Alright well not too much has happened since I last wrote.
This week has not been as crazy with the kids because I have less of them. Only the elementary ones have come for week five classes. It is hard to believe I will be prepping for week six of my classes this weekend.
I am thinking of prepping for week six and week seven because my parents are coming to Seoul on Thursday.
I don't want to be doing my lesson plans when they are here. I want to spend the maximum time with them and hope that they enjoy themselves!
Tuesday night I had a dinner with my "group leader" and team at a Korean BBQ place. Each instructor at Mokdong has a group leader who will answer questions, help you in you have any problems, and in my case, watched my TV of my classes a couple times. My group leader's name is Sasha and she is really nice. I think she has been in Korea for about two years now.
She took five of us out to dinner and we had a great time. There were three of us who were new to teaching and three who have been there for a couple of years. Actually, there was a guy who has been in Korea for seven years! He doesn't know any Korean either. I am already feeling like a idiot for not knowing the language. Seven years of not knowing much, that seems crazy to me!
Wednesday I didn't have any school. I slept in and went to go get some breakfast. I then traveled to that same area where I went shopping a couple of weeks ago. I just wandered around because it was a cool fall day. I ended up at this one traditional market called Namdaemun Market. It reminded me of the Vietnam markets my parents and I went to.
They did have cheap things, but it was the atmosphere I admired. There were a lot of people around buying various items like hats, panty-hose, socks, etc. It is kind of just a whole bunch of things mixed together at this market.
It was an outdoor market, but once I walked in I had to stop and take it all in. One of the entrances was on a bit of a slant and I was able to stand at the top and look at the people shopping below.
The scene brought back the memories I had from Vietnam with my parents as well as the feeling of wow, am I really here?
I know I have been in Korea for a while now, however I still have these random moments when I have to take a step back and realize how lucky I am to be standing here right as this moment. It is really remarkable:)
Yesterday when Racheal and I were coming back from class we were watching some weird gigantic blow-up people walking down the street. There were like three or four of these "people-ballon figured" who were advertising the beer "D- Dry Finish." It was almost like a parade with these figured, blow up beer bottles, and women with streamers.
We thought it was pretty odd. Although it was more funny than odd.
We kept walking down the street to our apartment when we saw this mini silver bus with a big blow-up beer on top with people standing in line. We waited in line and finally got into this bus. They gave us free samples of the beer and then let us take the rest of the beer! We also got our pictures taken with the beer in our hand. Apparently the pictures will be on the website next week. If so, I will post them somehow!
As for this weekend, I don't have any solid plans. I know our friends from training are coming up again though. We might see a movie or just explore more. I do want to go back to that market again and see what I can buy!
Love,
Kristen
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Seoul Style
Hello-
Sorry I have not written in a while! I have been on-the-go for a week just doing various things.
I had Tuesday and Wednesday off from school because of the Korean thanksgiving and it has completely thrown me for a loop.
I find myself forgetting what day it is and getting confused.
I started back to school last Thursday with only the elementary school kids. The middle school kids have a couple weeks off to study for a big test they are taking soon. I had one class Thursday and one class Friday. Saturday I made up my class I missed on Tuesday. This is why I am confused on what day it is because I worked on a Saturday.
Friday I finally got the internet for my apartment. It is a USB device I put into my computer every time I want to use the internet. I have a certain limit on how much space I use, so I am not sure how often I can use skype. It might take up a lot of my space but I don't know.
Anyways, The kids I am teaching are doing pretty well and I am getting a better grasp at the whole teaching gig.
I really liked the people I work with because most of them have been in South Korea teaching for a while and they know the places to hang around in Seoul.
Friday and Saturday night I went out to a couple of bars. I had a delicious margarita:) Hongdae at night is absolutely shocking. There are so many people on the streets that it is insane to even think of driving down one of them. However, there still are the crazy people who drive down and it seems like it takes them forever to go one-hundred yards.
Racheal, Brandon, and I sat down on a street corner and people watched for a while. We were looking for the best and worst dressed people. We found some pretty funny people who were wearing outfits that didn't make much sense. We also found some really well-dressed guys and girls as well. People watching is great because you can relax and take in the scene.
Today (Sunday) I went to a little mall which was the next subway stop over from Hongdae.
I didn't do much clothes shopping, but bought a pretty scarf and a water filter. I have been on a hunt for a water filter with no luck until today. It takes up a lot of room in my fridge, but at least I don't have to buy water all the time now.
My favorite part of the day was when Racheal and I were walking home from the mall.
A girl with some pamphlets came over and said a salon was styling hair for free to get their store name out to the public. In the middle of the street were a bunch of stylists, chairs, mirrors, hair products, and people waiting to get their hair styled for free. Racheal convinced me to wait in line to have my hair done.
I sat down and decided to let the male stylist curl my hair. I kept laughing because I was sitting in a chair having my hair done in the middle of the street. He curled it with an extremely hot curling iron and then put some product in it.
I love curling my hair at home, it just takes so much time to do it. My hair is now in big beautiful curls and it looks really nice.
Racheal got her hair straightened and it looks cool too. Her hair is short and curly, so it took a little longer but still worth it.
We got our pictures taken by a woman who works at the salon when it was all finished.
I kept saying too bad I didn't have anywhere important to be because it would have been nice to go somewhere fancy after my hair was all done.
Now it is time for me to prep for school tomorrow. I don't have any 7-10PM classes this week. Therefore I only have to prep for one level. Who knows what I will do with all my free time!!!
I'll be sure to let you know:)
Kristen
Sorry I have not written in a while! I have been on-the-go for a week just doing various things.
I had Tuesday and Wednesday off from school because of the Korean thanksgiving and it has completely thrown me for a loop.
I find myself forgetting what day it is and getting confused.
I started back to school last Thursday with only the elementary school kids. The middle school kids have a couple weeks off to study for a big test they are taking soon. I had one class Thursday and one class Friday. Saturday I made up my class I missed on Tuesday. This is why I am confused on what day it is because I worked on a Saturday.
