So the title of this blog is 1-10 in korean. That is what I learned at my first Korean lesson Thursday. Pusan National University is providing free Korean lessons on Monday and Thursday. I learned everything dealing with numbers. While I was there I got my picture taken with my tutor. That picture was on the front page of the Busan paper today. Last week was pretty boring so nothing to tell.
This weekend was amazing!!! I met up with some people I met over the internet on www.koreaontherocks.com (KOTR) which is dedicated to getting outdoor people together for trips with what ever activity. I met a girl from Lubbock, TX and a guy that wrestled with my cusin Nick at Blue Valley-Stillwell (small world) at the bus station in Nopo-dong. From there we got on a bus to Gwanju (4 hours), then Gwanju to Gochang (1.5 hours) and then Gochang to Seonunsan Park (30 minutes). Took much longer to get there than we expected and none of us really knew where we were going.
Once we got there we started the search for the other KOTR folks. We walked down this trail for what seemed like forever and then up the side of this mountain looking for them. The view was awesome but we didn't find them there. We went down and decided we would just wander until we found them and then closer to night fall wait by the entrance. We really wanted to find them because of two reasons: Chris Sharma (more info to come) was supposed to be there and Charlie was our place to stay for the night. We took a chance and went up this other mountain and was pleasantly surprised when we finally found the KOTR folks but now Sharma, he left early.
I didn't have my gear so I just hung out and watched. We took a different route down and headed to a Chris Sharma ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoxtqBL5q3k&feature=related )and Daila Ojeda ( http://vodpod.com/watch/1108549-daila-ojeda-en-dr%C3%A1cula-13b-red-river-gorge )meet and greet. Sharma did a picture and video slide show and talked about himself. I got a picture with him and a signed poster from the two of him. The next day we got to watch him climb and take more pictures with him and of him. It was a sureal experience because I had spent the last few months of college watching his climbing videos with my climbing family back in Texas. He was the same in person as he was in the videos. I hated being one of "those people" but I couldn't help myself, after watching him on videos and all my friends back home almost obsessing, I would have regretted not getting pictures.
We left the park at 2:30 Sunday evening for another long list of buses. I got home about 9:45 or so, took a shower, and passed out.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Gombae...Is that still moving??
Friday night was the dinner with the school. We went down to Song-jong beach and had dinner at this place over looking the ocean. Dinner was Korean style (sitting on a floor with a small table) and all the food sitting in the middle of the table to be shared by the 4 people sitting there. I’m not exactly sure what all I ate but I told myself before the night started that I would try everything. Started out with some raw stuff, one of which was still moving, and then the food just kept coming out (along with the beer and soju). I ate some sea snails (cooked); monggae (aka sea squirt, raw, red balls with orange inside); raw sea cucumber; gae bul (aka sea penis); some other raw something that was chewy, crunchy, and slimy all at the same time; two kinds of whole fish; a plate of sashimi with no rice; seaweed; odd soup; and some other randomness that I can’t remember. There were many shots of soju going around and going with their tradition and culture I had to take some. Soju is like watered down vodka without the kick. Needless to say by the end of the night most everyone was slightly intoxicated if not drunk as a skunk. My vice-principle would take a sip of his shots everyone was pouring him and then dump the rest of it on a napkin or in a cup or the soup or anywhere he could find. (Pictures are soon to come)
After dinner we headed off to norae bong. They all get into norae bong so much and it is just a blast to watch and participate in. There were some snacks and more beer and soju here. I tried to catch the bus home around 9:30 but we couldn’t find the stop so I stayed with my co-teacher. Her apartment is awesome, all wood and huge. Saturday morning we had some McDonald’s for breakfast and she had to go to school so they dropped me off at home. I made them both lunch, which was Korean cuisine by way of Kansas cooking. They said it was pretty good so I was pleased.
Saturday afternoon I went to Gi-jang to walk around and do some shopping. While I was walking I saw some kids, I said, “Hello, how are you?” They said back, “I am fine thank you, how about you?” I felt like I was in class. Then there was a nice to meet you and a bye. It’s pretty cool that they are using what I am teaching in class. The new episode of Grey’s Anatomy and Hancock were the perfect night.
