Hi everyone!
I arrived safely back from Korea about two weeks ago! I'm a bit late in my posting, but that's due to jetlag, the time difference, frantic job searching, etc.
I had a rather uneventful plane ride from Korea to Tokyo and from Tokyo to L.A. I actaully ran into a few Fulbright friends coming back, so I got to chat and travel with them which was nice. I got delayed in L.A. due to mechanical problems, but finally made it back to Denver.
I am still hunting for a job and will let people know when I find something! Thanks for all your support and encouragement!!!
One last thing, here is a link to the 2008 Fulbright Review. It is a compilation of articles, personal anecdotes, photographs, and poems reflecting upon our year in Korea. It is not only Fulbright ETAs, but also researchers and senior fellows. I contributed two photographs.
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:ddd7ItEJgP0J:www.fulbright.or.kr/en/fulbright/down/Fulbright_Review_2008.pdf+jenna+novaral&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10&gl=us
Again, thanks for sticking with me during this year!
-Jenna
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Final Post from Korea
Hi,
Last week was good- pretty uneventful, just tying up loose ends. I had many "goodbye" lunches and took pictures with all my classes (many of my students were surprised that I'm leaving- although I've told them many times).
I've spent this weekend up in Chuncheon meeting the new ETAs and trying to impart some of my wisdom from this year. It's a nice way to end my time in Korea- seeing some friends for the last time and ending where I started. I head back to Daegu in about an hour.
AND
This is my penultimate blog post, for I will be retiring this space when I get back to the states. Once stateside, I will put up one entry, hopefully an uneventful post of my flight back to the states.
I know there will be many other exciting adventures in my life and I thank you all for reading and keeping up with me!
Right now, I do not know what I will be doing in the near future. This fact scares and disappoints me. Although, it does open up many possibilities.
However, once I am stateside I will keep in touch with everyone through e-mail, phone calls and personal visits (some of you won't be able to get rid of me ^^)!
Who knows, maybe I'll start blogging again sometime in the near future...who knows where I'll be?
-me
I WILL BE ON A PLANE NEXT WEEK AT THIS TIME! AHHH!!
----
Seasons of Love
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love
Seasons of love. Seasons of love
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?
In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
Or the way that she died.
It's time now to sing out,
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Seasons of love!
Oh you got to got to
Remember the love!
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love spread love
Measure measure your life in love.
Last week was good- pretty uneventful, just tying up loose ends. I had many "goodbye" lunches and took pictures with all my classes (many of my students were surprised that I'm leaving- although I've told them many times).
I've spent this weekend up in Chuncheon meeting the new ETAs and trying to impart some of my wisdom from this year. It's a nice way to end my time in Korea- seeing some friends for the last time and ending where I started. I head back to Daegu in about an hour.
AND
This is my penultimate blog post, for I will be retiring this space when I get back to the states. Once stateside, I will put up one entry, hopefully an uneventful post of my flight back to the states.
I know there will be many other exciting adventures in my life and I thank you all for reading and keeping up with me!
Right now, I do not know what I will be doing in the near future. This fact scares and disappoints me. Although, it does open up many possibilities.
However, once I am stateside I will keep in touch with everyone through e-mail, phone calls and personal visits (some of you won't be able to get rid of me ^^)!
Who knows, maybe I'll start blogging again sometime in the near future...who knows where I'll be?
-me
I WILL BE ON A PLANE NEXT WEEK AT THIS TIME! AHHH!!
----
Seasons of Love
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love
Seasons of love. Seasons of love
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?
In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
Or the way that she died.
It's time now to sing out,
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Seasons of love!
Oh you got to got to
Remember the love!
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love spread love
Measure measure your life in love.
Monday, July 7, 2008
"How do you measure a year?" (4)
Okay- this last list is not a top ten, because I cannot think of ten things. (This might say something in itself ^^) I tried, I even thought about it for awhile.
Without further ado- my final list:
Top six areas I've grown personally:
6. Patience
You need a lot of it when you can't communicate!
5. Adaptable
Good skill to have when living in a very different culture for a year.
