Hello -
I have had quite an eventful couple of weeks. On July 16 (Thursday) I went to Japan to get a teaching VisA. I left my apartment at 4:30 AM and took the bus to the airport. THe flight and eveything went fine and when I arrived in Japan I got on the bus that takes people from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. I took out the map that showed how to get to the Korean embassy in Fukuoka, Japan. I was sitting on the bus and a guy from Chicago sat down next to me and said that he had to do the same thing. This is about 9:00 AM and we decided to go to the embassy together. We got there about 10 o'clock and filled out the paperwork and had the entire day to explore. We ended up walking around the city for quite a few hours. We saw a Hard Rock Cafe, a big baseball stadium, and lots of other different things. We were walking around trying to meet some Japanese people and we ended up talking to some university students. We asked where should we go and they said to come with them. They took us to the campus and we went into the big open area and were greeted by everyone staring at us. It was a really cool experience. We ended up finding out that there was a baseball game 'Yahoo Stadium' and we decided that we would try to go. We ended up finding our hotels/hostels first and then we came back to buy some cheap tickets. Our seats were almost dead center field and it was amazing. There is a 'director' for the fans and everyone follows this guys instructions and does the same cheers. It is nearly non-stop chanting/cheering the entire game. The Japanese ladies behind us gave each of us 2 little triangles of seaweed and rice to eat, the people in japan were really nice. The coolest part of the was during the 7th inning stretch. We were getting ready to leave and all of the sudden everyone started to blow up these big yellow balloons. All of the sudden everyone let go of the balloons at the same time and it was just an incredibly high pitch noise from all of the balloons, and then balloons just started falling all over the place. It was a really crazy experience, but it was a great time. One more story, we needed to exchange some money in Japan. We ended up going to a few banks and we finally found one that would exchange our money. We went upstairs and found a guy that we could communicate w/ using broken english. It took forever to exchange the money but when he came back with the money he also had 2 packages of seaweed. Each of us got a big bag of seaweed (dried, almost like pieces of paper) along with our money. It was really funny, but when we left the whole office upstairs bowed and smiled at us and then we went downstairs and the whole office downstairs did the same. We left to a bunch of bows and smiles, it felt like we were celebrities. We ended up walking around a lot in Japan together, but I ended up spending literally almost the entire 24 hours with the guy, Randall, from Chicago. We had to pick up our passports w/ the VISA's the next morning and we happened to go at the same time and then we went to the airport together and had the same flight home. My hostel was amazing there are some pictures of it. It was a traditional Japanese hostel and it was huge. I booked the room the night before and I got very luck. All in all, the trip was amazing except for the weather. I thought that Korea was hot, but Japan was much worse. It was pure humidity and it seemed like there was almost a blanket as soon as you walked outside during the day. Japan is a really clean place though, and the people are very nice.
That same weekend I went to Insadong (spelling?) This is a traditional city and it is a big tourist spot. I didn't take many pictures but that is where I will probably go to buy my souveniers before I go home.
Another funny thing happened a couple of days ago. I hadn't gotten a haircut since I've gotten here so I decided that it was time. I came home after class and washed my hair and then left to go the the hair place. The weather is so hot that a lot of times when I get out of the shower without the air conditioning and dry off it seems as though you wipe the water away and then the sweat starts to come. This was the case this weekend. I dried off my head and then headed to the place. The other thing is that when you walk it doesn't seem to be hot but as soon as you stop it really catches up with you. So I made it to the hair place and sat down and immediately felt like I was going to begin sweating. I just sat and the sweat started forming on the forehead and sure enough the lady saw it too. There was one girl cutting my hair and also another girl that was almost like a dental assistant. She would get things for the lady cutting my hair and I am assuming she is training. First, the cutter says "Air COND!" (air conditioning) That was a welcome statement, but it didn't make the sweating stop. ha Next the lady says "Tissue!" and so then there's a tissue for me and I insisted on wiping my own face. Fast forward another couple minutes, the assistant brings me a glass of ice water. ha Still sweating... And then the lady actually got more tissues and wiped my forehead for me. It was really embarassing but the lady didn't miss a beat. She finished and when I had to pay I didn't have the right ammount and when she gave me my change I just laughed and pushed it back to her and laughed. To add to it, there was a huge language barrier. A lot of laughing but it was actually a really funny experience, embarassing yet funny.