Sunday Jin and I went down to the international market, I think Texas street or somewhere around that. I figured I could buy some clothes or shoes down there. No such luck. Everywhere I went and asked for a size Extra Large-e they would shake their heads and put their arms up making an X. This was the same when it came to shopping for shoes. In stores if they did have my size it would be a huge cape looking shirt/dress and they wouldn’t let me try anything on. So I ended up buying another hat and a scarf, can’t go wrong with either of these. We called it an early day and I rode the subway for an hour and then the bus for a half hour. Watched Grand Torino as a night cap before getting super sick.
Today is just going to be a down day, class is over and I’m not planning anything for tonight besides movies and sleep.
After dinner we headed off to norae bong. They all get into norae bong so much and it is just a blast to watch and participate in. There were some snacks and more beer and soju here. I tried to catch the bus home around 9:30 but we couldn’t find the stop so I stayed with my co-teacher. Her apartment is awesome, all wood and huge. Saturday morning we had some McDonald’s for breakfast and she had to go to school so they dropped me off at home. I made them both lunch, which was Korean cuisine by way of Kansas cooking. They said it was pretty good so I was pleased.
Saturday afternoon I went to Gi-jang to walk around and do some shopping. While I was walking I saw some kids, I said, “Hello, how are you?” They said back, “I am fine thank you, how about you?” I felt like I was in class. Then there was a nice to meet you and a bye. It’s pretty cool that they are using what I am teaching in class. The new episode of Grey’s Anatomy and Hancock were the perfect night.
Sunday Jin and I went down to the international market, I think Texas street or somewhere around that. I figured I could buy some clothes or shoes down there. No such luck. Everywhere I went and asked for a size Extra Large-e they would shake their heads and put their arms up making an X. This was the same when it came to shopping for shoes. In stores if they did have my size it would be a huge cape looking shirt/dress and they wouldn’t let me try anything on. So I ended up buying another hat and a scarf, can’t go wrong with either of these. We called it an early day and I rode the subway for an hour and then the bus for a half hour. Watched Grand Torino as a night cap before getting super sick.
Today is just going to be a down day, class is over and I’m not planning anything for tonight besides movies and sleep.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Yellow Dust Rockstar!!
So Monday and Tuesday both had really nice weather. It was warm and sunny with a nice breeze. The only problem was the stupid Yellow Dust!!! I was told more than once walking home on Monday that I needed a mask so I didn’t breath in the yellow dust. On my way home I was thinking how nice of a day it would be to run but wanted to know more about this yellow dust. The yellow dust levels were sitting around 300, which is very unhealthy. I was so bored the whole night because there was nothing to do.
Tuesday was the same so I decided to pay back Jin who loaned me money until I got my entrance allowance. Took the hour long bus ride and had some pizza. Got on the bus going the wrong direction so after the last stop in my town the bus driver pulled up to a stoplight, got on the phone, put the bus in park, and got up and handed me the phone. The woman on the other line was a woman that asked me where I wanted to go, I told her, she told him and then I sat on the bus at a bus stop waiting for the driver’s break to be over. He called the woman again, said something to her, and then handed the phone back to me. She said, “Next time you want to go to Haeundea get on the bus on the other side of the street.” Once I got to my stop, I got off and walked to the subway where I scanned my card and walked down the stairs. Once down there I realize I was on the wrong side and my subway was leaving. I had to go back up, scan out, scan back in (costing me more money), walk back down the stairs, and wait for the subway. Other than that Tuesday was also pretty boring.
Wednesday was boring but I got to go to dinner with my co-teacher, the other teacher that shares the office, the other English teacher and his sister. At dinner I decided I was going to try everything. Not bad until round two came out with raw oysters and sardines. I tried both and both weren’t bad but were pretty salty. My co-teacher and I went shopping after that and every store I went into an asked if they had my size they either showed me a big cape-like dress, big t-shirt, or a man’s shirt. Next to the bus stop there was a salon and I decided to get my haircut.
I was in shock but I think I will get used to it.
Thursday I got my alien registration card, wandered around Seomyeon, and bought a computer adaptor and an amazing hat.
