Friday, July 20, 2012
Monsoon Skip
The typhoon that passed by didn't hit my area. I saw the billowing clouds in the distance to the west. However whatever rain was with it didn't bless my school. We got the heat wave that is pushed by the typhoon instead. The monsoon I had hoped would start finally isn't here. This is evidently one of the summers where the monsoon season skips us. Those at mudfest are going to be disappointed about that. So will the farmers I think. However anyone who lives in or travels near the valley will be thinking it a mixed blessing with not having to worry about flash flooding.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Typhoon Khanun: Email Alert
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul is transmitting the following information as a public service to American citizens in the Republic of Korea.
According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Tropical Storm Khanun, currently located off the southern coast of Japan, is moving towards the Korean peninsula and is expected to make landfall on the Island of Jeju around the evening of July 18th and will continue to move north bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Korean peninsula for some days. For specific information on the storm, please refer to the Korean Meteorological Administration for further information. http://web.kma.go.kr/eng/index.jsp
Typhoons can cover areas of up to 500 miles (800 km) in diameter and generate winds up to 180 miles (290 km) an hour. The typhoon season in East Asia Pacific runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. Typhoons that hit the region are often accompanied by damaging high tides. Persons living in areas close to the ocean are especially at risk. Landslides are also a serious concern during periods of heavy rain. A typhoon advisory (Jui) will be issued when the weather can cause damage. Typhoon warnings (kyungbo) will be issued when heavy widespread damage is expected due to the weather. For English-language information on the typhoon situation on the Korean peninsula, please refer to Armed Forces Network FM at 102.7, and/or TBS English FM 101.3.
Being prepared for a typhoon means keeping informed on the progress and severity of the storm, and taking some common-sense precautions to minimize the problems a typhoon may cause for you. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Republic of Korea provides safety guidelines on preparing for a typhoon. For these safety tips, please refer to http://eng.nema.go.kr/sub/cms4/4_1.asp
Continue to monitor local radio and other media, and the National Weather Service to be aware of weather developments. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes or typhoons very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, transportation providers (airlines, cruise lines, etc.), and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website. By enrolling, you will receive the Embassy's most recent security and safety updates during your trip. Enrollment also ensures that you can be reached during an emergency. While we will do our utmost to assist you in a crisis, be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.
Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s "Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go" webpage. You can get updated information on travel from the Department of State by calling within the United States and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada, .
Embassy Contact Information:
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy Seoul
32, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Seoul 110-710, Korea
- or -
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy, Seoul
Unit #15550
APO AP 96205-5550
Tel: (Passport Inquiry line)
Tel: (All other services)
Fax: 02-397-4080
DSN: 721-4114
English: http://www.asktheconsul.org/
Korean: http://www.usavisas.org/
E-mail: seoulinfoacs@state.gov
End of text.
According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Tropical Storm Khanun, currently located off the southern coast of Japan, is moving towards the Korean peninsula and is expected to make landfall on the Island of Jeju around the evening of July 18th and will continue to move north bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Korean peninsula for some days. For specific information on the storm, please refer to the Korean Meteorological Administration for further information. http://web.kma.go.kr/eng/index.jsp
Typhoons can cover areas of up to 500 miles (800 km) in diameter and generate winds up to 180 miles (290 km) an hour. The typhoon season in East Asia Pacific runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. Typhoons that hit the region are often accompanied by damaging high tides. Persons living in areas close to the ocean are especially at risk. Landslides are also a serious concern during periods of heavy rain. A typhoon advisory (Jui) will be issued when the weather can cause damage. Typhoon warnings (kyungbo) will be issued when heavy widespread damage is expected due to the weather. For English-language information on the typhoon situation on the Korean peninsula, please refer to Armed Forces Network FM at 102.7, and/or TBS English FM 101.3.
Being prepared for a typhoon means keeping informed on the progress and severity of the storm, and taking some common-sense precautions to minimize the problems a typhoon may cause for you. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Republic of Korea provides safety guidelines on preparing for a typhoon. For these safety tips, please refer to http://eng.nema.go.kr/sub/cms4/4_1.asp
Continue to monitor local radio and other media, and the National Weather Service to be aware of weather developments. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes or typhoons very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, transportation providers (airlines, cruise lines, etc.), and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.
