Stateside

Hello blog readers,

I have to say, this is the first blog I am writing that I know you most likely will read while both of us are stateside.

Coming back to the states has had its surprises.  In the same way, some of the things I had feared have turned out to be unfounded.

Jetlag is a definite problem.  It is worse coming back for some reason.  Waking up at 2am and 4am only to find myself unable to sleep.  It was not unexpected.  What the surprise was is my new sleep schedule.  I now tire around 6pm.  Am heading to bed around 8pm.  Then waking up at 4am.  I find my new found free time in the morning a good way to get some reading in.  However, I feel like I am missing out of family time by going to bed so early.

My online class has also been going well.  Something that I can do with or without internet.  I simply read the material and then plan what needs to be typed up and submitted.  The online research is also not quite as scary as I feared, though it is quite an endeavor to ensure my formatting is correct.

One fear I had was what to do about the large amounts of "foreigners" around me and hearing so much English words when I returned.  I use the word foreigner out of political correctness for those who are Americans, Canadians, etc who may or may not be white.  It covers it all.  Now I am surrounded by Americans and can fairly guess they are all Americans.  It is actually a relief to now know I blend in with the crowd.  Also other Americans in the store or outside don't ignore me, but talk to me, when we past by each other.  As for the large use of English.  I find my mind zoning in on the words more clearly and intently than before.  I'm sure it will pass with time, however I appreciate this benefit especially in church.

My first experience in a grocery store in America since returning was amusing.  I was walking down  aisle after aisle of food and mentally exclaiming, "I can cook with this.  I know what to make with that.  These look so yummy.  Those would be really fun to eat."  I knew what I was looking at.  I could read the labels.

This post is turning into a novel.  Just wanted to update my faithful readers to life as an English Teacher who is currently thoroughly enjoying her vacation.

Preparing For Visit Stateside

Getting ready for my trip back stateside.  Have my house mostly cleaned up.  Have my stuff mostly packed.  Been drinking a lot of liquids so that I will be somewhat hydrated when I get airborne.  Staying up all night so that I can sleep on the plane.  This way I will adjust to time back home and my family's sleep cycle more quickly.    Hoping I don't forget anything that I want to bring.  Trying to keep my suitcase as empty as possible so I have spare room for stuff to bring back.  I've been armed with advice from other English teachers here on what to bring back.  Mayo, vanilla extract, microwaveables, easy to make foods :)  They serve well during times when your tired and unable/unwilling to make your own food or go to the cafe.

Statistics

I've heard some interesting comments about population here.  Thought I would clear some things up.

Imagine the state of Indiana filled with almost 50 million people.  That is the Republic of Korea.

Now imagine 1.4 million of those people are foreigners here to teach a different language and culture.  1.1 of those 1.4 are here long term.  That is the Republic of Korea.

I am part of the .3 million that isn't long term.

Imagine the issues that could arise between the children of culturally different peoples as they grew up learning to deal with each other.  Koreans are worried about all the immigrants in their country because of language and culture differences.  They are afraid that us foreigners will start rioting.  They are afraid of the future problems we might cause.

There are a lot of Americans, British, Canadians, and Russians here.  There are a lot from the Islands here.  And they are uncertain what we are going to do to them.

Smell

Many Koreans are said to not have the glands that would require them to wear deodorant.  Others say that the glands are smaller or cause a lot less odor.  Whatever the case, most Koreans just don't wear deodorant.

I have noticed a funny smell in the hallways after a crowd of students have been there.  This same smell is in taxi cabs at the end of the day.  Last weekend while hiking, I noticed that almost ever Korean we passed had this same heavy aroma coming off of them.  It is a universal smell... and not one I find attractive.

Koreans really should wear deodorant and work to maintain their hygiene a bit more.  I am normally unable to smell subtle aromas due to a serious sinus infection I experienced junior year of high school.  So for me to detect it means that it is not subtle.

Seomun Market

Yesterday I decided I was going to go to Seomun Market.  It is a traditional market, so my plan to get supper there failed as soon as I saw the boiled intestines.  Basically it is set up with the streets full or vendors or kiosks.  Those places are their permanent stores.Then the blocks are composed each of one huge building with aisles and a door at the end of each aisle.  Like outside, the inside is booth after booth of mini stores where individuals can shop.  The different areas are broken into districts.  Outside, most of the streets are completely covered.  There are a few walkways up top so that busier areas can be crossed more efficiently.  It gets really crowded there.  The shop owners are really nice.  I stopped by a place where two high school boys were selling many treats.  Cookies, crackers, rice bars, etc.  They said we could sample anything we wanted.  There was some interesting new things I tried.  I of course bought some food and plan to return there.  Saw strawberries a little later and the lady selling them gave us oranges with our purchase.  Another person was selling fish-shaped bread fill with bean paste.  It was 3 for 2,000 won, or so I thought.  I ordered 6, I guess since I was given 6, and she only took 1,000 won for the whole purchase.  I was surprised.  At another shop where I bought several items, the lady pointed at a table and said "service."  She meant for buying from her, I could pick one free thing from that table.  I happily accepted.  On our way out of the market, we stopped by a table where a guy was selling gel packs.  They are clear things full of gummy beads. You microwave or boil them and then use them on you neck, back, arms, legs, feet, face, or anywhere needed.  They are stiff and hard when cold, but once hot... very flexible.  Though limited by language, he explained how to heat them properly and what not to do.  Also helped that Teacher Linda knows some Korean to help with the translation.  I must learn more Korean!

