I like grade three students. they tend to listen a little better than the other grades (although generally they aren't much better at English). There is one particular student who is, to be honest, a terrible student, at least at English. He also has excess energy which he quite possibly stores up just for my class, making classroom management a little tricky. Despite these things, I like him because everytime I see him he has a huge smile on his face and he says "Nice to meet you!!" That phrase is a bone of contention with me and other foreigners because the correct phrase is "Nice to SEE you." ("Meet" only being used the first time). So dutifully, every time he said "nice to meet you" I replied emphatically, "Nice to SEE you!" Finally, after several months of this exchange, last week he saw me and proudly stated "Nice to SEE you!". I'm not gonna lie, I felt a little flutter of pride in my heart. If he learned nothing else in 3 years of middle school, at least he learned that.
--------------------------------------------
Along the same lines, there is another grade three student who is not particularly good at English, but has made a mark on me nonetheless. HAving quite possibly the most difficult Korean name I've ever encountered (익렬--> Ik Ryeol --> Ingnyeol), I firmly believe that he can't speak a lick of English, but for one phrase - You are so gorgeous. I can't really complain. Anyway, having summed up his repertoire as such, I was delighted to one day walk into school and have him greet me with "how are you feeling?" Before he asked me, his eyes bulged a little and he looked like he was going to throw up. Rather than toss his cookies, however, this glorious new Egnlish phrase came rushing out. And, to add to it, when I asked him in return how he was feeling, he didn't automatically respond (as all Koreans would) with "I'm fine, thank you". Instead, he paused thoughtfully and said "pretty good". Now, I can't take credit for this change, but I still felt very proud of him for his effort.
It's the little things that keep us foreign teachers going here in Korea. Without them, we might wither under the weight of perceived ineffectiveness. Thanks boys, for trying just a little.
------------------------------
There are a few students in my school who are labelled as "special". Maybe one day in class I accidentally call upon a certain student and the response from my co-teacher is "Oh, he's a special student". Alright, thanks for telling me. Anyway, the gentleness and care with which these students are treated by both the staff and other students is a great example for North American Schools. Just the other day I was leaving the cafeteria after my lunch and I saw two Gr 3 boys sitting with a Gr1 special student. I thought it was curious until I saw one of the older boys spoon feed the younger some of his own food. *sigh* sometimes this country tugs at the heartstrings.
------------------------------
On the flip side of that, I have discovered possibly the most useless and annoying job in history. In Korea, there are places called "Da Bangs" which are coffee houses. Men either go to the Da Bang or call for coffee delivery and are promised to be served by a scantily clad young lady, who is possibly made to bow to the ground as she serves it. This, surprisingly, is not the useless job I'm referring to. (Although it is one small step away from prostitution). The job I'm referring to is the dude on his scooter who drives rather recklessly on the sidewalks flinging Da Bang business cards ninja-star-style into any open doors along the way. a) slightly dangerous. I would not want to be hit by the corner or edge of one of these cards. b) his job is basically to litter. that makes me angry.
It's no secret that Korea is a dirty place and practices like these (which are very common in cities, especially near night clubs where the best method of advertisement is randomly throwing fliers on the ground expecting that people will read them) are a major part of the problem. A problem compounded by the extreme lack of public garbage cans. I heard an interesting explanation as to why there are no garbage cans anywhere. Apparently too many dudes mistake them for urinals. SERIOUSLY guys. i mean COME ON!!! but i digress...
--------------------------------
I guess what we can muster from this entry is that life in korea is full of annoyances and things incomprehensible to many westerners, but at the same time, if we pay attention to our situations and the little everyday things, there is much beauty to be found.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
step out of your comfort zone
and chances are, you'll end up in Weirdsville. But a good kinda weird. The kinda weird worth blogging about.
NOTE: this blog was meant to have been published on thursday November 22nd. Due to technical difficulties, it has been held in limbo until today. Huzzah!
A few weeks ago, I was asked to give a couple of lectures to a group of migrant women. Women from southeast asia (mostly the Philippines, but also Vietnam, Thailand, etc) come to Korea to marry Korean men. It's a crappy life, but apparently better than their lives in their home countries. Anyway, a section of the provincial government (Women's Welfare Bureau WWB) is dedicated to improving their quality of living and integrating them into Korean society. Many of these Women can speak English better than the average Korean, so it would follow that they be trained to teach English in countryside elementary schools for a little extra cash. The WWB is putting on a 2 month long workshop where every Tuesday and Thursday the women can attend a morning lecture. I was asked to be the opening act!
