Seonun-sa with Pedro

Recently I went on a trip with a few friends to Seonun-sa, about an hour and a half drive from Gwangju. We met a few other travelers and hopped into a van with Pedro, a very friendly Korean man who is working on starting his own travel company. He's done quite a bit of traveling, but right now is focused on showing his country to people. He finds places that most people don't know about or wouldn't know how to get to. As a foreigner it's often difficult to get to certain areas to see or do things. There have been numerous times were I have gone with friends to a beach or festival and had almost no way to get back to Gwangju. Traveling with Pedro was a great experience, he familiarizes himself with the area before taking people to the destination and either provides transportation or knows how to get transportation back.

Seonun-sa was a beautiful place, being in nature is such a relaxing thing. We saw an old temple, some gravesites of monks and had a lovely picnic by a stream. After our picnic we were off on a hike. The hike proved to be a little more difficult then Pedro led on. We arrived to the intended location, a giant Buddha carved into the side of a mountain. It was really very cool to see! After several pictures of the giant Buddha carving, we continued the hike to the top of the mountain. Once to the top we had a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and changing leaves. We stayed at the top for a bit to relax and enjoy the view and then decided to head back to the van. After we finally made it back to the van we were off to the beach to watch the sunset. Once we got to the beach we all sat down to enjoy a picnic by the ocean. The beach was a little more crowded, which meant Koreans were videotaping us eating, talking to us and even asking for some food! The sun was slowly setting and let me tell you, it was absolutely gorgeous! We had beautiful weather all day, made new friends and watched the sun set over the beach. It couldn't have been a better day!

Buddha carved into the side of the mountain

Beautiful sunset

glorious

pretty nature

Address

If you would like to send me some cards or a letter instead of (gasp!) e-mail here is my home address

106 Dong 303 Ho Jugong Apartment

Seongbuk-dong

Naju-city, South Korea 520-755

If you are feeling generous and want to send me a package of goodies please send them to my school (that way it won't get lost or stolen or stuck at the post office for weeks until I can get there when it is open)

Geumcheon Middle School

253-1 Wongok-ri Geumcheon-myeon

Naju-city Jeollanam-do, South Korea

520-824

Friendly store owners

When I lived in Ilgok-dong last year, there were always several places that I frequented. Certain places were my favorites. The little kimbap nara was one of my favorites because they were so friendly to me and I loved that when I walked in, the usually knew what I wanted (especially if I was getting take out). I loved the little arts and crafts store, mainly because my students' mom ran in and she was sweet. I would always buy fruit from the same guy because he was always really friendly to me and every time I walked by him he always talked to me. It's the little things that mean a lot when you are in a foreign country.

Now that I'm in a new place I'm looking to find those places with the really friendly people. Since I don't spend much time here, it's been a bit harder to be a regular somewhere. The kimbap place that I've gone to, is just okay, but the guy has been really friendly (mind you, I've only been there like 3 times) but he makes sure to tell me I'm beautiful and well, that is one of the little things that will get me to come back! My first week in Naju I needed to buy a mattress topper to make my very uncomfortable bed a bit better. I stopped in a little shop and picked one out for a very decent price. The man was kind and gave me a 1,000 won discount. That isn't much, but it's the gesture that counts. There's been a chill in the air the past few nights and last night I was getting really cold! I closed all of my windows but realized it was about time I go out to buy a comforter. I walked past the little shop I was in several weeks ago and thought I'd check out another place. I walked to the bigger store to find that a comforter set costs 450,000 won and a comforter will cost me 190,000 won. Holy expensive batman! Needless to say, I walked back to the store where I bought my mattress topper. I found a very nice comforter for 70,000 won. The man is so friendly, I gave him my money and he gave me 3,000 won back and said "discount!" Again, it may not be much, but that man has won my business for the next year I spend in Naju.