Friday I finally got the internet for my apartment. It is a USB device I put into my computer every time I want to use the internet. I have a certain limit on how much space I use, so I am not sure how often I can use skype. It might take up a lot of my space but I don't know.
Anyways, The kids I am teaching are doing pretty well and I am getting a better grasp at the whole teaching gig.
I really liked the people I work with because most of them have been in South Korea teaching for a while and they know the places to hang around in Seoul.
Friday and Saturday night I went out to a couple of bars. I had a delicious margarita:) Hongdae at night is absolutely shocking. There are so many people on the streets that it is insane to even think of driving down one of them. However, there still are the crazy people who drive down and it seems like it takes them forever to go one-hundred yards.
Racheal, Brandon, and I sat down on a street corner and people watched for a while. We were looking for the best and worst dressed people. We found some pretty funny people who were wearing outfits that didn't make much sense. We also found some really well-dressed guys and girls as well. People watching is great because you can relax and take in the scene.
Today (Sunday) I went to a little mall which was the next subway stop over from Hongdae.
I didn't do much clothes shopping, but bought a pretty scarf and a water filter. I have been on a hunt for a water filter with no luck until today. It takes up a lot of room in my fridge, but at least I don't have to buy water all the time now.
My favorite part of the day was when Racheal and I were walking home from the mall.
A girl with some pamphlets came over and said a salon was styling hair for free to get their store name out to the public. In the middle of the street were a bunch of stylists, chairs, mirrors, hair products, and people waiting to get their hair styled for free. Racheal convinced me to wait in line to have my hair done.
I sat down and decided to let the male stylist curl my hair. I kept laughing because I was sitting in a chair having my hair done in the middle of the street. He curled it with an extremely hot curling iron and then put some product in it.
I love curling my hair at home, it just takes so much time to do it. My hair is now in big beautiful curls and it looks really nice.
Racheal got her hair straightened and it looks cool too. Her hair is short and curly, so it took a little longer but still worth it.
We got our pictures taken by a woman who works at the salon when it was all finished.
I kept saying too bad I didn't have anywhere important to be because it would have been nice to go somewhere fancy after my hair was all done.
Now it is time for me to prep for school tomorrow. I don't have any 7-10PM classes this week. Therefore I only have to prep for one level. Who knows what I will do with all my free time!!!
I'll be sure to let you know:)
Kristen
Monday, September 20, 2010
Chuseok
How is everything in the US of A everyone?
Everything is going well here, just teaching the kids and living the dream in Seoul, South Korea:) A couple of you might get the living the dream reference, sorry for those who don't.
My weekend was relaxing but I was constantly on the go as well. Teaching ended at 7PM on Friday for me because I have a half day on Fridays. I don't think there is a better day to have only one three-hour class.
I went out to have a couple of drinks, but didn't do much else because wanted to get up early and find a big park to run.
Saturday morning I woke up early and took the subway a couple of stops to a park called Yeouido Park. There were hundreds of middle school students at the park. It must have been a middle school clean up day because they all had garbage bags and plastic gloves. I remember doing the same thing at the Erie Canal for Pittsford Crew, but these kids were actually have a good time.
There were two paths in the park. One for bicycles and the other for walking/running. I ran all around this park for around six miles. I had to convert kilometers to miles. I couldn't believe I could still run because I have been slacking on the working out situation.
The park was pretty and I would definitely go back. There was a part in the middle that looked like there could be some concerts held. A stage and a whole bunch of chairs set up. There were also statues of important kings, different ponds, basketball area, and grassy areas to have a picnic. The place I really want to run is right beside the Han River. The Han river is the one that flows directly through Seoul. I go over the river on the subway when I get to my school every day. There is a little path that goes next to it. I need to find the best subway stop and get off to run:)
Saturday night I went out with some people from work because it was one girl's last day in Seoul. She had been teaching at Mokdong for a year. I don't like when the people I have started to get to know leave three weeks after I meet them.
Her name was Rachelle and she was leaving that next day to go travel through Thailand. I like finding out where people are traveling after they are done with teaching so that maybe I will get some ideas for myself!
We went to a cute place where I had some red wine. It is the first time I have wine in this country! It has been only beer, random cocktails, and sojo which is like a watered down vodka. Only this stuff comes in a bottle like beer and is around 1,000 won. 1,200 won is around $1.00.
Sunday was my favorite day of the weekend. Racheal and I went out to find some places to shop. We found the shopping district called "Myeong-dong" where everyone goes. We also met up with the other two girls from our training, Aisling and Sanam. Aisling is from Dublin, Ireland but lived in London for a couple of years. Sanam is from Toronto. They are all a little older than me, around twenty-five and twenty-six.
We found a HUGE Forever 21 with four floors. I was in love with this place. I got a coat and a shirt for work. We went to H&M, but didn't like their stuff as much. All of these places were outside on a side road with all kinds of stores. H&M, Forever 21, The Body Shop, Converse, four DiFFERENT Zaras, Gap, etc.
We then went into an actual mall and within maybe a couple of minutes left. There was Coach, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc. I'm like "yeah, not really what we were looking for."
A couple of subway stops away from Myeong-dong was more of the Korean market. It reminded me of the markets in Vietnam but more expensive. These people didn't want to haggle AT ALL even though the stuff was not even the best quality. I bought a black winter dress that I really liked, but nothing else caught my eye.
After shopping we went to eat some Indian food. I don't usually go for Indian food because when I was in India I was really sick on the plane ride from New Delhi to Chennai. It was a good experience this time though. Nothing too spicy and it did not upset my stomach.
I have honestly liked just about everything I have eaten here. I have had an upset stomach a couple of times, but it was probably from getting used to the spice. I am also not eating much lactose either, which has made a lot of difference because I think I have a bit of lactose-intolerance.
I have been eating a lot of kimchi, korean bbq, rice, cold and hot noddles, vegetables, and fruit. I have a vegetable and fruit lady down the street:) Love apples, oranges, and bananas.
This week is a little different than the other weeks. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the Korean version of Thanksgiving or Chuseok.