That's my last story for this update but there will be more to come, hopefully everything is well and I will talk to everyone soon.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Connected
Hello -
Today was (and still is at home) my birthday. My parents have been updating my blog with bits and pieces of info from e-mails that I have been sending them. My internet stopped working (welcome to Korea) and for the past month I have gone without. My director at school has been promising me internet for about the entire month and today I finally got it. Each time he told me I would get the internet installed I would write blog entries and when it didn't happen they would stay on my computer. This is going to be the longest post ever but it consists of the last 3 times I thought I would have internet in the morning. Things are going good and I am getting ready to leave for Mud Festival bright and early in the morning. Many pictures will follow and I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes.
Kevin
Hello All –
It has been awhile since my last update but I am glad to say that I finally have internet access at my apartment. I have spent the past month bugging teacher, who is my liaison to my Director, about getting internet access. My Director (Wang Jong Nim) does not speak English, which seems kind of ironic because he runs an English Hogwan…but non-the-less, I am again connected at my apartment. The previous teacher had paid for a full year and it ran out about a month ago. I have been asking nearly every day when I could get the internet but because I do not have a Visa or a foreigner ID card I cannot get it on my own. I still do not have the ID or the Visa but the Director put the internet in his name and it will be deducted from my check.
Since my last post not much has changed. The weeks teaching just fly by. I do not generally go out on the weekdays because I do not get out of class until 9:30 and home about 10:00. I do not have many friends near me in Incheon, only my neighbor Jeff. Jeff is from right outside of Incheon and I really get along with him. He has lent me several books and we have went out “on the town” several times. I found out that I live in a town called Gouldong (spelling?) which is a part of Incheon (where I thought I lived until a few weeks ago) I am starting to understand the landscape and boundaries, Incheon is a huge area. I believe that it is a lot like Kent County and then there are many “counties.” I work in a town called Mansudong (sp?) Many times I have had to ask my friend Mandi (old teacher at my school) where I live, which makes me laugh. I have been going to a town about 30 minutes away by taxi nearly every weekend to meet up with my friends there. Each weekend we have watched a Battle of the Bands, which was 4 weeks long, and also the finale which was last weekend. Last weekend (6.26-6.28) was the finals and this included about 5 hours of live music.
The weather here is starting to heat up. The sun is rarely out, but I have never felt humidity like here and it is not yet July. I can only imagine what it is going to be like in the next few weeks/months. When I wake up and open the windows it doesn’t feel to hot, and it also isn’t bad when I start walking to the bus stop. As soon as I stop walking my whole body seems to start sweating simultaneously. I can only imagine what the locals think because they do NOT sweat. It is incredible. You cannot buy deodorant here and regardless of the temperature the only time you see a Korean sweating is if they are running/riding a bike. The men generally wear suites and long sleeves and it doesn’t seem to bother them. I am holding off on wearing shorts to work as long as possible, even though I have been told that it is okay by the past teachers. Men are generally dressed up and quite formal.
The last two weekends I have also met several Korean people. Mandi teaches adults and she has invited her students out with us and it has been great to meet some people from here. They are the nicest people ever, they are always happy, and they seem to like something about my appearance. I have not been told that I am handsome by as many men in my entire life. I have been told that I “have a really really nice face,” I “look like a guy from Prison Break,” and that my “face is so pretty it almost looks like a girl.” I am never really sure what to say to these things but I generally respond with a smile and just say thank you…
Last weekend I saw an award-winning Korean movie. I went with Jeff, Grace (Korean friend), and Lisa (friend from Kansas). The movie was in Korean and it was still very good. I didn’t understand a word (except for “hello,” which I heard maybe 2 times) but afterwards we all quizzed Grace about the meaning and what happened. It was an experience, I am not sure what else to say. When we walked in the ticket taker asked Grace if we knew that the movie was in Korean.
A few weeks ago I went to In-say-dong (phonetic spelling) with my friend Jeff. This is a huge city that is inside Seoul (like Grandville, in Kent County). I was told that there is a military base near there and I could tell as soon as we got there. In my city I have seen a very small number of foreigners, but here it seemed that Koreans were a minority. There were restaurants from all over the world and also people from everywhere. There were many military looking guys and just a wide variety of different faces. There were “knock-off” purses, wallets, and everything (if anyone needs a LV purse, let me know…=) It was a fun time and I would like to go back to spend some money next time.