I was asked to teach about games, chants and songs as they may apply to the elementary classroom. I was a bit worried because although I'm a music major, really, my knowledge of classical forms and clarinet are in no way helpful in teaching little kids English. "Hey kids, today we're going to study Sonata form...Introduction, development, Recapitulation. Repeat after me RE-CAP-IT-U-LA-TION." Right. Anyhow, I scoured the internet and found a gold mine of information. My show was beginning to take form.
The first day of the workshop was interesting. After a harrowing journey to the location (harrowing meaning I walked around aimlessly with a growing sense of panic), I finally found the place and proceeded to set up. There were about 20 shining faces (distinctly NOT Korean) waiting attentively.
Immediately they started in with questions and from then on I knew the experience would be a blast. These ladies were feisty, and I like feisty students. They were open to do anything in class, including a rousing round of the Hokey Pokey. The two days that I was there made me feel refreshed as an educator and, of course, made me wish I could keep teaching them.
Anyway, I happened to meet and chat with on woman from Thailand. she has been in Korea for 1 year and lives in Gokseong, a county small than my former home, Boseong. *yeesh* Anyway, I told her of my love for Thai food and her eyes brightened as she told me that she hadn't cooked Thai food once since being in Korea and she really missed it. Ah, a match made in heaven.
I really thought nothing of it. I honestly assumed I would never see her again. Two days later there was an email in my inbox from Bomb (that's her name...awesome) inviting me for lunch anytime. Usually I would just let something like that go. I barely know the woman, she lives in the country side, my weekends are busy blah blah blah. This time, however, I stepped outside of my normal routine and took a chance. Last Saturday I hopped on a bus for Gokseong and the adventure that followed was unexpected and very, very welcome.
I arrived at 11am to Bomb's smiling face. She is a petite woman (almost a head shorter than me) with sparkling eyes. She said we have to wait for the taxi to come. You see, she doesn't live in the town centre, she actually lives in a tiny village about 10 minutes away. She uses one particular taxi driver because he knows a speck of English and is very kind. The taxi driver arrived and off we went. He picked up another old woman who wanted to go to Gurye a county to the south. So there's me and Bomb in the back being taking on a countryside tour of Gokseong for free. We laughed and chatted the whole way in Korean and in English. The driver was hilarious. About 15 minutes into the ride he changes CDs. what came blaring out of the speakers? 80s retro pop. Oh mercy. A White lady, A Thai woman and a Korean Taxi Driver all jamming to 80s retro pop songs. RANDOM!
We got to Bomb's house about an hour later where she had already prepared a FEAST of Thai food. She's lives with her Korean mother-in-law who is, at my best guess, almost 80. Most Korean old people are standoffish when they see me, but she stepped off the porch and opened her little arms wide to me. It was a great feeling.
Ah lunch! Naturally, our taxi driver had to join us for lunch as there was enough food for about twelve people. It was heavenly. There were even mangoes sent straight from Thailand.
As I was leaving Gokseong, I thought my random afternoon was complete BUT as I was getting on the bus, Mr Son called me! Yep, I hadn't seen him since Chuseok (October), so it was quite a surprise. In turned out that he was on a trip and would be stopping in Gwangju bus terminal at about the same time my bus would be arriving from gokseong. Coincidence? You betcha! And a good one at that!
------------------------------------
Once again, today is my mom's birthday. This is the 3rd one I've missed (by being in a different country) and I promise - I will be there next year. We'll party. I'll bring some soju.
Happy Birthday Mama!
NOTE: this blog was meant to have been published on thursday November 22nd. Due to technical difficulties, it has been held in limbo until today. Huzzah!
A few weeks ago, I was asked to give a couple of lectures to a group of migrant women. Women from southeast asia (mostly the Philippines, but also Vietnam, Thailand, etc) come to Korea to marry Korean men. It's a crappy life, but apparently better than their lives in their home countries. Anyway, a section of the provincial government (Women's Welfare Bureau WWB) is dedicated to improving their quality of living and integrating them into Korean society. Many of these Women can speak English better than the average Korean, so it would follow that they be trained to teach English in countryside elementary schools for a little extra cash. The WWB is putting on a 2 month long workshop where every Tuesday and Thursday the women can attend a morning lecture. I was asked to be the opening act!
I was asked to teach about games, chants and songs as they may apply to the elementary classroom. I was a bit worried because although I'm a music major, really, my knowledge of classical forms and clarinet are in no way helpful in teaching little kids English. "Hey kids, today we're going to study Sonata form...Introduction, development, Recapitulation. Repeat after me RE-CAP-IT-U-LA-TION." Right. Anyhow, I scoured the internet and found a gold mine of information. My show was beginning to take form.