On the way home from Seomyeon these three girls were taking pictures of each other. I asked if they wanted a picture with the 3 of them and they answered very excitedly, “oh yes.” They then proceeded to hand a camera to one of the other girls and pose next to me!! Then they switched out and took another picture with me… I’m like a rock star!!! I then clarified what I originally meant and took their picture. After they handed me some cookies and thanked me. On the way out they asked me where I was going and told me that I had pretty eyes. I don’t think I have ever been that flattered before. Oh also in the morning 3 of us teachers entertained 280 students by singing Doe, ray, mi; itsy bitsy spider; and I’m a little teapot. After words, the teachers were introduced one by one. When the principle got to me he announced it like I was a star athlete in a very important game and then the crowd of parents went wild. Things are so strange like that here. He then proceeded to tell them about volleyball the previous week. Not sure what else was said but it was pretty funny.
Today has been super boring but I got to talk to my parents and get my package organized that they are sending me tomorrow with all my stuff I left at home. Mostly my climbing and camping stuff because apparently there is tons of climbing here and a group for expats (foreigners) that climb and camp almost every weekend. Also, I we are having dinner as a school and will probably end up drinking a lot of soju, rice wine, and hitting up a norae bong later (karaoke).
Tuesday was the same so I decided to pay back Jin who loaned me money until I got my entrance allowance. Took the hour long bus ride and had some pizza. Got on the bus going the wrong direction so after the last stop in my town the bus driver pulled up to a stoplight, got on the phone, put the bus in park, and got up and handed me the phone. The woman on the other line was a woman that asked me where I wanted to go, I told her, she told him and then I sat on the bus at a bus stop waiting for the driver’s break to be over. He called the woman again, said something to her, and then handed the phone back to me. She said, “Next time you want to go to Haeundea get on the bus on the other side of the street.” Once I got to my stop, I got off and walked to the subway where I scanned my card and walked down the stairs. Once down there I realize I was on the wrong side and my subway was leaving. I had to go back up, scan out, scan back in (costing me more money), walk back down the stairs, and wait for the subway. Other than that Tuesday was also pretty boring.
Wednesday was boring but I got to go to dinner with my co-teacher, the other teacher that shares the office, the other English teacher and his sister. At dinner I decided I was going to try everything. Not bad until round two came out with raw oysters and sardines. I tried both and both weren’t bad but were pretty salty. My co-teacher and I went shopping after that and every store I went into an asked if they had my size they either showed me a big cape-like dress, big t-shirt, or a man’s shirt. Next to the bus stop there was a salon and I decided to get my haircut.
I was in shock but I think I will get used to it.Thursday I got my alien registration card, wandered around Seomyeon, and bought a computer adaptor and an amazing hat.
On the way home from Seomyeon these three girls were taking pictures of each other. I asked if they wanted a picture with the 3 of them and they answered very excitedly, “oh yes.” They then proceeded to hand a camera to one of the other girls and pose next to me!! Then they switched out and took another picture with me… I’m like a rock star!!! I then clarified what I originally meant and took their picture. After they handed me some cookies and thanked me. On the way out they asked me where I was going and told me that I had pretty eyes. I don’t think I have ever been that flattered before. Oh also in the morning 3 of us teachers entertained 280 students by singing Doe, ray, mi; itsy bitsy spider; and I’m a little teapot. After words, the teachers were introduced one by one. When the principle got to me he announced it like I was a star athlete in a very important game and then the crowd of parents went wild. Things are so strange like that here. He then proceeded to tell them about volleyball the previous week. Not sure what else was said but it was pretty funny.Today has been super boring but I got to talk to my parents and get my package organized that they are sending me tomorrow with all my stuff I left at home. Mostly my climbing and camping stuff because apparently there is tons of climbing here and a group for expats (foreigners) that climb and camp almost every weekend. Also, I we are having dinner as a school and will probably end up drinking a lot of soju, rice wine, and hitting up a norae bong later (karaoke).
Sunday, March 15, 2009
St. Patty's Day Celebration
Nothing too exciting happened the rest of this past week. I got to try some octopus in soup and they brought it out as a whole octopus upside down in the soup. The lady picked it up with some tongs and with some scissors she proceeded to cut it up. Another girl and I about had a fit…was not ready to see something like that!! I did try a piece and it was chewy and gritty, not something I would order on my own.
Friday we had another English teacher join our school. He is 32 from Canada and has been here for 6 years. Thanks to him I learned about a program called VUZE that allows me to download shows from the states, movies, and music. I finally got to catch up on Grey’s Anatomy, AMAZING!!!