We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website. By enrolling, you will receive the Embassy's most recent security and safety updates during your trip. Enrollment also ensures that you can be reached during an emergency. While we will do our utmost to assist you in a crisis, be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.
Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness can be found on the Department’s "Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go" webpage. You can get updated information on travel from the Department of State by calling within the United States and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada, .
Embassy Contact Information:
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy Seoul
32, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Seoul 110-710, Korea
- or -
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy, Seoul
Unit #15550
APO AP 96205-5550
Tel: (Passport Inquiry line)
Tel: (All other services)
Fax: 02-397-4080
DSN: 721-4114
English: http://www.asktheconsul.org/
Korean: http://www.usavisas.org/
E-mail: seoulinfoacs@state.gov
End of text.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Make-Up
In Korea, it is a whole different culture in some aspects while very similar in others. When it comes to make-up, it is the same until you come to the male population. Yes, men wear make-up here. The whole works. Not many of my students wear it because of school regulations. However it is a truly widespread phenomena that many Americas who are not of Korean descent will understand quickly.
Tea and Polls
Last week a wife of one of the foreign teachers came to church. Remarkable for several reasons. First time I have seen her here and she doesn't generally wake up before 10am or noon. Anyrate, she was in want of coffee, obviously. I know we have some such things in our office and happily went to make her some. Couldn't find the coffee. But there was tea! Turns out that fruit teas (and that ginger tea you have to drink come spring or die of allergies and colds) have no caffeine in them. So it was useless for perking her up. It would have perked me up but that is beside the point.
Oh and I bought US peach iced tea at Costco. American tea mixes are truly full of sugar. Yikes! I could see the sugar crystals in my cup.
Last item to mention: polls. I am so sorry I have been negligent on creating new ones. I have been inspired by my last blog post (please reference below or to the side list of blog posts) for a new poll. Enjoy figuring out which appliance you could live without. While you only have to choose one and not follow through, I have no choice and live without two. God bless!
Oh and I bought US peach iced tea at Costco. American tea mixes are truly full of sugar. Yikes! I could see the sugar crystals in my cup.
Last item to mention: polls. I am so sorry I have been negligent on creating new ones. I have been inspired by my last blog post (please reference below or to the side list of blog posts) for a new poll. Enjoy figuring out which appliance you could live without. While you only have to choose one and not follow through, I have no choice and live without two. God bless!
Laundry
I did laundry last Wednesday, or Thursday, and seriously am tempted to take a picture of my apartment. It is phenomenal what you have to do when you don't have a dryer and going outside isn't an option (never mind that I don't dry my stuff outside, kids and pranks are on the forefront of my mind.) Anyrate, the drying rack is loaded, my chairs (including the feet bars at the bottom) are loaded, my wardrobe closet doors are open with clothes hanging on them, and I even have a shirt hanging up on the fan. Despite that (and the dishes) my apartment is really clean and organized (glares at the makeup that isn't put away). What am I getting at here? It is possible to have a small space and not all the conveniences of modern society (ovens and stoves) and still be happy. Still enjoy life. I was in shock the first time I saw this place. Now I am very content with it. Less sometimes is just plain better.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Parties
One of the joys and hassles of the end of the semester is planning the parties. Each class has their own party and it is up to the teachers to collect the money, plan and organize the food, ensure the party goes smoothly, and oversee the cleanup afterwards. I helped plan the first of these parties. Thankfully the other teachers stepped forward and have been planning the rest. I will be planning the final party tomorrow. Actually, I will probably do so tonight. My juniors have been late in paying the money. They kept insisting that I pay for it now and they would pay for it later. The beauty of being broke at the end of the month is that I can not be pressured into these kinds of situations. This isn't the first time.
I have discovered my new favorite pizza here. At another pizza place than the one I normally order from there is a cheaper, healthier crust and sauce. Their chicken and bulgogi pizzas are not as yummy, but their sweet potatoe is good and their Hawaiian Pizza is divine. Needless to say, I would love to have their Hawaiian pizza more often. It has pineapple (my favorite part), mango, and cherries on top.