The first day of the workshop was interesting. After a harrowing journey to the location (harrowing meaning I walked around aimlessly with a growing sense of panic), I finally found the place and proceeded to set up. There were about 20 shining faces (distinctly NOT Korean) waiting attentively.
Immediately they started in with questions and from then on I knew the experience would be a blast. These ladies were feisty, and I like feisty students. They were open to do anything in class, including a rousing round of the Hokey Pokey. The two days that I was there made me feel refreshed as an educator and, of course, made me wish I could keep teaching them.
Anyway, I happened to meet and chat with on woman from Thailand. she has been in Korea for 1 year and lives in Gokseong, a county small than my former home, Boseong. *yeesh* Anyway, I told her of my love for Thai food and her eyes brightened as she told me that she hadn't cooked Thai food once since being in Korea and she really missed it. Ah, a match made in heaven.
I really thought nothing of it. I honestly assumed I would never see her again. Two days later there was an email in my inbox from Bomb (that's her name...awesome) inviting me for lunch anytime. Usually I would just let something like that go. I barely know the woman, she lives in the country side, my weekends are busy blah blah blah. This time, however, I stepped outside of my normal routine and took a chance. Last Saturday I hopped on a bus for Gokseong and the adventure that followed was unexpected and very, very welcome.
I arrived at 11am to Bomb's smiling face. She is a petite woman (almost a head shorter than me) with sparkling eyes. She said we have to wait for the taxi to come. You see, she doesn't live in the town centre, she actually lives in a tiny village about 10 minutes away. She uses one particular taxi driver because he knows a speck of English and is very kind. The taxi driver arrived and off we went. He picked up another old woman who wanted to go to Gurye a county to the south. So there's me and Bomb in the back being taking on a countryside tour of Gokseong for free. We laughed and chatted the whole way in Korean and in English. The driver was hilarious. About 15 minutes into the ride he changes CDs. what came blaring out of the speakers? 80s retro pop. Oh mercy. A White lady, A Thai woman and a Korean Taxi Driver all jamming to 80s retro pop songs. RANDOM!
We got to Bomb's house about an hour later where she had already prepared a FEAST of Thai food. She's lives with her Korean mother-in-law who is, at my best guess, almost 80. Most Korean old people are standoffish when they see me, but she stepped off the porch and opened her little arms wide to me. It was a great feeling.
Ah lunch! Naturally, our taxi driver had to join us for lunch as there was enough food for about twelve people. It was heavenly. There were even mangoes sent straight from Thailand.
As I was leaving Gokseong, I thought my random afternoon was complete BUT as I was getting on the bus, Mr Son called me! Yep, I hadn't seen him since Chuseok (October), so it was quite a surprise. In turned out that he was on a trip and would be stopping in Gwangju bus terminal at about the same time my bus would be arriving from gokseong. Coincidence? You betcha! And a good one at that!
------------------------------------
Once again, today is my mom's birthday. This is the 3rd one I've missed (by being in a different country) and I promise - I will be there next year. We'll party. I'll bring some soju.
Happy Birthday Mama!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Upper Thigh is the New Cleavage
Wanna be in style this fall? Add the following items to your wardrobe and you can't go wrong!
1. short shorts and/or ass-cheek revealing mini skirt
2. opaque leggings OR thigh high socks (in a dark colour, usually maroon, black or heather gray, feel free to add sparkles)
3. a pair of high heeled Mary Jane Shoes in a colour that is unrelated to other items of the outfit. Think, black leggings/brown shoes or maroon leggings/white shoes. OR knees high boots. Heels optional.
4. Layered tops. Coloured shirt + knitted vest + oversized knitted cardigan.
All colours are general neutral earthtones.
One general rule: you can cover up as much as you want, but you gotta show at least a bit of upper thigh.
Here's a good example:
Anyway, I find it interesting that there are more mini shirts and short shorts on the racks now than during the summer when it was plenty warm enough to wear 'em.
In other news, for the first time ever, I found a pair of jeans in Korea that doesn't make me feel like a stuffed sausage. w00t! Finding a jacket that doesn't make me feel like a rower on steroids is a different issue. Oh Korea and your crazy fashions!!
___________________________
In other news, there is a brand new Krispy Kreme in downtown Gwangju. I've walked passed it a few times and it is BUSY! It seems to me that Korea, at least where I'm living, is only approaching it's adolescence as a "westernized" nation. More and more Western companies and concepts are filtering in and while I definitely feel a pull back from some people who hate it or resent it, most people react as a younger sibling who wants everything their older siblings have. Never mind that every Krispy Kreme donut you consume will probably shave years off your life, if my older sister has one, I want one REALLY BAD!! My sister got a perm and bangs in 4th grade, naturally I wanted it (but never got it). My brother and sister played soccer and once I overcame my fear, I hopped right on that train. The West is getting fatter, so Korea wants desperately to pack on a few pounds.