I don't have school on Tuesday or Wednesday because the kids travel and see family. They asked me why I wasn't going to see my family. I told them the thirteen-hour flight for two days was not really worth it. I had a full day yesterday, half day thursday, and regular half day friday.
Last night after work about ten of us went out to grab drinks and food in Itaewon. Itaewon is known as the foreigner's town in Seoul. A couple of my co-workers live there. I like it, but it is almost too much of a foreigner's town for me. I don't want to walk into every bar in Itaewon with only western people. Itaewon is also known for the many different types of restaurants though. Any type of food you want would be there.
Today I am just hanging out in my apartment because it is down-pouring here. I don't want to walk anywhere in this. Thunder and lightening as well. Later I will probably go out with some people and see what is open. A lot of places close down for three days, so we will have to see what is open.
Tomorrow I have been recruited to go hiking and climbing up some hill in Seoul. I don't know many of the details and who knows if it will actually happen.
Nothing will be open tomorrow and we don't have much family here.....
However, my parents are coming in two weeks to visit me!!!! I am writing down some places to go with them. CAN"T WAIT. Should be a fantastic trip for them and it will be great to see them too!!
Have a great week!!!
xoxo
Kristen
Everything is going well here, just teaching the kids and living the dream in Seoul, South Korea:) A couple of you might get the living the dream reference, sorry for those who don't.
My weekend was relaxing but I was constantly on the go as well. Teaching ended at 7PM on Friday for me because I have a half day on Fridays. I don't think there is a better day to have only one three-hour class.
I went out to have a couple of drinks, but didn't do much else because wanted to get up early and find a big park to run.
Saturday morning I woke up early and took the subway a couple of stops to a park called Yeouido Park. There were hundreds of middle school students at the park. It must have been a middle school clean up day because they all had garbage bags and plastic gloves. I remember doing the same thing at the Erie Canal for Pittsford Crew, but these kids were actually have a good time.
There were two paths in the park. One for bicycles and the other for walking/running. I ran all around this park for around six miles. I had to convert kilometers to miles. I couldn't believe I could still run because I have been slacking on the working out situation.
The park was pretty and I would definitely go back. There was a part in the middle that looked like there could be some concerts held. A stage and a whole bunch of chairs set up. There were also statues of important kings, different ponds, basketball area, and grassy areas to have a picnic. The place I really want to run is right beside the Han River. The Han river is the one that flows directly through Seoul. I go over the river on the subway when I get to my school every day. There is a little path that goes next to it. I need to find the best subway stop and get off to run:)
Saturday night I went out with some people from work because it was one girl's last day in Seoul. She had been teaching at Mokdong for a year. I don't like when the people I have started to get to know leave three weeks after I meet them.
Her name was Rachelle and she was leaving that next day to go travel through Thailand. I like finding out where people are traveling after they are done with teaching so that maybe I will get some ideas for myself!
We went to a cute place where I had some red wine. It is the first time I have wine in this country! It has been only beer, random cocktails, and sojo which is like a watered down vodka. Only this stuff comes in a bottle like beer and is around 1,000 won. 1,200 won is around $1.00.
Sunday was my favorite day of the weekend. Racheal and I went out to find some places to shop. We found the shopping district called "Myeong-dong" where everyone goes. We also met up with the other two girls from our training, Aisling and Sanam. Aisling is from Dublin, Ireland but lived in London for a couple of years. Sanam is from Toronto. They are all a little older than me, around twenty-five and twenty-six.
We found a HUGE Forever 21 with four floors. I was in love with this place. I got a coat and a shirt for work. We went to H&M, but didn't like their stuff as much. All of these places were outside on a side road with all kinds of stores. H&M, Forever 21, The Body Shop, Converse, four DiFFERENT Zaras, Gap, etc.
We then went into an actual mall and within maybe a couple of minutes left. There was Coach, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc. I'm like "yeah, not really what we were looking for."
A couple of subway stops away from Myeong-dong was more of the Korean market. It reminded me of the markets in Vietnam but more expensive. These people didn't want to haggle AT ALL even though the stuff was not even the best quality. I bought a black winter dress that I really liked, but nothing else caught my eye.
After shopping we went to eat some Indian food. I don't usually go for Indian food because when I was in India I was really sick on the plane ride from New Delhi to Chennai. It was a good experience this time though. Nothing too spicy and it did not upset my stomach.
I have honestly liked just about everything I have eaten here. I have had an upset stomach a couple of times, but it was probably from getting used to the spice. I am also not eating much lactose either, which has made a lot of difference because I think I have a bit of lactose-intolerance.
I have been eating a lot of kimchi, korean bbq, rice, cold and hot noddles, vegetables, and fruit. I have a vegetable and fruit lady down the street:) Love apples, oranges, and bananas.
This week is a little different than the other weeks. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the Korean version of Thanksgiving or Chuseok.
I don't have school on Tuesday or Wednesday because the kids travel and see family. They asked me why I wasn't going to see my family. I told them the thirteen-hour flight for two days was not really worth it. I had a full day yesterday, half day thursday, and regular half day friday.
Last night after work about ten of us went out to grab drinks and food in Itaewon. Itaewon is known as the foreigner's town in Seoul. A couple of my co-workers live there. I like it, but it is almost too much of a foreigner's town for me. I don't want to walk into every bar in Itaewon with only western people. Itaewon is also known for the many different types of restaurants though. Any type of food you want would be there.
Today I am just hanging out in my apartment because it is down-pouring here. I don't want to walk anywhere in this. Thunder and lightening as well. Later I will probably go out with some people and see what is open. A lot of places close down for three days, so we will have to see what is open.
Tomorrow I have been recruited to go hiking and climbing up some hill in Seoul. I don't know many of the details and who knows if it will actually happen.
Nothing will be open tomorrow and we don't have much family here.....
However, my parents are coming in two weeks to visit me!!!! I am writing down some places to go with them. CAN"T WAIT. Should be a fantastic trip for them and it will be great to see them too!!