I am just kind of rambling because many things have happened since I last wrote…bear with me…
A few weeks ago one of my fellow teachers ordered an “omelet.” It was delivered to her desk and it looked like an American omelet and I asked what it was. They told me omelet, so I said that I would have to try. A few days later I decided to order one and it was delivered to my desk for a whole $4. It came with 3 side dishes and soup and I ate about half of the food. The omelet was covered in some type of red sauce and I was quite surprised when I dug in. It was egg on the outside, filled with rice. There were also pieces of veggies and ham in the mix and it was very good. I just laughed when I saw it because I was expecting it to be full of eggs and I was totally wrong. I am still waiting on the dog, but I think I have a new date for trying. My friend Jun (Mandi’s student) said that he knows a great place and we are going to go soon. I will be sure to take pictures. =)
I am not sure if I mentioned the little corner store right next to my apartment but there is one that is literally 50 yards from my door. The owner is a Korean man who we call our “Korean Grandpa.” His name is Mr. Kim and he is one of the happiest men I have ever met. Every time I go inside I say the same 3 things (On-yo-kay-say-O hello, Kam-sah-ham-knee-dah thank you, and Ahn-yo-knee-kay-say-o goodbye) and he laughs at me each time and repeats it. Every once in awhile he will call me gentlemen and ask about Jeff. I never know what to say and I say Mul-lie-yo “I don’t know” and we laugh at each other and I leave. Both Jeff and I spend way too much time in his store because we both generally purchase everything there out of convenience.
New Korean words…
Mi-Gook – I am from America
Chin-cha – really?
Muuuul – like uggghhh, or why….whining word…
Chocum – little (Do you speak Korean? Me…Chocum)
I am trying to learn the alphabet. My friends say that it can be learned in a few hours because there aren’t many symbols. I think there are about 25ish, and each symbol represents a sound. I want to learn so that I can at least order things at restaurants or when I am out, even if I cannot understand what I am saying. I have wanted to make flash cards for awhile but I am still getting around to it.
Couple last things… RIP Michael Jackson…this is the year for the Lions…and also here some of the books I have read. Catch-22, On the Road, Generation Kill, A Time to Kill, A Child Named “It,” The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave. I have spent a lot of time reading while the internet was out and Jeff was a literature major in college and he gave me a lot of the books that he had. I don’t know if anyone has read “Catch-22” or “On the Road” but I was told that they were classics and they are both very good…
I think that I am running out of things to say…I think that will probably be it. I will hopefully be updating more regularily from now on. I miss everyone and I hope everything is well in the Mitten.
Kevin
PS – my e-mail address is Kevvp@hotmail.com I always appreciate e-mails and you will get a response. I am still not sure how to get e-mail addresses off of comments from the blog.
Hello –
I thought that I would have the internet before now. My director has been telling me so for the past month and nothing seems to change. Getting quite frustrated with the director but the students and other teachers are great. I am writing this at home, when it is updated on the blog it means that I bought a flash drive. I tried to buy one a few weeks ago but what I bought turned out to be an adapter for a camcorder or camera…it is difficult to grocery shop when everything is in a different language. Anyways, things are still interesting and last weekend wasn’t an exception.
On Saturday (Happy 4th of July!) I went to a concert with a friend. It was called a “fun, beat, show.” I didn’t have any idea what to expect but it was absolutely amazing. It was a show at a community center stage. Once again, I was the only ‘foreigner’ in the entire crowd, and that comes into the story a little bit later. Anyways, it was a show with tons of drums, dancing, a violin, singing, a trumpet, and a flute of some kind. There wasn’t too much of a story so I could just watch the dancing/singing. The most amazing part of the show was the dancers with a string-type thing attached to their heads. They would swing their heads around and the strings would make circles or whatever else they did while they danced. It was amazing, I wish I would have had my camera but unfortunately I did not. The final song was a Korean song and up near the stage was a bunch of bamboo sticks with flags attached to the top. They asked the audience to come up and take the sticks and go up on stage. When they were up on the stage they made a conga-type line and kind of danced around on stage. After they were done on stage they all came down into the theatre and surrounded the seating area where the few remaining people (including me) were sitting and continued to sing their song while waving the banners. I was enjoying watching but then a lady came up to me with one of the flags and told me to stand between her laughs. So I didn’t have much of a choice and I ended up waving a bamboo stick to a famous Korean song with the rest of the people surrounding me. I would like to say that I didn’t stick out but that was not the case. Ha It was a great time though and I was happy I went.