Along with my new bedspread, I also purchased a very pretty flower. My apartment is almost complete. A few more additions and it'll be perfect. It's amazing how much more at home I feel here this year. Maybe it's because I have a normal size apartment or am at a job I LOVE. Either way, I'm glad things are good.

Constant state of confusion

I love my new job, I really do. I feel so comfortable at Bannam Middle School. The kids are great, the teachers are great. They talk to me and laugh with me. We play badminton, go for walks, they teach me guitar. Who wouldn't love this job, right? The students sit quietly while I teach and if someone talks their neighbor will usually slap them upside the head. I guess it is easier when there is a total of 39 students in the whole school, but still. At the end of class they bow to me say thank you and I love you. It's great.

Then I go to Geumcheon, don't get me wrong, I'm still very happy... but... When I get there I'm just in a constant state of confusion. I never know if I'll be teaching classes that day for one. I go to class with my lesson plans and worksheets, only to be sent to the back of the room watching my co teacher teach the entire class period. Not a word from me. He teaches in Korean, the kids don't listen to him they just sit playing games, talking, yelling. I just watch in confusion of what is happening. The book he teaches? It has paragraphs in English, you would think he would have them read this.. Nope, just reads certain words and by the time he gets the computer on and the kids quiet he has already wasted 15 minutes. I just, don't understand. But, hey... I'm just the foreign teacher, what do I know? So, 2 classes today that I did not teach. At some point we are suppose to have a teachers workshop, but again, I have no idea when this takes place! Why you ask? Well, the only schedule that was given to me was in Korean, smart right? At least at Bannam they have it neatly typed in ENGLISH. I mean, I know I live in Korea and should learn Korean, but the reality is, I haven't. So, here I am sitting in the teacher's room wondering about this after school conversation class I'm suppose to teach. Is it 7th period or 8th period? I don't know it's not on the board or on my schedule... so I find out it is 8th period (7th and 8th Thursday and Friday). Today I walked up to the room and the room is locked. There are no students, the only students in the hall where the ones going home. I stand there in my state of confusion, I was told 8th period conversation class, where are my students?! I proceed to go to the teacher's room to ask my co teacher, but he is no where to be found. So, I walk back upstairs in hopes that some students show up. Sure enough 2 girls come by and tell me they will get the key. And then my favorite student Sojin and her 2 friends show up. 10 minutes go by and the first 2 girls aren't back. Finally Sojin gets the key and tells me to follow her and we go to class. 5 students out of 18 showed up for my class. Apparently it is completely optional? (news to me!) We had a total of 10 minutes of class left once we got into the classroom. The girls are fun and I enjoyed chatting with them... but I wish things were a bit more clear. It's only been a month though and hopefully soon I'll fall into a routine and actually KNOW what is happening around me. (For the record I am NOT complaining at all... I know how bad things can get here with jobs, I'm thankful that this is not going to be like last year!)

On a completely different note. I finally got my address from my co-teacher.

If you would like to send me some cards or a letter instead of (gasp!) e-mail here is my home address

106 Dong 303 Ho Jugong Apartment

Seongbuk-dong

Naju-city, South Korea 520-755

If you are feeling generous and want to send me a package of goodies please send them to my school (that way it won't get lost or stolen or stuck at the post office for weeks until I can get there when it is open)