Have a great week!!!
xoxo
Kristen
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Cooling Down.....Sort Of
Hey Hey Hey-
Yes, it is cooling down in that it is not as humid. However, it has still been around 82 degrees for the past week. This week has been extra fantastic because it has not rained for at least five days. I think it is the record since I have been here. I like rain once in a while but when everyone has their umbrella up on some narrow sidewalks it gets hard to walk past people and sometimes if you are not careful you will get hit.
Yesterday I went in search of a gym I could join in the winter months because I won't be able to run outside. I called the "Korean Tourist Help-Line" and they told me of two places. One place was in a hotel close by my apartment. Mom and Dad if you are reading, it is called the Seokyo Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul. I went in and it was nice, but you might want to stay in Gangnum with the American hotels. The gym membership for six-months was 1,000,000 won which is about $800. It includes the fitness center, sauna, and the cooling and heating pools. It is more than I would like to spend on a gym membership. I went to search for another place but couldn't find it. I kept trying to ask and people were pointing further and further down a road I was traveling on. I don't want to be hiking twenty to thirty minutes to get to the gym on foot every day in the winter.
On my way home from the gym I couldn't find, I walked past a store called "Watsons." Watsons is a personal convenience store. They have all different kind of beauty products and supplies. Most of the brands were American. I bought some body wash I usually use at home, pantene conditioner, and a couple of nail polishes. Before I came to South Korea I was told it would be hard to find certain beauty products and things. I have seen numerous amounts of beauty stores that I have no idea what anyone was talking about with not being able to find supplies. This store is definitely going to be my go- to for anything I need in the beauty department. They even have vitamins, health food items, and awesome face/peel masks.
I STILL have not had the a ton of time to get the internet because my friend that will help us has also not had time either. He is teaching the highest English level we have at our school, so he needs to grade papers with essays and writing sections. Friday before school he said he can help Racheal and I with the internet.
Although yesterday I went to another cafe and skyped with a few people I have been wanting to talk with for a while. I was able to skype with my friends Erin and Kristen. It was awesome being able to talk to them from so far away on my computer. I sat outside and they could hear all the cars, buses, and people doing construction on the road. I wanted to sit inside but the music in the cafe was way too loud to talk to anyone on the computer. I also talked to my parents and Matt! If you are ever on skype definitely call me, I would love to talk to you:)
Teaching is going well, with the help of some starbucks double-shot americano drinks. Yesterday was probably my hardest day I have had teaching so far. I only have four kids in this one class who NEVER speak one word. When they do finally speak it is so soft you have to keep asking them what they said. I also had to sit down with this one kid because he has not done his online or offline homework for two weeks straight. He also does not do well on his in-class quizzes and doesn't pay attention.
I asked him if there was a reason he wasn't doing his homework and he said he didn't have enough time. I totally get that, they go to school all day and have different activities everyday after school until 10PM.
On the other hand, I told him he needs to try and make some time because if you don't do any homework it makes it tough to do well on the review tests and level-up to another class in ten weeks. I KNOW this kid is smart because when he pays attention and we do the questions about a reading together, he has all the correct answers.
I just sent him a "encouragement message" on the computer to tell him again I know he has the potential to do great in my class.
Everything else is going alright though. Not many other problems. I can't wait for the weekend because I want to go search for some parks and run!! I might run this 10k race in October with a couple of co-workers, we will see.
Adios Amigos!
Kristen
Yes, it is cooling down in that it is not as humid. However, it has still been around 82 degrees for the past week. This week has been extra fantastic because it has not rained for at least five days. I think it is the record since I have been here. I like rain once in a while but when everyone has their umbrella up on some narrow sidewalks it gets hard to walk past people and sometimes if you are not careful you will get hit.
Yesterday I went in search of a gym I could join in the winter months because I won't be able to run outside. I called the "Korean Tourist Help-Line" and they told me of two places. One place was in a hotel close by my apartment. Mom and Dad if you are reading, it is called the Seokyo Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul. I went in and it was nice, but you might want to stay in Gangnum with the American hotels. The gym membership for six-months was 1,000,000 won which is about $800. It includes the fitness center, sauna, and the cooling and heating pools. It is more than I would like to spend on a gym membership. I went to search for another place but couldn't find it. I kept trying to ask and people were pointing further and further down a road I was traveling on. I don't want to be hiking twenty to thirty minutes to get to the gym on foot every day in the winter.
On my way home from the gym I couldn't find, I walked past a store called "Watsons." Watsons is a personal convenience store. They have all different kind of beauty products and supplies. Most of the brands were American. I bought some body wash I usually use at home, pantene conditioner, and a couple of nail polishes. Before I came to South Korea I was told it would be hard to find certain beauty products and things. I have seen numerous amounts of beauty stores that I have no idea what anyone was talking about with not being able to find supplies. This store is definitely going to be my go- to for anything I need in the beauty department. They even have vitamins, health food items, and awesome face/peel masks.
I STILL have not had the a ton of time to get the internet because my friend that will help us has also not had time either. He is teaching the highest English level we have at our school, so he needs to grade papers with essays and writing sections. Friday before school he said he can help Racheal and I with the internet.
Although yesterday I went to another cafe and skyped with a few people I have been wanting to talk with for a while. I was able to skype with my friends Erin and Kristen. It was awesome being able to talk to them from so far away on my computer. I sat outside and they could hear all the cars, buses, and people doing construction on the road. I wanted to sit inside but the music in the cafe was way too loud to talk to anyone on the computer. I also talked to my parents and Matt! If you are ever on skype definitely call me, I would love to talk to you:)
Teaching is going well, with the help of some starbucks double-shot americano drinks. Yesterday was probably my hardest day I have had teaching so far. I only have four kids in this one class who NEVER speak one word. When they do finally speak it is so soft you have to keep asking them what they said. I also had to sit down with this one kid because he has not done his online or offline homework for two weeks straight. He also does not do well on his in-class quizzes and doesn't pay attention.
I asked him if there was a reason he wasn't doing his homework and he said he didn't have enough time. I totally get that, they go to school all day and have different activities everyday after school until 10PM.