My birthday is July 10 (Friday) and I do not have plans for the exact day but the following Saturday and Sunday I am going to a Mud Festival with 11 friends. I am not exactly sure what to expect but some of the people that were here last year went and had a great time. I guess that it is on a beach and there is live music and a bunch of food and drink stands all around. A friend said that you sit on the beach and listen to music and then you play in the mud and rinse off in the water. Then you repeat the steps over and over again. I guess that mud is supposed to be great for your skin so I will see and decide for myself.
One last story from the weekend. I went to see a movie at a ‘DVD Bong.’ Bong means room and there are many different types of ‘rooms.’ I had a story about singing and that is called a No-Ray-bong (phonetic spelling) But the DVD bong was really cool. You go inside and pick out a movie. It looks almost like a Blockbuster. You give the movie to the owner and go to your room which has a projection TV and huge couches and cushions. It is almost like having your own movie theatre. It was a really good time and the next thing that I want to try is screen golf. In Korea land is at a premium so golf courses are very rare. It is for the very rich and not many people can afford it. When people ask what I like to do for fun and I respond with golf they usually say something like ‘ahhh…very rich.’ I then explain that golf is different in the U.S. and that many people golf because there are many courses. My Dad sent me an article about the biggest golf driving range in the world, which is in Korea. I am hoping to find it someday but I haven’t seen it yet. Anyways, I think that is the end of the update. I will have more pictures after next weekend which will include many from the Mud Festival. Wish me luck with the internet and, again, I am sorry for the infrequent updates. I have my fingers crossed that I will get the internet soon. Until then, thank you for reading and I hope to hear from you soon.
Hello –
So, today is July 7 and I have to say that it will probably be the most memorable birthday of my entire life. I came to school today and after my second class I was called into the Director’s office to talk about getting the internet at my apartment and I saw a mountain of packages that I assumed to be for me. My Mom isn’t exactly the best at keeping a secret and she had told me that there would be more than one package coming for my birthday. I assumed that they were for me and at the end of the day I went into the office and asked if they were actually mine. The director and his wife told me that they were for me and I told them that it was going to be my birthday on Friday. I came home carrying the packages (I am glad that it wasn’t raining because I had my hands full) and I took some pictures which are below. I was expecting a few things from my parents and people never stop amazing me. I don’t really know where to start… I had 2 big boxes and a card and so I started with my card and then opened a box. This box had a letter from my Mom that said that this was the last of the birthday boxes so I opened the other one. My Mom gave me enough candy to feed all of Korea and I was expecting other things from Grandparents and my parents but I was very surprised. I don’t know how to thank everyone, but you will be getting an e-mail from me. I cannot believe that I am on the other side of the world and so many people took the time to make me feel at home. Grandparents, Cnossens, Workmans, Aunts and Uncles…I am really blessed. I cannot begin to tell you how much all of the presents meant to me. I have been going through a difficult time at work and it was just what I needed. I came home and it took me almost an hour to open all of the cards and presents. I really don’t have words…just Thank You! It was really amazing to know that so many people are thinking of me and I truly appreciate it. Workmans…I will read the book but I am afraid that I still am going to try dog. Mrs. Workman the kids will love your candy… Grace-thank you so much for the soccer picture. Larry/Laura-I love the Harley Hat. That really made me laugh and I will be wearing it a lot. Cnossens…I am sorry that I wasn’t there for Fathers Day (I saw the picture) but I appreciate the tie and I think about you guys often…Mom & Dad – you guys are the best. I didn’t think that this birthday would be anything to remember but I have to say that you guys made it one of the best ever even though I am here alone. Grandma and Grandpa Van Popering and Toering – Thank you for your gifts, I miss you guys more than you know. I am hoping that I get the internet soon and I will be able to talk to you in person. Ron & Deb – thank you for thinking of me on my birthday. I am very happy, it was a great night and this Friday (my birthday) I will be bringing my students so many presents that they will not know what to do. Again, I just thank everyone for thinking of me and I want to say thanks for making this birthday one that I will never forget. =) You wouldn’t believe how many times I turned on the timer on my camera and ran into the picture to try and get a good one but it was worth it. I hope that everyone can see their parts within the whole spread, but I really appreciate every part.