Geumcheon Middle School

253-1 Wongok-ri Geumcheon-myeon

Naju-city Jeollanam-do, South Korea

520-824

Recreation Management and beach shenanigans

My co teacher's have been telling my students that I majored in Recreation Management. Most people at home aren't too aware of Recreation Management, let alone what one might do with this degree. But all of my students or the other Korean teachers all responded like they understand what my degree really was... I kind of doubted they did, but I let it go. Today I was at Bannam Middle School for the third time. I really love this place. The social studies teacher started to tell me a story about the home ec. teacher. Apparently the home ec teacher decided to take singing lessons and paid $30 for a month at a hagwon (private academy). After her first class the teacher told her that she has no pitch, her tone is terrible, she can't sing on key and she should either give up or practice everyday before coming back again. The social studies teacher found it really funny (she is always laughing!). And then I told her that I am a terrible singer and can't sing on key or carry a tune to save my life. Which made the home ec. teacher stand up to shake my hand. The social studies teacher asked me if I at least played guitar and I said no. She responded by saying "but your major is Recreation Management, you have to know how to play!" Apparently if you study Rec management here you have to learn at least one instrument. I have a feeling Rec Management in Korea is very different then what I studied at home. After we had this little conversation the Social studies teacher told me to follow her and the home ec. teacher. We walked into the English room where she handed me a guitar and started to teach me how to play. Today I learned the chords C and A minor. I also had to sing "Raise Me Up" while she played the guitar. As stated early, I am a TERRIBLE singer... I'm definitely tone deaf and I can't for the life of me read music. But, I have until December to learn to play the guitar and sing decently for the school's Winter Festival. What am I getting into?!

The teachers at Bannam are so friendly and exciting. They are always talking, laughing and snacking (which is nice, sometimes I get really hungry in the afternoon and no one talks or snacks at Geumcheon). My last class was finished at 3 pm today. I went to the teachers room and did the usual surfing of the internet. Ms. No asked me I would like to go for a walk around the school. I was all for this since my eyes were hurting from staring at the computer. We went for a 45 minute walk around the area and chatted the whole time. It was really nice and great for her so she can practice her English!

Last week was Chuseok vacation. Chuseok is Korea's Thanksgiving, usually Koreans go to their grandparent's house or have family to their house. They have a memorial service and then eat breakfast together. The traditional food during Chuseok is songpyeon, which is a rice cake type thing. For foreigners it's a vacation from school and everyday happenings. Several friends and I planned to go camping on Bigeumdo Island on the famous Heart Shaped Beach. As Chuseok neared so did a Tropical Depression, headed straight for the Island we were suppose to be at. We postponed our trip a day and spent Saturday evening hanging out together and having a big sleep over so we could all wake up together to go to the bus terminal. After a 45 minute bus ride, a 2 hour ferry ride and a 15 minute cab ride we arrived to the beach. It was overcast and foggy on Sunday, but that didn't stop us from setting up camp, collecting firewood for the camp fire and sitting on the beach. We had a great afternoon of fun and then sat around the fire for several hours enjoying each other's company. Monday was a beautiful and hot day, which was perfect for laying on the beach, swimming, hiking and playing games (or building random obstacle courses). Some of us got sunburns from falling asleep on the beach which prompted some people to get theirs out and apply it to avoid anymore burns. As the sun set, the boys built the fire where we enjoyed another night full of laughs, heart to hearts, and a bundle of memories. We even had s'mores thanks to some brilliant ladies ;) We also, unfortunately, acquired a bundle of bug bites during our night by the fire. Tuesday was another beautiful day, so we spent some time on the beach or napping in the shade after cleaning everything up. Then we headed off to catch the ferry back to Mokpo. The traffic was of course, insane because of it being the holiday but we eventually made it back to Gwangju and parted ways. On the weekends I've been crashing at my friend Gail's place, so we headed back to her apartment. We both had an extra day off on Wednesday. We slept in late, took our time getting around and then headed downtown to enjoy the day shopping. I got a bunch of things for my apartment, to spice it up a little bit more.

I had a 2 day work week at Geumcheon, which went by pretty quickly. Friday night the girls and I went out for dinner, shared a delicious warm brownie with ice cream at the First Alleyway and then headed to Ethnic Bar for a quiet evening of chatting. It's a great little place where you sit on super comfy pillows surrounded by candles and water and they play great music. Our quiet night turned into a late night at Soul Train. After being at Ethnic Bar for awhile we started to get too comfortable and wanted to sleep, so we woke up to join the boys. Gail and I eventually headed home to bed since we were getting up early for a beach party in Wando on Saturday. A few of us caught the bus to Wando around 9 am on Saturday which was another beautiful day for being on the beach and swimming in the ocean. It was a pretty cool time and we spent another night in a tent.

