission from both the other teachers here to use their real names in this blog.  I do my best to protect the identity of those who are not writing this, but sometimes things spill ;)

Care Package

So my wonderful and amazing twin brother sent me a box with much wanted book as well as things from our childhood.

I was walking back to the school building when some students yelled, "Teacher Mindy!  Teacher Mindy!"  They had a box... ooooh I ran and gladly took it from them and all but ran to the office of a friend.  I was kneeling on her floor carefully using a pair of scissors to open the box.  Then I started to pull stuff out.  When I got to the Christmas stocking, I lost it.

In order to hide my face I bent over and let my long hair surround me.  When I could decently control my features, I sat up and explored memories my twin and I have made together over the years.  Christmas ornaments, zoid toys, and even toe socks.

Precious notes and letters were also included.  I decided if I was having trouble not crying over items then I better wait until later to read the letters.  It really made my day.  I had no idea a few items would impact me like that.  I had convinced myself I was superhuman in the emotion department and able to be stoic in anything.  Nope.

When you are far away from loved ones, it will have an affect on you.  You may not notice it in the same ways as others, but the changes are there.  Keeping in touch is important.

Maintenance

Woke up this morning, took a shower, and was chilling until breakfast when I heard a pop sound from my bathroom.  Thinking, "What now," I opened the bathroom door and looked inside.  Without my glasses, I couldn't see anything.  However I could hear a spraying sound.

Turns out a pipe like thing under my sink for the hot water had a hole in it somehow and was spraying everywhere.  I sent a quick email and a friend came over and turned a valve that turned off the water.  She told me that help would fix it later.  Uh... I immediately began cleaning my little place so it wasn't a disaster zone.

I'm currently sitting in my apartment on my bed feeling very much awkward while two guys work on it.  They wanted me here while they were in my apartment.  I rather not be.  Stranger shyness problems.  Anyrate, they are good natured and it appears it is almost fixed.  Glad about that since it means my sink/shower will be working again :)

Korean Driving

I noticed something since I have gotten here.  I have never seen a car wreck or road accident.  In America there are always accidents or what have you.  Here, the drivers have to be so much more aware and skilled that there are just less wrecks.  Kinda nice :)

Cow Joke

What is cow skin used most often for?

........................

Why to cover the cow!

Costco Trip

Today we finally went to Costco.  I've been paid so I was eager to go see what I could add to my apartment.  Particularly in the area of food.

A friend and I got a ride to Jain where we hopped a bus to the train station.  Missed the train by two minutes because the bus had been late by 10 minutes.  So we hung out until the next train came by... 45 minutes later.  Hopped on and arrived 9 minutes later where we could more cheaply get a taxi to take us to Costco.

We ran into two Korean who knew English well.  The older one talked to her while the younger one talked to me.  She asked if we were mother and daughter... no, just English teachers.  She was curious if I was from Hawaii (thanks to the Mauna Kea shirt I was wearing) but no, I am from Kansas.  It was nice to talk to them and we parted happy.  Turns out they are Jehovah's witnesses.

At Costco we start walking around.  You know those stuffed animals that can unfold into pillows?  They had those there... supersized!  I wanted to get one so bad.  Good thing I didn't, no room in the car of the person who picked us up.

Anyrate, got to the level where the food is at and started walking around.  I was in heaven.  Normal looking stuff!  Then after a few minutes I exclaimed, "Wait!  I can read everything!  Well, everything but that."  There are some Korean stuff there.  Mostly though, ENGLISH!!!

Some of the things they had were the same brands and completely American.  I got mashed potatoes though, and we are worried it is the Korean version.  They like mayo in their potatoes.  Also got my beloved Dr. Pepper.  The ride back was less than smooth so I won't be opening any of the cans until tomorrow, which is a good thing since it is nearing bedtime.

Overall it was a great trip.  Like the Costco back in the states, they lived up to their reputation in the food court.  Same pizza (trust me, that is hard to pull off over here), same berry drinks, and sadly same about of oil floating on top ;)

We are happily back and tucked in.  I have put everything away to some degree.  My apartment doesn't have much in the way of shelves so I have a lot of it stacked on the table.  You will find most Korean dwellings the same size as mine so now big.  Did I mention I got Dr. Pepper?

Memos

At school,  a lot of the memos that come through make little sense when translated via google translator.  However I am getting better at figuring out the general meaning of them.  Here is one of the easier translations and what I got out of it.

Jinryang for church planting sesame oil is a high school on the table.
Price is $ 18,000. Be prepared for the construction of the churchtogether, so the mind would be appreciated. Sam proceeds tosupport the Kim


My translation of this is:  The high school students are selling sesame oil for $18,000 won in order to help support the building of a church.

Art and Love

The students here are so incredibly sweet.  After my last class today, a few of us started doodling on the white board.  They said my eyes looked silly and demonstrated the difference between Korean and American eyes.  I laughed and adjusted mine to better meet the standards they felt were important.

It was a lot of fun.

Suddenly they realized they were late for their next class and hurried to put away books and get out the door.  Two students stopped and called out, "Mindy! *me look over at them* We love you!"  It was so sweet.  I have been told numerous times today that I was loved.  My students are the best!

I returned a heart sign back to them <3

View of Motorcylists

South Korea is a very interesting culture.  They view people riding motorcycles like we would view jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.  Aka, your crazy.

There is a story of a wife who kept it hidden from her family that her husband owned a motorcycle.

Most of those who have motorcycles over here are food delivery guys and foreigners.  Interesting trivia.

Park Jun Min - Not Alone (English Lyrics) (Mix of classical and pop)

Even right now I can still see that expression always in your eyes
So today I'll make a vow, promise to uncover and realize


Make them stop stop stop these monsters 
In my head step step step all over
I will rise up and find my voice
I have a choice, I'll say it loud


So I can believe I'm not alone
No I'm not alone, not the only one dreaming
And I can feel it I'm not alone
Know I'm not alone, but you have to believe me


They might bring me down down down down no no no no
Down down down down no no no no
I discovered in this world I'm not alone
With courage inside me, I can believe


I won't let you push me around
I am worth more than this
I am not just nameless in the crowd


I will stop stop stop this aching
No longer step step step can't break me
I will rise up and find my voice
I have a choice, I'll say it loud


So I can believe I'm not alone
No I'm not alone, not the only one dreaming
And I can feel it I'm not alone
Know I'm not alone, but you have to believe me


They might bring me down down down down no no no no
Down down down down no no no no
I discovered in this world I'm not alone
With courage inside me, I can believe


All my fears are thrown away, they do not control me
Is this what it feels like to fly? I'm truly free


So I can believe I'm not alone
No I'm not alone, not the only one dreaming
And I can feel it I'm not alone
Know I'm not alone, but you have to believe me


They might bring me down down down down no no no no
Down down down down no no no no
I discovered in this world I'm not alone
Let's get through this together, I'm not alone
You're not alone