I hope to have news of what is going on with my school and everything else soon, but until then thank you for reading and again (sorry, I say this every time) I hope to get internet access at home so that I can continue to update regularly. I miss everyone and I hope to hear from you soon.
_________________________________________________________________________________
So those are my backlogged entries, hopefully they will catch people up on the goings on in Korea. =) Talk to you soon
Today was (and still is at home) my birthday. My parents have been updating my blog with bits and pieces of info from e-mails that I have been sending them. My internet stopped working (welcome to Korea) and for the past month I have gone without. My director at school has been promising me internet for about the entire month and today I finally got it. Each time he told me I would get the internet installed I would write blog entries and when it didn't happen they would stay on my computer. This is going to be the longest post ever but it consists of the last 3 times I thought I would have internet in the morning. Things are going good and I am getting ready to leave for Mud Festival bright and early in the morning. Many pictures will follow and I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes.
Kevin
Hello All –
It has been awhile since my last update but I am glad to say that I finally have internet access at my apartment. I have spent the past month bugging teacher, who is my liaison to my Director, about getting internet access. My Director (Wang Jong Nim) does not speak English, which seems kind of ironic because he runs an English Hogwan…but non-the-less, I am again connected at my apartment. The previous teacher had paid for a full year and it ran out about a month ago. I have been asking nearly every day when I could get the internet but because I do not have a Visa or a foreigner ID card I cannot get it on my own. I still do not have the ID or the Visa but the Director put the internet in his name and it will be deducted from my check.
Since my last post not much has changed. The weeks teaching just fly by. I do not generally go out on the weekdays because I do not get out of class until 9:30 and home about 10:00. I do not have many friends near me in Incheon, only my neighbor Jeff. Jeff is from right outside of Incheon and I really get along with him. He has lent me several books and we have went out “on the town” several times. I found out that I live in a town called Gouldong (spelling?) which is a part of Incheon (where I thought I lived until a few weeks ago) I am starting to understand the landscape and boundaries, Incheon is a huge area. I believe that it is a lot like Kent County and then there are many “counties.” I work in a town called Mansudong (sp?) Many times I have had to ask my friend Mandi (old teacher at my school) where I live, which makes me laugh. I have been going to a town about 30 minutes away by taxi nearly every weekend to meet up with my friends there. Each weekend we have watched a Battle of the Bands, which was 4 weeks long, and also the finale which was last weekend. Last weekend (6.26-6.28) was the finals and this included about 5 hours of live music.
The weather here is starting to heat up. The sun is rarely out, but I have never felt humidity like here and it is not yet July. I can only imagine what it is going to be like in the next few weeks/months. When I wake up and open the windows it doesn’t feel to hot, and it also isn’t bad when I start walking to the bus stop. As soon as I stop walking my whole body seems to start sweating simultaneously. I can only imagine what the locals think because they do NOT sweat. It is incredible. You cannot buy deodorant here and regardless of the temperature the only time you see a Korean sweating is if they are running/riding a bike. The men generally wear suites and long sleeves and it doesn’t seem to bother them. I am holding off on wearing shorts to work as long as possible, even though I have been told that it is okay by the past teachers. Men are generally dressed up and quite formal.
The last two weekends I have also met several Korean people. Mandi teaches adults and she has invited her students out with us and it has been great to meet some people from here. They are the nicest people ever, they are always happy, and they seem to like something about my appearance. I have not been told that I am handsome by as many men in my entire life. I have been told that I “have a really really nice face,” I “look like a guy from Prison Break,” and that my “face is so pretty it almost looks like a girl.” I am never really sure what to say to these things but I generally respond with a smile and just say thank you…
Last weekend I saw an award-winning Korean movie. I went with Jeff, Grace (Korean friend), and Lisa (friend from Kansas). The movie was in Korean and it was still very good. I didn’t understand a word (except for “hello,” which I heard maybe 2 times) but afterwards we all quizzed Grace about the meaning and what happened. It was an experience, I am not sure what else to say. When we walked in the ticket taker asked Grace if we knew that the movie was in Korean.