Saturday was the St. Patty’s Day celebration in Busan at O’Brien’s Irish Pub. I had a blast!! It was definitely a hole-in-the-wall bar that you would expect an Irish Pub in a big city to be like…I think. It was a lot like McCarthy’s back home but smaller. The bar was completely overrun by foreigners. Two of the EPIK teachers performed together on guitar. I talked my co-teacher into coming because she has said that she wanted to meet more foreigners. She had a blast and was so funny there!!! I would have to say I have the best co-teacher ever!!! I can’t wait for her to take me out with her friends.
Friday we had another English teacher join our school. He is 32 from Canada and has been here for 6 years. Thanks to him I learned about a program called VUZE that allows me to download shows from the states, movies, and music. I finally got to catch up on Grey’s Anatomy, AMAZING!!!
Saturday was the St. Patty’s Day celebration in Busan at O’Brien’s Irish Pub. I had a blast!! It was definitely a hole-in-the-wall bar that you would expect an Irish Pub in a big city to be like…I think. It was a lot like McCarthy’s back home but smaller. The bar was completely overrun by foreigners. Two of the EPIK teachers performed together on guitar. I talked my co-teacher into coming because she has said that she wanted to meet more foreigners. She had a blast and was so funny there!!! I would have to say I have the best co-teacher ever!!! I can’t wait for her to take me out with her friends.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Dinner?
Monday was my first day of teaching. The first class for all level I am introducing myself with a power point that is pretty much all pictures. The first four classes have enjoyed it I think. In my last class today I had a kid point out that my nose stuck out far, but compared to what kids have said about other English teachers (asking a girl if she was pregnant in front of the whole class, pointing and laughing at a guys crotch telling him is fly was down) I don’t think that is that bad. Classes have gone well, they are short and a little sweet I guess. All we have done so far is make English Zone Passports and we used my computer to take the pictures so they are all warped, it’s pretty funny. The last two nights I have made dinner for myself. After the first night I decided I needed some veggies and some sort of spice or flavoring. I made rice noodles with dumplings and a red chili sauce with sautéed veggies. It wasn’t too bad for a newbie cooker that can’t read what her ingredients are!!!!
So I have yet to mention it but it never ceases to amaze me. People in Korea obey no road signs, signals, or laws. They park in the sidewalk when there is nowhere to park (see the picture) and they pay no attention what-so-ever to red lights. They use them as a yield (sometimes) and just look and go. Buses as well. They dang near side swipe cars in the city. Luckily when I get my scooter it will be just for here and there isn’t much traffic. That’s all for now.
So I have yet to mention it but it never ceases to amaze me. People in Korea obey no road signs, signals, or laws. They park in the sidewalk when there is nowhere to park (see the picture) and they pay no attention what-so-ever to red lights. They use them as a yield (sometimes) and just look and go. Buses as well. They dang near side swipe cars in the city. Luckily when I get my scooter it will be just for here and there isn’t much traffic. That’s all for now.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Jeonggwan??
3/8/09
Saturday I woke up around 8 am and caught a subway to the bus station and then a bus to my stop and then walked up the hill to my apartment. It took about an hour and some change with standing room only on both the subway and bus. I took about a 4-hour nap when I got home. Jin then talked me into meeting her in Haeundea to see if we could redeem ourselves from the night before. We ate Korean BBQ and met up with here friend who is also an AK (adopted Korean). We went to the Fuzzy Navel and met some Navy personnel and tons of English teachers. After a while we headed across the street to a dance club called MAX I think. It was a fun night. I tried to take a taxi home but it would have cost me 40,000 won so I ended up at Jin’s apartment again. I slept in the corner of her bed. I got up early again to get on a subway and then wait 20 minutes for a bus and take that home. I had to take another nap.
Saturday I woke up around 8 am and caught a subway to the bus station and then a bus to my stop and then walked up the hill to my apartment. It took about an hour and some change with standing room only on both the subway and bus. I took about a 4-hour nap when I got home. Jin then talked me into meeting her in Haeundea to see if we could redeem ourselves from the night before. We ate Korean BBQ and met up with here friend who is also an AK (adopted Korean). We went to the Fuzzy Navel and met some Navy personnel and tons of English teachers. After a while we headed across the street to a dance club called MAX I think. It was a fun night. I tried to take a taxi home but it would have cost me 40,000 won so I ended up at Jin’s apartment again. I slept in the corner of her bed. I got up early again to get on a subway and then wait 20 minutes for a bus and take that home. I had to take another nap.
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