This Friday I plan on staying in my apartment in Naju... I think I need a little downtime. But then again, if something else exciting comes up then I'll head to Gwangju because being with friends is much more appealing then spending another night alone. :)

Gail and me at dinner

the girls and me on my birthday dinner night

friends building obstacle courses on the beach

view of the beach we stayed at

our campsite

Bannam School

Today was my first day at the 2nd school I will teach at this year. It is about a 30 minute bus ride off into the country. I'm not exactly sure where the bus stop is suppose to be, but when I told the bus driver "Bannam Joong Hakkyo, juseyo" (Bannam Middle School, please) He dropped me at the end of the school's driveway while him and another passenger pointed to the school. Such kindness in this country makes me smile.

I walked in not sure where to go or what to do. Someone showed me to the teacher's room, where two of the men turned on my computer after saying hello to me. I waited for the English teacher to arrive, but in the mean time the other teachers began to arrive and say hello to me (in English, too). They all have a little bit of knowledge of English and are super friendly. Mrs. No is the art teacher, but also has an English class. Her English is decent, but she needs/wants to practice to be better. Mrs. Im is the other teacher, she has been teaching English for 11 years. English was not her first choice of subjects, it was in fact, French. But since there were no French teacher's needed, she changed to English. She is really wonderfully sweet. Eventually all the teachers filed into the Principal's office, followed by Mrs. Im and I. They read an introduction about me and all clapped and said welcome. I then left to "relax" until my first class at 10:55 (I got to school at 8 am, too).

My first class was grade 2. They were pretty quiet, but I asked them lots of questions about what they like/dislike to get them to participate. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect the first day, so I was quite unprepared. I didn't have another class until 2:15, this was grade 3's. I prepared a worksheet to get to know them, which I collected to practice their names. It turned out to be hard for them to write their favorite's down. I made them all stand up to read it to me then, as well. The last question was "what do you want to learn in English class this year" The top 3 choices were English games, pop songs and US culture. I will gladly incorporate all of those things in my class. One of the boys in the back of the room (I was warned about him) cannot read or speak English. I'm not sure how to go about handling him. I was told to just skip him, because there is nothing you could do to help him. He doesn't really know the alphabet either (I tried helping him spell something, that took a good 10 minutes!) His friend had to help him write his own name... yikes. These students are all very respectful and kind, which is a HUGE change from the kids I taught last year. The thing that blew me away, neither class left until the all stood up and bowed to me and then said something in Korea which was translated to me as them saying "I love you" haha. It was really cute!

I also have a workshop, which is basically Mrs. Im, Mrs. No and I having conversations so they can practice. I'll have to prepare some things so I have topics to talk about. After school all the teachers and I went out for dinner in Sangmu. We went to a traditional Korean restaurant, pretty sure most of the food was fish based, which I've come to hate in Korea. Some of the things were really good. I also ate octopus, which turns out isn't so bad. The teachers are all really great, so friendly and welcoming. Mrs. Im told me that she is making the one teacher join the workshop so she can work on her English, too. The Principal spoke a little to me. He's really friendly as well. His daughter is an English teacher and his brother in law is from England. Apparently, he is pretty shy. One of the teachers said to me "make the Principal join the workshop and then give him lots of homework!" haha It was a really great first day. I feel so welcome and relaxed there! I'm excited for this year at Bannam. Mrs. Im is my neighbor in Naju. She is going to give me a ride to school on Monday and Tuesday mornings, because she is "concerned" about me going on the bus alone. She said "You remind me of my daughter, you are the same age. I want you to be safe so I will drive you to school" It was really sweet and kind of her to offer. The Principal was asking a lot of questions in Korea about me as well. I guess he was concerned, too. It's nice being surrounded by AWESOME/KIND coworkers/bosses! It looks as though my sanity will remain intact this year. Yay!