A few weeks ago I went to In-say-dong (phonetic spelling) with my friend Jeff. This is a huge city that is inside Seoul (like Grandville, in Kent County). I was told that there is a military base near there and I could tell as soon as we got there. In my city I have seen a very small number of foreigners, but here it seemed that Koreans were a minority. There were restaurants from all over the world and also people from everywhere. There were many military looking guys and just a wide variety of different faces. There were “knock-off” purses, wallets, and everything (if anyone needs a LV purse, let me know…=) It was a fun time and I would like to go back to spend some money next time.
I am just kind of rambling because many things have happened since I last wrote…bear with me…
A few weeks ago one of my fellow teachers ordered an “omelet.” It was delivered to her desk and it looked like an American omelet and I asked what it was. They told me omelet, so I said that I would have to try. A few days later I decided to order one and it was delivered to my desk for a whole $4. It came with 3 side dishes and soup and I ate about half of the food. The omelet was covered in some type of red sauce and I was quite surprised when I dug in. It was egg on the outside, filled with rice. There were also pieces of veggies and ham in the mix and it was very good. I just laughed when I saw it because I was expecting it to be full of eggs and I was totally wrong. I am still waiting on the dog, but I think I have a new date for trying. My friend Jun (Mandi’s student) said that he knows a great place and we are going to go soon. I will be sure to take pictures. =)
I am not sure if I mentioned the little corner store right next to my apartment but there is one that is literally 50 yards from my door. The owner is a Korean man who we call our “Korean Grandpa.” His name is Mr. Kim and he is one of the happiest men I have ever met. Every time I go inside I say the same 3 things (On-yo-kay-say-O hello, Kam-sah-ham-knee-dah thank you, and Ahn-yo-knee-kay-say-o goodbye) and he laughs at me each time and repeats it. Every once in awhile he will call me gentlemen and ask about Jeff. I never know what to say and I say Mul-lie-yo “I don’t know” and we laugh at each other and I leave. Both Jeff and I spend way too much time in his store because we both generally purchase everything there out of convenience.
New Korean words…
Mi-Gook – I am from America
Chin-cha – really?
Muuuul – like uggghhh, or why….whining word…
Chocum – little (Do you speak Korean? Me…Chocum)
I am trying to learn the alphabet. My friends say that it can be learned in a few hours because there aren’t many symbols. I think there are about 25ish, and each symbol represents a sound. I want to learn so that I can at least order things at restaurants or when I am out, even if I cannot understand what I am saying. I have wanted to make flash cards for awhile but I am still getting around to it.
Couple last things… RIP Michael Jackson…this is the year for the Lions…and also here some of the books I have read. Catch-22, On the Road, Generation Kill, A Time to Kill, A Child Named “It,” The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave. I have spent a lot of time reading while the internet was out and Jeff was a literature major in college and he gave me a lot of the books that he had. I don’t know if anyone has read “Catch-22” or “On the Road” but I was told that they were classics and they are both very good…
I think that I am running out of things to say…I think that will probably be it. I will hopefully be updating more regularily from now on. I miss everyone and I hope everything is well in the Mitten.
Kevin
PS – my e-mail address is Kevvp@hotmail.com I always appreciate e-mails and you will get a response. I am still not sure how to get e-mail addresses off of comments from the blog.
Hello –
I thought that I would have the internet before now. My director has been telling me so for the past month and nothing seems to change. Getting quite frustrated with the director but the students and other teachers are great. I am writing this at home, when it is updated on the blog it means that I bought a flash drive. I tried to buy one a few weeks ago but what I bought turned out to be an adapter for a camcorder or camera…it is difficult to grocery shop when everything is in a different language. Anyways, things are still interesting and last weekend wasn’t an exception.
On Saturday (Happy 4th of July!) I went to a concert with a friend. It was called a “fun, beat, show.” I didn’t have any idea what to expect but it was absolutely amazing. It was a show at a community center stage. Once again, I was the only ‘foreigner’ in the entire crowd, and that comes into the story a little bit later. Anyways, it was a show with tons of drums, dancing, a violin, singing, a trumpet, and a flute of some kind. There wasn’t too much of a story so I could just watch the dancing/singing. The most amazing part of the show was the dancers with a string-type thing attached to their heads. They would swing their heads around and the strings would make circles or whatever else they did while they danced. It was amazing, I wish I would have had my camera but unfortunately I did not. The final song was a Korean song and up near the stage was a bunch of bamboo sticks with flags attached to the top. They asked the audience to come up and take the sticks and go up on stage. When they were up on the stage they made a conga-type line and kind of danced around on stage. After they were done on stage they all came down into the theatre and surrounded the seating area where the few remaining people (including me) were sitting and continued to sing their song while waving the banners. I was enjoying watching but then a lady came up to me with one of the flags and told me to stand between her laughs. So I didn’t have much of a choice and I ended up waving a bamboo stick to a famous Korean song with the rest of the people surrounding me. I would like to say that I didn’t stick out but that was not the case. Ha It was a great time though and I was happy I went.