4. Spending time with myself
Not being utterly bored, embracing the introvert ^^ in myself (it's true James).
3. More relaxed
Not having to be constantly busy all the time.
2. Having a better idea of what I want in life
More grounded/realistic perspective of where I come from and an understanding of
how it affects who I am.
1. Faith
Trusting that God has a plan, seeing what He has given me already and enjoying it.
Really, like everyone, I am a "work in progress" and although I feel I have grown in these areas, I'm sure there is a lot more to be done. However, I am most interested in seeing where you all think I have grown and changed (hopefully for the better).
---
Okay- I got back from Vietnam on Friday morning. I hung out in Seoul (saying goodbye to people) and then came back to Daegu on Sat. afternoon. I had a lunch and dinner appointments and then Sunday morning I had a meeting with students. All in all, it was a very packed weekend with many goodbyes!
This is my last full week in the classroom and I think it will be mostly relaxed! Just tying up a few loose ends and saying "good luck" to my students. Our summer vacation ceremony is next week, so hpoefully I'll be able to say good bye to all the students. We'll see.
Oh, I'm a little late- there are pictures of Vietnam (click the link on the left!) My power cord (the third one, I think) died on my yesterday. So my computer is out of commission until my new power5 cord arrives.
And, no news on a job YET.
-me
Without further ado- my final list:
Top six areas I've grown personally:
6. Patience
You need a lot of it when you can't communicate!
5. Adaptable
Good skill to have when living in a very different culture for a year.
4. Spending time with myself
Not being utterly bored, embracing the introvert ^^ in myself (it's true James).
3. More relaxed
Not having to be constantly busy all the time.
2. Having a better idea of what I want in life
More grounded/realistic perspective of where I come from and an understanding of
how it affects who I am.
1. Faith
Trusting that God has a plan, seeing what He has given me already and enjoying it.
Really, like everyone, I am a "work in progress" and although I feel I have grown in these areas, I'm sure there is a lot more to be done. However, I am most interested in seeing where you all think I have grown and changed (hopefully for the better).
---
Okay- I got back from Vietnam on Friday morning. I hung out in Seoul (saying goodbye to people) and then came back to Daegu on Sat. afternoon. I had a lunch and dinner appointments and then Sunday morning I had a meeting with students. All in all, it was a very packed weekend with many goodbyes!
This is my last full week in the classroom and I think it will be mostly relaxed! Just tying up a few loose ends and saying "good luck" to my students. Our summer vacation ceremony is next week, so hpoefully I'll be able to say good bye to all the students. We'll see.
Oh, I'm a little late- there are pictures of Vietnam (click the link on the left!) My power cord (the third one, I think) died on my yesterday. So my computer is out of commission until my new power5 cord arrives.
And, no news on a job YET.
-me
Saturday, June 28, 2008
"How do you measure a year?" (3)
Top ten things I'll miss:
10. Being able to "pass" for Korean
9. Korean food
8. My 14 hour teaching week
7. My students
6. Time/opportunity to travel
5. Being a cultural ambassador and dispelling myths about America
4. Host family
3. Friends I've made here
2. International adoptee community
1. Learning something new about Korea/Koreans everyday
----
Ha, I'm right on time and I'm out of the country- well, out out of the country. For those of you who don't know, I'm in Vietnam right now.
I landed yesterday about 1:30pm, found a hotel, spent the day walking around- mild sightseeing- and then checked into the hotel. It was an early night, as I was exhausted from the late night/early morning bus I had to take to catch my plane from Seoul.
I woke up early this morning- had breakfast and then I was out exploring some more. I'm in Hanoi and walked all around the Old Quarter today. I even saw the National Theatre's water puppet show and had dinner on a floating restuarant on the West Lake.
It's really hot and humid, but I am enjoying all the new sights. I have a slight cold, which is frustrating, and is aggravated by all the pollution and smoking!!!
Tomorrow I leave for Halong Bay- I'll be able to see Ho Chi Minh on Wednesday or Thursday.
Hopefully next week I'll have pictures uploaded!