On the other hand, I told him he needs to try and make some time because if you don't do any homework it makes it tough to do well on the review tests and level-up to another class in ten weeks. I KNOW this kid is smart because when he pays attention and we do the questions about a reading together, he has all the correct answers.
I just sent him a "encouragement message" on the computer to tell him again I know he has the potential to do great in my class.
Everything else is going alright though. Not many other problems. I can't wait for the weekend because I want to go search for some parks and run!! I might run this 10k race in October with a couple of co-workers, we will see.
Adios Amigos!
Kristen
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Official Alien of South Korea
Yeah! I got my ARC card or better known as the Alien Registration Card. I have been waiting for this card for a month. Now I can get an actual internet service for my apartment. Up until now I have been stealing internet from cafes and from someone in my building. Unfortunately the person I am stealing it from blocks skype and it is not always the best signal.
The card is super pretty. It has my name and that I am a E-2 Visa holder. E-2 is for people who are teaching English in South Korea:)
Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I had a great end to the week with my classes and then went out to have fun with some people from work and others from training.
Friday night Racheal, Brandon, and I went to hunt down a pizza place. There are a bunch of places, but they are usually extremely expensive for a whole pizza or just for a slice. The other thing is we didn't want to go to a pizza hut or somewhere where we have at home. We went to this place a couple of doors down from my apartment and the pizza was actually delicious. I had a slice of spinach with a couple different kinds of cheese. I probably should have gone light on the cheese because I have a feeling I am a little lactose intolerant. I have been staying away from cheese and milk for the most part. Sometimes I completely forget and my stomach hurts, therefore reminding me of why I shouldn't be having as much lactose.
Later that night, I went out with about five co-workers at my school. I hopped on the subway to the next stop called Sinchon. It is pronounced like "Shin-Chon. Along with the five of them, we had a couple of people they invited out who were not from my school. The eight of us headed out to find a bar which was not too loud and a place we could play darts. We found a couple of ridiculously loud bars and decided against them. They looked fun, but I wanted to be able to talk to people and not have to shout.
We walked a bit further down a brightly lit ally way where we found a place with cheap drinks and a place to sit. We talked, drank some beers, and played darts. I am completely awful at darts. I don't think I have ever played, but I realized how terrible I am at them. After the bars we went out to Mcdonalds and everyone grabbed something to eat. I think Mcdonalds is open 24/7, but a lot of the menu is different than back home. The Big Mac and chicken nuggets look the same, but you have a shrimp burger, shanghai chicken, and a couple of different wrap selections. I am not really the Mcdonalds type, so I didn't get anything. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it though:)
Saturday I slept in late because I was exhausted and didn't get home until late. I went to a few shops and purchased some more things for my apartment. Different hooks, cleaning stuff, and some fruits and veggies.
Later in the day I got a call from Racheal saying a few people from our training group were in Seoul for the weekend. After training (week one) about half of the people left to go to a different part of the country for their jobs with Chungdahm. A couple of the people that were in training were hilarious and I was sad they were leaving Seoul.
Racheal, Brandon, and I met up with four people from training. We went to this one place where they were selling turkish chicken wraps and sat down. It was great to hear different stories of their experience so far with teaching and more about the schools they taught in. A couple didn't like being in the "country-side" and wished they were back in Seoul. However the other two loved being out of Seoul because they don't like big cities or subways.
After the chicken place, we were engulfed by a couple of students wanting to take our picture for a project at the university nearby. This one guy took like ten pictures of us with our umbrellas and of course posing with the western "peace sign" hand gesture. He kept saying "one more, one-more picture." That was the first time someone has come up wanting a picture. It must have been because there were so many of us.
Later that night we went out to the bars and such around Hongdae. A couple of places were fun such as Zen Bar and GoGos. At Zen bar all they played was western music. I looked around to the other people in the bar and there was actually a fair amount of western people. I couldn't believe I was half way around the world and listening to the same music. I thought I came over to escape the madness of that kind of music. Don't get me wrong, the beats are fun and I do like any music, but I wanted something different. All in all it was a great night with plenty of dancing and laughing.
Yesterday I went to a huge electronic market at a place called Yongsan. I believe it is the biggest electronic market South Korea. They sold EVERY kind of electronic you might need. I didn't need anything but wanted to go because I heard it was huge. Maybe when I have money to spend I can go back and purchase something. This market was probably around eight or nine floors with electronic after electronic. There were also like a million people working there and asking "Can I help you, Can I help you." I just wanted to look but had to walk fast because I didn't want to be stopped by anyone asking if they could help me.
The weekend was filled with music, laughs, and good times. Now I have prepped for my week and have to look over the topics I am teaching about. Tomorrow I will probably go search for an internet service. I might ask my friend Tony to help because he speaks Korean and my Korean is not really up to par.
Miss you all!
Kristen
The card is super pretty. It has my name and that I am a E-2 Visa holder. E-2 is for people who are teaching English in South Korea:)
Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I had a great end to the week with my classes and then went out to have fun with some people from work and others from training.
Friday night Racheal, Brandon, and I went to hunt down a pizza place. There are a bunch of places, but they are usually extremely expensive for a whole pizza or just for a slice. The other thing is we didn't want to go to a pizza hut or somewhere where we have at home. We went to this place a couple of doors down from my apartment and the pizza was actually delicious. I had a slice of spinach with a couple different kinds of cheese. I probably should have gone light on the cheese because I have a feeling I am a little lactose intolerant. I have been staying away from cheese and milk for the most part. Sometimes I completely forget and my stomach hurts, therefore reminding me of why I shouldn't be having as much lactose.
Later that night, I went out with about five co-workers at my school. I hopped on the subway to the next stop called Sinchon. It is pronounced like "Shin-Chon. Along with the five of them, we had a couple of people they invited out who were not from my school. The eight of us headed out to find a bar which was not too loud and a place we could play darts. We found a couple of ridiculously loud bars and decided against them. They looked fun, but I wanted to be able to talk to people and not have to shout.