My birthday is July 10 (Friday) and I do not have plans for the exact day but the following Saturday and Sunday I am going to a Mud Festival with 11 friends. I am not exactly sure what to expect but some of the people that were here last year went and had a great time. I guess that it is on a beach and there is live music and a bunch of food and drink stands all around. A friend said that you sit on the beach and listen to music and then you play in the mud and rinse off in the water. Then you repeat the steps over and over again. I guess that mud is supposed to be great for your skin so I will see and decide for myself.
One last story from the weekend. I went to see a movie at a ‘DVD Bong.’ Bong means room and there are many different types of ‘rooms.’ I had a story about singing and that is called a No-Ray-bong (phonetic spelling) But the DVD bong was really cool. You go inside and pick out a movie. It looks almost like a Blockbuster. You give the movie to the owner and go to your room which has a projection TV and huge couches and cushions. It is almost like having your own movie theatre. It was a really good time and the next thing that I want to try is screen golf. In Korea land is at a premium so golf courses are very rare. It is for the very rich and not many people can afford it. When people ask what I like to do for fun and I respond with golf they usually say something like ‘ahhh…very rich.’ I then explain that golf is different in the U.S. and that many people golf because there are many courses. My Dad sent me an article about the biggest golf driving range in the world, which is in Korea. I am hoping to find it someday but I haven’t seen it yet. Anyways, I think that is the end of the update. I will have more pictures after next weekend which will include many from the Mud Festival. Wish me luck with the internet and, again, I am sorry for the infrequent updates. I have my fingers crossed that I will get the internet soon. Until then, thank you for reading and I hope to hear from you soon.
Hello –
So, today is July 7 and I have to say that it will probably be the most memorable birthday of my entire life. I came to school today and after my second class I was called into the Director’s office to talk about getting the internet at my apartment and I saw a mountain of packages that I assumed to be for me. My Mom isn’t exactly the best at keeping a secret and she had told me that there would be more than one package coming for my birthday. I assumed that they were for me and at the end of the day I went into the office and asked if they were actually mine. The director and his wife told me that they were for me and I told them that it was going to be my birthday on Friday. I came home carrying the packages (I am glad that it wasn’t raining because I had my hands full) and I took some pictures which are below. I was expecting a few things from my parents and people never stop amazing me. I don’t really know where to start… I had 2 big boxes and a card and so I started with my card and then opened a box. This box had a letter from my Mom that said that this was the last of the birthday boxes so I opened the other one. My Mom gave me enough candy to feed all of Korea and I was expecting other things from Grandparents and my parents but I was very surprised. I don’t know how to thank everyone, but you will be getting an e-mail from me. I cannot believe that I am on the other side of the world and so many people took the time to make me feel at home. Grandparents, Cnossens, Workmans, Aunts and Uncles…I am really blessed. I cannot begin to tell you how much all of the presents meant to me. I have been going through a difficult time at work and it was just what I needed. I came home and it took me almost an hour to open all of the cards and presents. I really don’t have words…just Thank You! It was really amazing to know that so many people are thinking of me and I truly appreciate it. Workmans…I will read the book but I am afraid that I still am going to try dog. Mrs. Workman the kids will love your candy… Grace-thank you so much for the soccer picture. Larry/Laura-I love the Harley Hat. That really made me laugh and I will be wearing it a lot. Cnossens…I am sorry that I wasn’t there for Fathers Day (I saw the picture) but I appreciate the tie and I think about you guys often…Mom & Dad – you guys are the best. I didn’t think that this birthday would be anything to remember but I have to say that you guys made it one of the best ever even though I am here alone. Grandma and Grandpa Van Popering and Toering – Thank you for your gifts, I miss you guys more than you know. I am hoping that I get the internet soon and I will be able to talk to you in person. Ron & Deb – thank you for thinking of me on my birthday. I am very happy, it was a great night and this Friday (my birthday) I will be bringing my students so many presents that they will not know what to do. Again, I just thank everyone for thinking of me and I want to say thanks for making this birthday one that I will never forget. =) You wouldn’t believe how many times I turned on the timer on my camera and ran into the picture to try and get a good one but it was worth it. I hope that everyone can see their parts within the whole spread, but I really appreciate every part.