-me
10. Being able to "pass" for Korean
9. Korean food
8. My 14 hour teaching week
7. My students
6. Time/opportunity to travel
5. Being a cultural ambassador and dispelling myths about America
4. Host family
3. Friends I've made here
2. International adoptee community
1. Learning something new about Korea/Koreans everyday
----
Ha, I'm right on time and I'm out of the country- well, out out of the country. For those of you who don't know, I'm in Vietnam right now.
I landed yesterday about 1:30pm, found a hotel, spent the day walking around- mild sightseeing- and then checked into the hotel. It was an early night, as I was exhausted from the late night/early morning bus I had to take to catch my plane from Seoul.
I woke up early this morning- had breakfast and then I was out exploring some more. I'm in Hanoi and walked all around the Old Quarter today. I even saw the National Theatre's water puppet show and had dinner on a floating restuarant on the West Lake.
It's really hot and humid, but I am enjoying all the new sights. I have a slight cold, which is frustrating, and is aggravated by all the pollution and smoking!!!
Tomorrow I leave for Halong Bay- I'll be able to see Ho Chi Minh on Wednesday or Thursday.
Hopefully next week I'll have pictures uploaded!
-me
Sunday, June 22, 2008
"How do you measure a year?" (2)
As promised...
Top ten things I won't miss:
10. Really spicy food for breakfast
9. Rude foreigners
8. Practicing English with my host bro
7. Being knocked/bumped into every time I go out
6. Sleeping on a cot
5. Having to shower at the gym
4. Blunt comments about my appearance
3. Constant personal questions
2. Having to explain my life story to every (slight exaggeration) random person I meet
1. Not being able to communicate 100% 24/7
----
This weekend I was in Seoul, well I still am. I'm headed back to Daegu this afternoon. It was my program's final dinner celebration (seems a little early, but it was nice). It was held on the American army base and it was catered by the hotel there- so pretty good (mostly American style) food. I got to say goodbye to most of the people in the program and hang out with them Saturday night and Sunday. In many ways it's easy to imagine I've been here for a year, but it's also difficult to believe also. It seems strange that I'll probably never see most of these people again and it's odd to say goodbye- "good luck, have a good life!"
I saw Kungfu Panda this weekend- it was suprisingly good, just 'cause I hadn't seen a previe for it. I really recommend it- the animation was great too.
Okay, nothing else really new- still trying to get a job.
OOOOOHHHHH! I alost forgot. Idina Menzel is coming to Denver as part of her summer tour and I'm SOOOO excited!!! I've never seen her perform live and I can't wait!!!
Okay, next time I post will be from Vietnam. Have a great week!
-me
Top ten things I won't miss:
10. Really spicy food for breakfast
9. Rude foreigners
8. Practicing English with my host bro
7. Being knocked/bumped into every time I go out
6. Sleeping on a cot
5. Having to shower at the gym
4. Blunt comments about my appearance
3. Constant personal questions
2. Having to explain my life story to every (slight exaggeration) random person I meet
1. Not being able to communicate 100% 24/7
----
This weekend I was in Seoul, well I still am. I'm headed back to Daegu this afternoon. It was my program's final dinner celebration (seems a little early, but it was nice). It was held on the American army base and it was catered by the hotel there- so pretty good (mostly American style) food. I got to say goodbye to most of the people in the program and hang out with them Saturday night and Sunday. In many ways it's easy to imagine I've been here for a year, but it's also difficult to believe also. It seems strange that I'll probably never see most of these people again and it's odd to say goodbye- "good luck, have a good life!"
I saw Kungfu Panda this weekend- it was suprisingly good, just 'cause I hadn't seen a previe for it. I really recommend it- the animation was great too.
Okay, nothing else really new- still trying to get a job.
OOOOOHHHHH! I alost forgot. Idina Menzel is coming to Denver as part of her summer tour and I'm SOOOO excited!!! I've never seen her perform live and I can't wait!!!
Okay, next time I post will be from Vietnam. Have a great week!
-me
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
"How do you measure a year?" (1)
My favorite musical Rent is closing this year after a 10+ year run. My blog title, is one of the questions posed in the musical.