Hiking and History

When I was getting ready to Korea, I did as much online research as I could on their culture and lifestyle.  Something I had run across was that on weekends the Koreans flood the mountains to go hiking.  I thought that sounded like fun and wanted very much to go when I got here.  Today I had my chance.

Koreans are very healthy compared to me.  The inclines are steep and treacherous.  Going up was extremely hard for me.  Within two minutes, I was breathing hard and dizzy.  The person who had taken me hiking was extremely patient and understanding.  We cut that trip short, going to only the two Buddhist temples before turning around and going back down.  We drove to the other end of the trail and took a cable car up.  The view was amazing and glorious up there.  The trip wasn't the easiest when we started hiking up there.  A lot of Koreans passed us.  However it was worthwhile and I learned more of life in Korea as well as their history.

While on this trip, I learned a great deal about the Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea, the dividing of Korea later on, and such.

What did I say?

Today in class I was having a group discussion on the story we had covered.  I asked one group to answer.  Another group was talking instead of listening to the answer, so I turned to them and said, "Hush."  The whole class gasped and stared as if I had said a curse word.  What did I say?  I am pretty certain that I have used "hush" before with no such reaction.  Won't use it again though until I figure out what happened.  I kept going, but I really wanted to ask what it was that I had done.

Coincidence?

So once again I went to town.  Went downtown to go get some yummy food at Travelers.  Once again I got lost.  This time thankfully, I always knew where I was at.  I just couldn't for the life of me find Travelers.  *sigh*  Why does this type of not finding something or being lost happen every time I go downtown?

On the bright side, Koreans are super nice.  I stopped by a produce stand (only on the ground, no table) to buy some garden yumminess.  The fellow selling them was younger than most who have his occupation.  If that was a surprise, the fact that he spoke decent English was.  He even said, "Have a nice day." as I was leaving.  Wow!  It was said very nicely with little trace of an accent.  I was impressed.  Another Korean said "hello" as I was leaving a subway station.  Made me smile.  If they know English and are near a foreigner, they use it.  On the bus coming home was a cluster of high school students.  They spoke a lot of English.  It was really funny hearing them say things like "apologize... no you apologize" and "kiss... kiss... you kiss him you kiss him... no, you kiss her."  They amused me.  At one point one held out a button and asked if it was mine.  I said it wasn't but thank you.  I think those two boys spend like 10 minutes trying to find a way to speak directly to me when their peers had moved on.

Foreigner Stereotype

Americans have this inability to not stereotype others.  We mean well and think we have risen above such judgmental behavior, only to realize we have gone and done it again.

Like so many Americans, I have stereotyped a group of people.  Foreigners in the Republic of Korea.  The same group I belong to.  Every time I see another white person, I automatically assume that they won't talk to me.  An assumption that generally is proven correct.  Every time I meet another white person, I assume that they don't like me and are not nice.  An assumption that is false and proven wrong several times over.

Okay, so many can be that way.  Or they can come across that way.  I don't know what they are thinking.  I'm not telepathic.  It was judgmental of me to assume that another individual didn't like me simply based on the color of our skin.

I have talked to and met some really nice people.  I am not exactly friends with them.  They were not disrespectful to me though.  Sure, I may not have the network of friends to hang out with that I am used to back in the states.  However, that does not mean that those around me won't ever be friends.  If we end up being nothing more than acquaintances, that is okay.

There are many nice people here, Korean and non Korean.

Eye Examination

Went to town today to get my eyes examined.  I was really hoping to finally be able to have contacts.  However, after examining my eye the doctor said that I had really dry eyes.  They needed more ventilation and breathing room than most normal peoples eyes.  He expressed concern that my eyesight would get worse if I was to start wearing contacts.  I didn't like the idea of eye sight getting worse, so I agreed not to buy them.

Eye Examination cost was 6,500 won.  That is roughly $6 in America.  I was only there for like 5 to 10 minutes.

Then I went ahead and bought a pair a new glasses.  My old ones have been through a lot.  I've fallen asleep on them, dropped them, and took them flying when I was repeatedly bucked off a horse.  Thank you Jasper (guilty horse.)  New pair was 55,000 won which is roughly $50-$53.  I was only there 15 minutes.

Koreans like big glasses.  So I honestly bought a small size.  You may not believe me when you see them, but it is true.  There was a pair smaller than them, but I looked horrible in them.  I think I look okay, just not the fashion nor element of beauty Americans favor.

Trivia:  The emergency lights can be used for more situations here than emergencies.  It is a way to say thank you and I';m sorry as well.