Finding ways to balance out the budget and meet what the students want has been a challenge. Finding a way for them to come to a consensus is always a relief. They are doing well in getting along in that sense. Wish that was all the time for all aspects of classroom life. We often either vote or have them play rock, paper, scissors to figure out which way we are going to go. Very effective means too since I can't be considered playing favorites.
The one thing Geoffrey and I both agreed on not letting them have at these parties is sugar. We have to deal with them afterwards. However, we are down to the last week. Once tomorrow, Friday, is done then I will only have one week left to teach. A bit excited about that. Need a break. Then I can have time to work on planning better lessons ^_^
I have discovered my new favorite pizza here. At another pizza place than the one I normally order from there is a cheaper, healthier crust and sauce. Their chicken and bulgogi pizzas are not as yummy, but their sweet potatoe is good and their Hawaiian Pizza is divine. Needless to say, I would love to have their Hawaiian pizza more often. It has pineapple (my favorite part), mango, and cherries on top.
Finding ways to balance out the budget and meet what the students want has been a challenge. Finding a way for them to come to a consensus is always a relief. They are doing well in getting along in that sense. Wish that was all the time for all aspects of classroom life. We often either vote or have them play rock, paper, scissors to figure out which way we are going to go. Very effective means too since I can't be considered playing favorites.
The one thing Geoffrey and I both agreed on not letting them have at these parties is sugar. We have to deal with them afterwards. However, we are down to the last week. Once tomorrow, Friday, is done then I will only have one week left to teach. A bit excited about that. Need a break. Then I can have time to work on planning better lessons ^_^
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Life of an English Teacher
There are many joys in being an English teacher. The hugs, the improvement, the kids. However, there is something that I think every teacher has to face at some point. The death of a student. I didn't realize two of my students had died. I figured they had skipped class as they were sometimes inclined to do. A student appeared at my door tonight. I knew something was horribly wrong from her demeanor. Hoping it wasn't the grade I gave her (she hasn't been to class in two months), I asked what was wrong.
Two of my boys had gone to a nearby place. They had tried to save some people in a river, only to never surface themselves. I think about that class and about those boys. That I will never see them sitting there again. I won't be able to help them. I knew my time with my family is precious to me and that I had taken it for granted far too much. I had no idea that this also applied to my students. The times I figured we would work on something next week, or at this point next semester. No. That isn't good enough. I have 45 in class minutes to improve my students at least twice a week. Who knows when those 45 minutes will be my last. How dare I put anything off? Time is precious!
Two of my boys had gone to a nearby place. They had tried to save some people in a river, only to never surface themselves. I think about that class and about those boys. That I will never see them sitting there again. I won't be able to help them. I knew my time with my family is precious to me and that I had taken it for granted far too much. I had no idea that this also applied to my students. The times I figured we would work on something next week, or at this point next semester. No. That isn't good enough. I have 45 in class minutes to improve my students at least twice a week. Who knows when those 45 minutes will be my last. How dare I put anything off? Time is precious!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
police
So it is raining today. Went to Siji and looked around. Towns get so full of rain water because there is only concrete. Nothing to soak it up.
Anyrate, saw the police patrolling in groups of three. You knew they were the police walking in groups of three because (1) of the bright yellow rain gear and (2) because of the big "police" written in English across the back.
Anyrate, saw the police patrolling in groups of three. You knew they were the police walking in groups of three because (1) of the bright yellow rain gear and (2) because of the big "police" written in English across the back.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
4th of July
Today was Independence Day. I had bought some fountain fireworks at Daiso. Got people together once the sun went down and lit them. Some students asked what the occasion was and I proceeded to tell them what a big holiday it is for us. Then I added in that back home we would be feasting with family. I might have gotten a little carried away describing it. I think that though parades, BBQs, and fireworks are nice... it is the people I would have hung out with that I miss the most.
Umbrellas
I have three umbrella's. One was given to me when I first got here and it randomly rained. The second was a big one that I bought. The third was a small cheap one I got for my bag so that if I was out and about, I had something.
Last week I bought a forth umbrella. This one for the sun. It came in handy on the Uljin trip. You know, I rather like not having my skin burn and be extra warm from the sun's rays.