We walked a bit further down a brightly lit ally way where we found a place with cheap drinks and a place to sit. We talked, drank some beers, and played darts. I am completely awful at darts. I don't think I have ever played, but I realized how terrible I am at them. After the bars we went out to Mcdonalds and everyone grabbed something to eat. I think Mcdonalds is open 24/7, but a lot of the menu is different than back home. The Big Mac and chicken nuggets look the same, but you have a shrimp burger, shanghai chicken, and a couple of different wrap selections. I am not really the Mcdonalds type, so I didn't get anything. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it though:)
Saturday I slept in late because I was exhausted and didn't get home until late. I went to a few shops and purchased some more things for my apartment. Different hooks, cleaning stuff, and some fruits and veggies.
Later in the day I got a call from Racheal saying a few people from our training group were in Seoul for the weekend. After training (week one) about half of the people left to go to a different part of the country for their jobs with Chungdahm. A couple of the people that were in training were hilarious and I was sad they were leaving Seoul.
Racheal, Brandon, and I met up with four people from training. We went to this one place where they were selling turkish chicken wraps and sat down. It was great to hear different stories of their experience so far with teaching and more about the schools they taught in. A couple didn't like being in the "country-side" and wished they were back in Seoul. However the other two loved being out of Seoul because they don't like big cities or subways.
After the chicken place, we were engulfed by a couple of students wanting to take our picture for a project at the university nearby. This one guy took like ten pictures of us with our umbrellas and of course posing with the western "peace sign" hand gesture. He kept saying "one more, one-more picture." That was the first time someone has come up wanting a picture. It must have been because there were so many of us.
Later that night we went out to the bars and such around Hongdae. A couple of places were fun such as Zen Bar and GoGos. At Zen bar all they played was western music. I looked around to the other people in the bar and there was actually a fair amount of western people. I couldn't believe I was half way around the world and listening to the same music. I thought I came over to escape the madness of that kind of music. Don't get me wrong, the beats are fun and I do like any music, but I wanted something different. All in all it was a great night with plenty of dancing and laughing.
Yesterday I went to a huge electronic market at a place called Yongsan. I believe it is the biggest electronic market South Korea. They sold EVERY kind of electronic you might need. I didn't need anything but wanted to go because I heard it was huge. Maybe when I have money to spend I can go back and purchase something. This market was probably around eight or nine floors with electronic after electronic. There were also like a million people working there and asking "Can I help you, Can I help you." I just wanted to look but had to walk fast because I didn't want to be stopped by anyone asking if they could help me.
The weekend was filled with music, laughs, and good times. Now I have prepped for my week and have to look over the topics I am teaching about. Tomorrow I will probably go search for an internet service. I might ask my friend Tony to help because he speaks Korean and my Korean is not really up to par.
Miss you all!
Kristen
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Mean teacher?
I couldn't think of a title. Although I am beginning to think I am a little bit of a mean teacher. Some of the kids in my class constantly talk! If they keep it up, I move them. I have a feeling some of the elementary kids like me, but the older ones are probably saying "I am so over being told what to do." I like trying to figure out what the kids are thinking in their heads.
Yesterday I had a meeting with my group leader. There are about five or six group leaders at my school and they are assigned to about eight or so instructors. Group leaders are there to help you with problems and just someone to talk to when you want feedback. I knew she was the one watching my "CCTV" (the tv in the classroom) Sasha (my group leaders name) told me I was doing a good job, but there were small things to adjust as far as not leaning on the desk, walking around more during tests and that kind of thing. Providing more examples of the topic, main idea, and supporting details when introducing a skill theory was also another thing I need to work on. Specifically Korean examples. She also told me that it takes time to get your style down and just reinforce the rules to the kids early on so they won't take advantage of you and break the rules.
I also had a class last week that had about eight students. Yesterday I print out the attendance sheet and I had fourteen kids in the class! Two of the girls that were now in my class transferred out of my friend Brandon's class. Brandon told me to watch out for them because they constantly talk and put on makeup during class. They were extremely loud and talkative yesterday. I was like ughh now I have these girls that think they are so cool and can talk during my class. Not happening.
The first thing they did that bothered me was coming back from the five minute break late. They came back three minutes late and then started talking and having a normal conversation in Korean. I turned around and just starred at them. You can't be late and then think you can have a conversation in your English class. The next eleven weeks with these girls is going to be tough and they might transfer out of my class, but they aren't getting away with anything!! hahaha
Teaching is going well though, minus the chatty girls. I have one class that is really interactive and answers questions and others who are sooooo quiet.
But anyways tonight I am going out with some of my co-workers to a bar or club! I haven't been to a club here yet. It is strange because I live by like fifty. Last night we all went out to dinner together after work! I didn't get home until One AM, but totally worth it because I really like hanging out with the people I work with. I don't know what else I am doing this weekend- maybe buying more things for my apartment? Rice cooker? More food? Not sure.
I will let you know:) Have a great weekend!!!
Kristen
Yesterday I had a meeting with my group leader. There are about five or six group leaders at my school and they are assigned to about eight or so instructors. Group leaders are there to help you with problems and just someone to talk to when you want feedback. I knew she was the one watching my "CCTV" (the tv in the classroom) Sasha (my group leaders name) told me I was doing a good job, but there were small things to adjust as far as not leaning on the desk, walking around more during tests and that kind of thing. Providing more examples of the topic, main idea, and supporting details when introducing a skill theory was also another thing I need to work on. Specifically Korean examples. She also told me that it takes time to get your style down and just reinforce the rules to the kids early on so they won't take advantage of you and break the rules.
I also had a class last week that had about eight students. Yesterday I print out the attendance sheet and I had fourteen kids in the class! Two of the girls that were now in my class transferred out of my friend Brandon's class. Brandon told me to watch out for them because they constantly talk and put on makeup during class. They were extremely loud and talkative yesterday. I was like ughh now I have these girls that think they are so cool and can talk during my class. Not happening.
The first thing they did that bothered me was coming back from the five minute break late. They came back three minutes late and then started talking and having a normal conversation in Korean. I turned around and just starred at them. You can't be late and then think you can have a conversation in your English class. The next eleven weeks with these girls is going to be tough and they might transfer out of my class, but they aren't getting away with anything!! hahaha
Teaching is going well though, minus the chatty girls. I have one class that is really interactive and answers questions and others who are sooooo quiet.