Trivia:  I have adjusted to Korean traffic.  I see their mode of travel now to be more practical than ours.  It is like comparing modern teenagers with Pharisees on the regard of food.

Stereotypes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=90Y4jx38DF4

This is a simple youtube video that I think a lot of people need to watch.

In this world today many people hear that you are of a certain race, religion, or live in a certain country and they automatically assume certain "virtues" about you that isn't always true.

Koreans are not small.  Yes, many are skinny compared to Americans.  However there are some with more weight than me.  Most of the men here are taller than me.

I seriously doubt any of my students have ever even tasted dog, much less eat it.

Most of my students have never even tried martial arts.

Just because they look like Japanese to white people (they don't to each other) doesn't mean they speak that language.

In the same way, many Koreans assume that:

1.  All females from America have been having sex since they were teenagers.
2.  All males from America who are in the army like to rape innocent looking Korean girls.
3.  If you get a job here, that you are not hardy like them and won't be able to stay away from your country.  You will break your contract and leave them in the middle of the year.

Yet they still treat us with respect and are eager to help us.  Why can't we return the same courtesy?

Not just to Koreans, but also to Mexicans, Latinos, Chinese, Russians, Germans, Native Americans, Italians, Irish... you get the picture.

In Korea, they try to accommodate foreigners.  They have worked hard to get English onto many of their signs and in their stores.  That way you can at least read where to go.  They also have Chinese and Japanese on signs in the larger cities and such.

In America, it is common to hear grumbling about (Insert Culture like say... Mexicans) and how they are taking over simply because of a little Spanish on a sign.  Someone was trying to be kind and thoughtful to a human being who is going through culture shock.  And we blast their Christian attitude with a very non-Christian attitude of our own.

I'm guilty of it too.  I am trying to make people aware that it is okay to have several cultures living together.  Learning a few words in another language won't kill you.  Instead, it might make you a friend that you will value for many years to come.

Online Class

Finished week one of my online class.  This is a good class to take.  Will help strengthen my researching skills as well as my skills in avoiding plagiarism.  Historiography is fascinating it its own way.  Participating in the online discussions is also amazing.  There is a mixture of armed service personnel and teachers taking this class creating an incredible diversity of experience and opinion.

Koreans and Snow

There is a culture for this society and snow.  Get rid of it at all costs where possible, ignore it if not.

I went to town today to meet up with someone I was buying some things from.  I also had to transfer money to the US so I could pay bills.

It snowed last night.  So I walked to Namsan in the inch of snow.  Stood at the bus stop wishing it was warmer. Then surprise of surprises, five minutes upon getting there a bus showed up.  I didn't have to wait 50 minutes.  Yay!  I told the driver Jain.  He doesn't usually stop there, but it is on the way to Gyeongsan.  We pulled into the bus stop of the bus system I normally ride and there was bus 990 just about to pull out.  I hopped off and ran to the side of 990 and point at the door.  The man who directs the buses and tells the passengers where the bus is headed stopped the bus and I got on.  So no wait time there either.  Went to Sinmae and got off.

I left at 7:45, was on a bus at 8am, arrived at my destination by 9am.  And I told my contact I would be there at 10am.  Oh dear.  Nothing was opened.  E Mart was closed,  Baskin Robbins was close, Daiso was closed, my favorite sidewalk stand wasn't even set up yet.  The only people about were those with brooms and two inch wide chisels working to clear the sidewalks outside their stores.  *sigh*

So I did what any sane person would have done, not.  I started walking.  I walked to Sawol and back in 40 minutes.  Good exercise.  However may I remind you it is very frigid outside.  However all was well and I was back at the school by 11am.  Another surprise.  Then lunch was amazing.  Did I say I don't like rice anymore?  I lied.  The curry was so yummy.  They also had fruit salad and bread filled with bean paste in the shape of fish.  Yummy!

Suicide Report

Nothing catches my attention faster than someone in trouble.  

I don't know the policy in the Republic of Korea for teachers regarding when students say they are suicidal.  However in America it was drilled into us to report it.  So when a student came up to me on his way out of class and said, "I am going to kill myself tonight."  He had my complete attention.  

It is only the second day of classes.  I don't know their names and faces yet.  I just know which class it was and that it was one of my smallest boys.  I find it hard to believe that he would be.  It doesn't make sense as there are no tests in the near future.  So the main reason isn't there.  

I reported it and now am waiting to see what else is required on my part.  

Winter Camp - First Day

First day was interesting.  Went to the office and turned the heaters on in both the classroom and office.  2.5 hours later it finally got warm enough to where I could take off my coat.  Got all the paperwork and materials needed set up in neat piles at the front of the classroom.  Was told that I had 16 to 17 students so made 20 copies of everything.  Felt prepared and excited.

Then I enjoyed teaching my two classes that afternoon.  It went really well.  Most of the students already had English names.  That helped a great deal.  The only problem was that I had 22 students in each class.  *sigh*  However we made it.  I thoroughly enjoyed teaching them.  They are a joy.