One of the funniest things is that something as garden variety as Krispy Kreme is more of a statement of being "cosmopolitan" in Gwangju City. I see lots of women in the aforementioned fashion attire carrying boxes of Krispy Kreme, waltzing across the street and purchasing Starbucks beverages and acting very "Sex and the City". I hope, for the health of Koreans, that this new fad passes quickly. Otherwise your short shorts aren't gonna look so hot any more.
____________________________________
Work has been crazy and all over the place. But it's work and it's OK. Basically, I'm looking far ahead to my vacation. It's tough when you feel the huge need for vacation before it even hits November. There are still two months left...get a grip!!
____________________________________
Twice last week I ate Kimchi with my dinner. The shocking thing was that I was home, alone and I chose to eat it. It was in my fridge. I was excited about it.
____________________________________
I was in a cab and the driver was asking me some questions. After the usual first one "Where are you from" he did something amazing. His follow up question was not even remotely close to the stock questions. He asked me (and I quote) "Canada is very cold now? [yes] You know short track? (speed skating). Korea, number 1. Canada, number 2. Why?"
wow. good question. In an effort to seem even remotely aware of the state of speed skating in Canada, I said. "In Canada, Ice Hockey is number 1". Well done, me, well done.
_____________________________________
I want to upload some photos, but my stolen wireless internet is currently at "Very low" so my connection isn't good enough to do it in a timely fashion. Maybe next time, eh?
1. short shorts and/or ass-cheek revealing mini skirt
2. opaque leggings OR thigh high socks (in a dark colour, usually maroon, black or heather gray, feel free to add sparkles)
3. a pair of high heeled Mary Jane Shoes in a colour that is unrelated to other items of the outfit. Think, black leggings/brown shoes or maroon leggings/white shoes. OR knees high boots. Heels optional.
4. Layered tops. Coloured shirt + knitted vest + oversized knitted cardigan.
All colours are general neutral earthtones.
One general rule: you can cover up as much as you want, but you gotta show at least a bit of upper thigh.
Here's a good example:
Anyway, I find it interesting that there are more mini shirts and short shorts on the racks now than during the summer when it was plenty warm enough to wear 'em.
In other news, for the first time ever, I found a pair of jeans in Korea that doesn't make me feel like a stuffed sausage. w00t! Finding a jacket that doesn't make me feel like a rower on steroids is a different issue. Oh Korea and your crazy fashions!!
___________________________
In other news, there is a brand new Krispy Kreme in downtown Gwangju. I've walked passed it a few times and it is BUSY! It seems to me that Korea, at least where I'm living, is only approaching it's adolescence as a "westernized" nation. More and more Western companies and concepts are filtering in and while I definitely feel a pull back from some people who hate it or resent it, most people react as a younger sibling who wants everything their older siblings have. Never mind that every Krispy Kreme donut you consume will probably shave years off your life, if my older sister has one, I want one REALLY BAD!! My sister got a perm and bangs in 4th grade, naturally I wanted it (but never got it). My brother and sister played soccer and once I overcame my fear, I hopped right on that train. The West is getting fatter, so Korea wants desperately to pack on a few pounds.
One of the funniest things is that something as garden variety as Krispy Kreme is more of a statement of being "cosmopolitan" in Gwangju City. I see lots of women in the aforementioned fashion attire carrying boxes of Krispy Kreme, waltzing across the street and purchasing Starbucks beverages and acting very "Sex and the City". I hope, for the health of Koreans, that this new fad passes quickly. Otherwise your short shorts aren't gonna look so hot any more.
____________________________________
Work has been crazy and all over the place. But it's work and it's OK. Basically, I'm looking far ahead to my vacation. It's tough when you feel the huge need for vacation before it even hits November. There are still two months left...get a grip!!
____________________________________
Twice last week I ate Kimchi with my dinner. The shocking thing was that I was home, alone and I chose to eat it. It was in my fridge. I was excited about it.
____________________________________
I was in a cab and the driver was asking me some questions. After the usual first one "Where are you from" he did something amazing. His follow up question was not even remotely close to the stock questions. He asked me (and I quote) "Canada is very cold now? [yes] You know short track? (speed skating). Korea, number 1. Canada, number 2. Why?"
wow. good question. In an effort to seem even remotely aware of the state of speed skating in Canada, I said. "In Canada, Ice Hockey is number 1". Well done, me, well done.
_____________________________________
I want to upload some photos, but my stolen wireless internet is currently at "Very low" so my connection isn't good enough to do it in a timely fashion. Maybe next time, eh?
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