I hope to have news of what is going on with my school and everything else soon, but until then thank you for reading and again (sorry, I say this every time) I hope to get internet access at home so that I can continue to update regularly. I miss everyone and I hope to hear from you soon.
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So those are my backlogged entries, hopefully they will catch people up on the goings on in Korea. =) Talk to you soon
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6 update
First - only four days until my Birthday. Just in case you forgot (just kidding).
I found someone who took two ball gloves but no ball so that will be a purchase as soon as I can find one. I can't wait. I also walked past a golf driving range last week while walking with some Korean friends. I told them I enjoyed golf and they could not believe an average US person could afford to golf - it is a well to do sport over here as land is extremely expensive.
I lost my voice late last week which made teaching interesting but the weeks are flying by and I am still enjoying things. I even have to make out my first report cards; pretty hard to believe.
This past weekend was a lot of fun. I went to a "beat" concert with a Korean friend. Once again I was one of very few North Americans in the crowd. The concert had drums, violins, dancing, bells, singing and was amazing. The last song was a popular Korean song and it ended with everyone that wanted to go up front could get a bamboo stick with a flag. They made a conga line and surrounded the seats and they were singing and waving the flags. Some of the people that were still seated were given flags and guess who was one of them. Everyone was singing and dancing and a lady came up and gave me a flag and made me stand up. What an experience, but it was really fun and funny. Unfortunately my camera was back in my room so you will just have to trust me on this one.
That is all for now and hopefully the next post will be made from home and not school - which would mean I have internet at home again.
I found someone who took two ball gloves but no ball so that will be a purchase as soon as I can find one. I can't wait. I also walked past a golf driving range last week while walking with some Korean friends. I told them I enjoyed golf and they could not believe an average US person could afford to golf - it is a well to do sport over here as land is extremely expensive.
I lost my voice late last week which made teaching interesting but the weeks are flying by and I am still enjoying things. I even have to make out my first report cards; pretty hard to believe.
This past weekend was a lot of fun. I went to a "beat" concert with a Korean friend. Once again I was one of very few North Americans in the crowd. The concert had drums, violins, dancing, bells, singing and was amazing. The last song was a popular Korean song and it ended with everyone that wanted to go up front could get a bamboo stick with a flag. They made a conga line and surrounded the seats and they were singing and waving the flags. Some of the people that were still seated were given flags and guess who was one of them. Everyone was singing and dancing and a lady came up and gave me a flag and made me stand up. What an experience, but it was really fun and funny. Unfortunately my camera was back in my room so you will just have to trust me on this one.
That is all for now and hopefully the next post will be made from home and not school - which would mean I have internet at home again.
Friday, July 3, 2009
I have been telling everyone that will listen in Korea that it is my birthday next week. I have been doing so since about a month ago...ha. It was one of the other teacher's birthday last week and we had cake and things. I do not know if anything will happen for mine. At any rate, I'm looking forward to next week.
I miss the 4th of July parties/celebrations. It will be the 4th tomorrow and I won't see any fireworks or anything but it sounds like it's going to be a perfect day at home. Here it is still sticky but manageable. Manageable doesn't always mean comfortable here. I cannot even explain the humidity. Today I got on the bus and was dripping sweat and it isn't even sunny or anything. It's gross. Still waiting for the rain that is supposed to come for two weeks straight. Not here yet.
I told one of the teachers that my Dad was golfing this weekend and she said, "again"? I said yes. She thought my Dad was retired. That made me laugh.
Kevin
I miss the 4th of July parties/celebrations. It will be the 4th tomorrow and I won't see any fireworks or anything but it sounds like it's going to be a perfect day at home. Here it is still sticky but manageable. Manageable doesn't always mean comfortable here. I cannot even explain the humidity. Today I got on the bus and was dripping sweat and it isn't even sunny or anything. It's gross. Still waiting for the rain that is supposed to come for two weeks straight. Not here yet.
I told one of the teachers that my Dad was golfing this weekend and she said, "again"? I said yes. She thought my Dad was retired. That made me laugh.
Kevin
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