This past weekend I headed into Gwangju for a weekend of fun with friends. Which indeed was had by all. Honestly, nothing beats nights of laughs, games, sitting by rivers talking, kimbap and walking home as the sun is coming up. Weekends like this are what make the coming week so much better. Pretty much sums up my Saturday evening, but the day was filled with hiking with the boys and then dancing to a concert by Feed the Boats with friends in the park.

Life is indeed pretty wonderful. :)

photo's from my friends iphone... I forgot to charge my camera batteries.

Back to School

Today was my first official day at Geumcheon Middle School. I had to arrive early for a "special meeting" with the other teachers and the new Vice Principal. I met the Principal this morning shortly after arriving this morning. He seems to be a kind man, anytime I saw him throughout the day he would smile at me and say "hello Megan!" (If you've heard/read about my school last year, this would NEVER happen). After awhile all the teachers in the school flooded into the teachers room for this meeting. The Principal asked me to sit in the front of the room and the vice principal was next to me. They said a bunch of things about the V.P and then he talked and everyone clapped. He took a seat and I had to stand, the Principal began reading things off about me in Korean. I said hello to everyone and bowed to them and then everyone clapped again. It was a little awkward. The teachers are really kind and will stop and tell me things in broken English. The science teacher has an English name, Krista, she sat and talked to me and then gave me a newspaper that had a tiny section in English (I guess I looked really bored). One of the other teachers gave me a rice cake snack that had something dry and odd inside it. Seeing how friendly and laid back everything is at school makes me so happy and relieved. Last year I was treated terribly and would always get yelled at for trying to teach MY class the way I wanted to. I can see it won't be happening this year.

My first class started around 10:40, after sitting on the internet for a little over 2 hours (seriously public school is AWESOME!) The first year students were very talkative and friendly. Only a few boys wanted to ask questions, but after a little while the girls warmed up to me. The first question out of each classes mouth was "do you have a boyfriend?" They asked me if I knew KPop and if I like baseball. When I said I liked Girls' Generation, GDragon and Kia Tigers they class erupted in cheers and claps. Winning them over was easy enough. I talked a little bit to them and then Mr. Kim began teaching. I'm not 100% sure when my time to teach is, I really haven't been told much. After class 1, began year 2 students. These students are shy and don't want to use their English, although I'm not quite sure they have much knowledge of English anyway. Mr. Kim didn't really give them or me time to talk, he introduced me and started teaching. Some of the girls asked me questions (or attempted to).

After class number 2 it was lunch time. Lunch was not so bad, I accidentally had a bite of octopus (it was fried and I couldn't tell). It wasn't so bad, but I still didn't eat anymore. After lunch I had 1 more class. These are the year 3 students. They were pretty entertaining, although I wasn't given much time to talk to them. I have lots of students names to learn at some point! The one student has short hair and must be mistaken for a boy often. She turned to me and said "man or woman, which one" I laughed and asked what she was talking about and then she pointed to herself and repeated "man or woman" I wasn't quite sure, but I didn't want to look like a terrible teacher who can't tell if her students are boys or girls, luckily as she turned her head I noticed she had her ear pierced. I told her girl and she said "beautiful?" and I said "yes, you are" She loved this answer, shook my hand and turned around to begin studying.

My last class ended at 2 pm. Which meant 3 hours of desk warming. I finished my book, played on the internet, read some blogs and stared at the clock (I'm going to have to start taking naps!) By no means am I complaining, while it does get pretty boring it definitely beats last years work schedule with NO breaks!

I'm interested to find out what my school on Monday and Tuesday is like. I hear it is MUCH better than Geumcheon and I already think that school is pretty great.

To end, I'll leave you with a few pictures of my apartment.

my living room looking into the kitchen (from balcony one).

Balcony one where I hang my laundry

My bedroom (this was pretty much the size of my WHOLE apartment last year!)

Kitchen looking towards the living room

Balcony two is kind of gross... obviously I have to use it to do my laundry.