Last week I bought a forth umbrella. This one for the sun. It came in handy on the Uljin trip. You know, I rather like not having my skin burn and be extra warm from the sun's rays.
Uljin Trip
Honestly, I am not sure I remember all the details. It was really hot out last Tuesday. Anyrate, the principle decided to take us to his home village. His use of the word village and mine are totally different things. Thing of a coastal town, add gardens behind the homes and stores, and you have his definition of a village. Rather modern don't you think?
Anyrate, we stopped at many places along the way. The first was a rest area. Got to look out over the ocean. Up north there are larger mountain ranges. Take Oregon's green coastal range and dump it in the Rockies and you have where I was at. Very pretty.
We stopped at a large crap lighthouse and took pictures. We also stopped at really large wind mills, the modern metal ones that are taller than three walmarts stacked on top of each other. There was some airplanes that were on display we got pictures by as well. When we stopped at a second light house, we were in a town whose name literally means "Surrounded by Bamboo." It was near a harbor that was gorgeous blue and clear. I looked down from the lighthouse at the ocean below and thought, I want to go down there.
The principle saw my face and we all know how easy it is to tell what I am thinking. So down there we went. I stripped off my shoes and stockings, rolled my slacks up past my knees, and gingerly waded through the rocks to where there was a patch of sand. It was cold, but felt amazing since it was in the 90s. The waves only were calf deep, but the tide was coming it. I saw some waves coming in that looked suspiciously higher and they reached my knees. When the water level didn't go down again once they were past, I decided it was time to abandon ship.
That particular location had a set. A fake church and a fake house with some stores nearby. It was all built for some famous Korean drama. The stores are real though. That particular beach is shaped like a heart. It was really neat.
We ate lunch at a traditional Korean place. Bulgogi. Thankfully the meat was mostly done this time. I am not fond of cooking it when there is blood oozing out still. For supper we tried three different pizza places, but they were all booked. So I suggested McDonalds. We went and then went to Baskin Robbins afterwards. I had started to mention Outback Steakhouse but one of the other teachers said he didn't want the calories such a meal would provide. I understood.
It was really nice of the principle to take us. He was concerned about us having a good time, which we did. He bought us two big bag fulls of junk food for the trip too. I am not losing weight at all. It was a good trip though. Hoping to get pictures from the others. I didn't have my camera charged.
Anyrate, we stopped at many places along the way. The first was a rest area. Got to look out over the ocean. Up north there are larger mountain ranges. Take Oregon's green coastal range and dump it in the Rockies and you have where I was at. Very pretty.
We stopped at a large crap lighthouse and took pictures. We also stopped at really large wind mills, the modern metal ones that are taller than three walmarts stacked on top of each other. There was some airplanes that were on display we got pictures by as well. When we stopped at a second light house, we were in a town whose name literally means "Surrounded by Bamboo." It was near a harbor that was gorgeous blue and clear. I looked down from the lighthouse at the ocean below and thought, I want to go down there.
The principle saw my face and we all know how easy it is to tell what I am thinking. So down there we went. I stripped off my shoes and stockings, rolled my slacks up past my knees, and gingerly waded through the rocks to where there was a patch of sand. It was cold, but felt amazing since it was in the 90s. The waves only were calf deep, but the tide was coming it. I saw some waves coming in that looked suspiciously higher and they reached my knees. When the water level didn't go down again once they were past, I decided it was time to abandon ship.
That particular location had a set. A fake church and a fake house with some stores nearby. It was all built for some famous Korean drama. The stores are real though. That particular beach is shaped like a heart. It was really neat.
We ate lunch at a traditional Korean place. Bulgogi. Thankfully the meat was mostly done this time. I am not fond of cooking it when there is blood oozing out still. For supper we tried three different pizza places, but they were all booked. So I suggested McDonalds. We went and then went to Baskin Robbins afterwards. I had started to mention Outback Steakhouse but one of the other teachers said he didn't want the calories such a meal would provide. I understood.
It was really nice of the principle to take us. He was concerned about us having a good time, which we did. He bought us two big bag fulls of junk food for the trip too. I am not losing weight at all. It was a good trip though. Hoping to get pictures from the others. I didn't have my camera charged.
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