But anyways tonight I am going out with some of my co-workers to a bar or club! I haven't been to a club here yet. It is strange because I live by like fifty. Last night we all went out to dinner together after work! I didn't get home until One AM, but totally worth it because I really like hanging out with the people I work with. I don't know what else I am doing this weekend- maybe buying more things for my apartment? Rice cooker? More food? Not sure.
I will let you know:) Have a great weekend!!!
Kristen
Monday, September 6, 2010
Trip to Cheonan
Hi! Hope the Labor Day weekend was awesome:)
I did not have a three day weekend, but no problem because I think I am getting a couple days off this month for the Korean Thanksgiving. Their Thanksgiving is called "Chusok" and I have a couple classes cancelled and others I have to make up on that Saturday. I need to find more about these Holidays! It is going to be strange to have off for Thanksgiving in September and not in November. I will miss having turkey day at Maureen and Pa's:( They make dinner extremely special and everything is delicious.
I have missed Thanksgiving a couple of years ago because I was in Hawaii for Semester At Sea ( I ate so much- remember Ginny, Amanda, and Ben?)
Anyways I went to travel to Cheonan which about an hour or so train ride south of Seoul. I took this train out from Seoul Station and went to a smaller city where my friend Dan from Semester At Sea is currently teaching. He has been in South Korea since November and has a ton of friends. Also in town is a friend named Will from Semester At Sea. Will just finished a six-month internship in Japan. He decided to come visit Dan for two weeks and then the two of them are going to Japan for a week. Will lives in California, so after the Japan trip he is going back to the states.
Dan invited me a couple of weeks ago to an 80s/90s party and I decided why not go? The party was in a really cool bar with over like seventy people. I think Dan knew like half of the people because whenever we were walking down the street he would be like hey...Monica, Preston, Sean going to the 80s/90s party? I swear he knew everyone in that city. I put on a black and white striped dress, bright blue patterned leggings, a belt, and a shiny headband to complete the outfit. I looked absolutely ridiculous!!!
Dan, Will, and I talked about different stories we had from Semester At Sea and would be like "remember when this happened or remember that person?" I loved talking about being on the boat and the stories because Semester At Sea is probably the best thing I have done besides coming to South Korea.
Sunday afternoon I took a different train back to Seoul. This train is called the KTX and about two times faster than the train I took the day before. I completely forgot about the KTX the day before and the other train was leaving first on Saturday. I don't believe it is as fast as the Japanese bullet train, but it went really fast and arrived in Seoul in thirty-five minutes. I wanted to stay longer in Cheonan, but I had to do my two lesson plans for this week.
My lesson plans are on Seabirds for the younger group and Genetic Research and Aids for the older kids. The medical lesson is extremely difficult and has a long passage that the kids need to figure out on their own. Yesterday the older kids were being a little obnoxious and laughing and talking when I was talking. Therefore I had to raise my voice with the kids and tell them they were being disrespectful to me. I felt really really really mean. I had already asked them a few times to be quiet and they weren't. Sooo raising my voice was a must. Other than the kids talking in class, I am having a great time teaching.
The project the older kids had to do on the medical lesson was to pretend there was a new pandemic virus out (similar to H1N1 and SARS) However this virus is different because it has hit everywhere besides South Korea. They had to come up with a domestic and a global action plan. I made the flu outbreak originate in the United States. They thought it was funny I had an outbreak originate from the place I was from. I received presentations range from there can be absolutely no people coming to South Korea or leaving from the country. Some other presentations included stopping all kinds of imports and exports in case it came from an animal like pigs or birds.
When it comes to the projects some kids get really into it and creative, but there are some that want to do anything BUT the project we are doing. The thought of actually having to draw and let alone think about something is completely draining to them. I mean I understand because they go to school for eight hours and then have to think more when they come to Chungdahm. On the other hand, this is how you learn more about a language. The kids just went through two hours of me asking them questions, taking quizzes, and reading various passages. This is the time to put what you learned into a presentation and make it your own. I constantly have to stress this or else the kids forget what the project is for.
The reason we have over 1400 kids at the school is because Chungdahm works! Our program is effective and the Korean Mother's love that!!! Hence why their kids are in my class:)
Okay I need to shower and then maybe go to the coffee shop to skype my parents and other various people.
Miss everyone!
Kristen
I did not have a three day weekend, but no problem because I think I am getting a couple days off this month for the Korean Thanksgiving. Their Thanksgiving is called "Chusok" and I have a couple classes cancelled and others I have to make up on that Saturday. I need to find more about these Holidays! It is going to be strange to have off for Thanksgiving in September and not in November. I will miss having turkey day at Maureen and Pa's:( They make dinner extremely special and everything is delicious.
I have missed Thanksgiving a couple of years ago because I was in Hawaii for Semester At Sea ( I ate so much- remember Ginny, Amanda, and Ben?)
Anyways I went to travel to Cheonan which about an hour or so train ride south of Seoul. I took this train out from Seoul Station and went to a smaller city where my friend Dan from Semester At Sea is currently teaching. He has been in South Korea since November and has a ton of friends. Also in town is a friend named Will from Semester At Sea. Will just finished a six-month internship in Japan. He decided to come visit Dan for two weeks and then the two of them are going to Japan for a week. Will lives in California, so after the Japan trip he is going back to the states.
Dan invited me a couple of weeks ago to an 80s/90s party and I decided why not go? The party was in a really cool bar with over like seventy people. I think Dan knew like half of the people because whenever we were walking down the street he would be like hey...Monica, Preston, Sean going to the 80s/90s party? I swear he knew everyone in that city. I put on a black and white striped dress, bright blue patterned leggings, a belt, and a shiny headband to complete the outfit. I looked absolutely ridiculous!!!
Dan, Will, and I talked about different stories we had from Semester At Sea and would be like "remember when this happened or remember that person?" I loved talking about being on the boat and the stories because Semester At Sea is probably the best thing I have done besides coming to South Korea.
Sunday afternoon I took a different train back to Seoul. This train is called the KTX and about two times faster than the train I took the day before. I completely forgot about the KTX the day before and the other train was leaving first on Saturday. I don't believe it is as fast as the Japanese bullet train, but it went really fast and arrived in Seoul in thirty-five minutes. I wanted to stay longer in Cheonan, but I had to do my two lesson plans for this week.
My lesson plans are on Seabirds for the younger group and Genetic Research and Aids for the older kids. The medical lesson is extremely difficult and has a long passage that the kids need to figure out on their own. Yesterday the older kids were being a little obnoxious and laughing and talking when I was talking. Therefore I had to raise my voice with the kids and tell them they were being disrespectful to me. I felt really really really mean. I had already asked them a few times to be quiet and they weren't. Sooo raising my voice was a must. Other than the kids talking in class, I am having a great time teaching.
The project the older kids had to do on the medical lesson was to pretend there was a new pandemic virus out (similar to H1N1 and SARS) However this virus is different because it has hit everywhere besides South Korea. They had to come up with a domestic and a global action plan. I made the flu outbreak originate in the United States. They thought it was funny I had an outbreak originate from the place I was from. I received presentations range from there can be absolutely no people coming to South Korea or leaving from the country. Some other presentations included stopping all kinds of imports and exports in case it came from an animal like pigs or birds.
When it comes to the projects some kids get really into it and creative, but there are some that want to do anything BUT the project we are doing. The thought of actually having to draw and let alone think about something is completely draining to them. I mean I understand because they go to school for eight hours and then have to think more when they come to Chungdahm. On the other hand, this is how you learn more about a language. The kids just went through two hours of me asking them questions, taking quizzes, and reading various passages. This is the time to put what you learned into a presentation and make it your own. I constantly have to stress this or else the kids forget what the project is for.
The reason we have over 1400 kids at the school is because Chungdahm works! Our program is effective and the Korean Mother's love that!!! Hence why their kids are in my class:)
Okay I need to shower and then maybe go to the coffee shop to skype my parents and other various people.
Miss everyone!
Kristen
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Three Weeks In
Can you believe it? I have almost been in South Korea for three weeks. Three weeks seem to have already flown by! I talked to my parents today and they said it feels like I have been gone longer. It must be because I have been on the move between my apartment, shopping, and teaching!
I have taught 7 classes this week and have one more today from 4-7pm. Having a half day on Friday will be really nice because I can start my weekend early. My friend Racheal has a half day as well. Having a half day is also great because I can eat a regular dinner. I have been eating my lunch or a snack at like 4:00pm but I am starving by 10pm. Once I have been teaching and getting into a schedule I don't think I will be as hungry. At 10pm a lot of the instructors go out to a restaurant and get food and drinks:) I went to a good Chinese restaurant the other day with some people- delicious!
I enjoy hearing stories about the instructors students and what problems they had! I get to share my stories too. I had to ask a girl three times to stop eating in class. She kept eating and crunching her food and it was bothering me! I also set some rules at the beginning of class telling them I didn't want them eating in class, going to the bathroom every five minutes, or having cell phones out. After the third time she got the idea.
Teaching is a great time but exhausting! My feet have my hurting because I am standing for six hours and constantly walking around the room. The kids for the most part are well behaved, but you know kids will be kids. I also have to give them the benefit of the doubt because they sat in school for seven hours before they come to see me. I tell them they are lucky to be learning a second language because I never learned a second language as well as they are.
The 4th graders I had yesterday could carry on a full conversation with me and understand almost everything I was saying. How cool, right? After two hours of learning a skill and doing readings for the scheduled lesson we do a project called the critical thinking project for the last hour. This is where the kids get to be creative and create their own thing. I had the upper level create anti-smoking ads and the younger group create a new South Korean national flag. It was a blast! Laughing and joking with the kids while doing these projects are what makes my day.
Seeing a simple smile reminds me of what I am doing in South Korea.
Having my own class is crazy to me!! Ahhh I love it!! Maybe this is what I want to do when I come back to the states? Not sure yet, but I do know I like teaching.
Wow it is already labor day weekend? Long weekend for you all:) Enjoy!!!
xoxo Kristen
I have taught 7 classes this week and have one more today from 4-7pm. Having a half day on Friday will be really nice because I can start my weekend early. My friend Racheal has a half day as well. Having a half day is also great because I can eat a regular dinner. I have been eating my lunch or a snack at like 4:00pm but I am starving by 10pm. Once I have been teaching and getting into a schedule I don't think I will be as hungry. At 10pm a lot of the instructors go out to a restaurant and get food and drinks:) I went to a good Chinese restaurant the other day with some people- delicious!
I enjoy hearing stories about the instructors students and what problems they had! I get to share my stories too. I had to ask a girl three times to stop eating in class. She kept eating and crunching her food and it was bothering me! I also set some rules at the beginning of class telling them I didn't want them eating in class, going to the bathroom every five minutes, or having cell phones out. After the third time she got the idea.
Teaching is a great time but exhausting! My feet have my hurting because I am standing for six hours and constantly walking around the room. The kids for the most part are well behaved, but you know kids will be kids. I also have to give them the benefit of the doubt because they sat in school for seven hours before they come to see me. I tell them they are lucky to be learning a second language because I never learned a second language as well as they are.
The 4th graders I had yesterday could carry on a full conversation with me and understand almost everything I was saying. How cool, right? After two hours of learning a skill and doing readings for the scheduled lesson we do a project called the critical thinking project for the last hour. This is where the kids get to be creative and create their own thing. I had the upper level create anti-smoking ads and the younger group create a new South Korean national flag. It was a blast! Laughing and joking with the kids while doing these projects are what makes my day.
Seeing a simple smile reminds me of what I am doing in South Korea.
Having my own class is crazy to me!! Ahhh I love it!! Maybe this is what I want to do when I come back to the states? Not sure yet, but I do know I like teaching.
Wow it is already labor day weekend? Long weekend for you all:) Enjoy!!!
xoxo Kristen
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