Thus begins one of four lists (think Leno's Top Ten). Approximately one list for every week I have left. Although, fun stuff is still happening, so I'll have to recount what's been happening in these weeks too. I'll generally add this after my lists.
Things I'm looking forward to back in America:
10. Driving
9. Having my own shower
8. A bed
7. Food (American, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, etc.)
6. Doing something different than this year- moving on
5. Personal space (at home, shopping, etc.)
4. Personal time (do my own thing: laundry, dishes, gym, etc.)
3. A job?! (we shall see)
2. Seeing friends, catching up, and knowing what's happening in their lives again!
1. Seeing my parents at the airport! ^^
Nothing much happened this week. I had two sets of plans for this weekend, but they both fell through- kinda disappointing and after finding out that I probably don't have that great of a chance getting a job from Korea, I was a little depressed.
I did see The Hulk on Friday night, which was really good. I've also spent most of the weekend making mini movies out of all the footage I've taken this year. (Also kinda made me a little sad/nostalgic.)
I really didn't break out my video camera until the end of my time here, which is probably a good thing, because it takes about 2 hours to actually make a movie. I'm going to need to detox from my computer when I get back home. Actually, I'm looking forward to reading a ton of books. I have a list in my head of books Id' like to read and hope to read at least 5 in the first week I'm back (no joke).
Funny story:
This week I saw my nice relaxing, quiet, personal trip to Vietnam slipping through my fingers. Nothing serious- I still have the trip booked, plane ticket, and as long as I get my passport back, I'm good to go. ^^
However, I decided to tell my host family this week that I was going to Vietnam at the end of the month. (It might seem a little late, but they tell me things last minute all the time- it was fine and actually worked in my favor.) My older host sister was around and I asked her if she could tell her parents I'm going to Vietnam. She couldn't understand my pronunciation of Vietnam and was very confused. Five minutes later, with lots of hand gestures and secondary references (can you believe I've lived here all year with this kind of communication? ^^) everyone understood that I am going to Vietnam. Then the questions started: Alone? Tour? How much? (Korean's don't have issue when talking about money.) Can Han-soong go with you?
And there was the snag. Could my 13 year old host brother go with me to Vietnam? If I wasn't so hell bent on going by myself, maybe. And, if I actually thought the kid would listen to me for 5 days straight, then yes. And, if he didn't act like the punk he's been acting*, then why not? However, I felt like I was treading in dangerous water. I didn't want to say "no" but I didn't want to say "yes" either. So, I said..."sure...but he would need a ticket, a passport, a visa, and a place in the tour and I leave in like three weeks, I think it's too late." I kept stressing the last part over and over again. However, he was really excited at the prospect of not going to school and his mother was trying to figure out where she could call for a ticket. Since the tour group was Australian, it was my job to see if he could join the tour.
Ah-ha! That was my in. I did actually call the company to see if it was still possible and there was the slightest chance (they'd need to contact the group in Vietnam and see if it was possible). However, I told a white lie to my host mom, "They can't add him to the tour- it's too late." I don't like telling lies, I don't like telling white lies, but this was clearly self preservation.
So, my trip is still a go. My host bro didn't seem bummed that he couldn't go which is a plus.
*Side note- my host brother has been really moody lately- I think his teen years have finally settled in. Actually, this weekend he was pretty good- the happy, outgoing kid he's been. I think all the school is finally getting to him- the studying and the pressure from home. He's also been getting in trouble at school and I know his friends aren't the best influence as well. He keeps telling me about one of his friends who smokes sometimes and steals things. About two weeks ago Hansoong and his friends pulled a prank at school (something pretty harmless), but he got in trouble and had to go back to school at night (I'm not sure what the punishment was). Then, last week he got into a fight at school. Supposedly another kid started it and he didn't get in trouble (from school or his mom). I just hope that next year he tests into a different middle school than his friends. He's a pretty bright kid, so I wouldn't be surprised.
-me
Thus begins one of four lists (think Leno's Top Ten). Approximately one list for every week I have left. Although, fun stuff is still happening, so I'll have to recount what's been happening in these weeks too. I'll generally add this after my lists.
Things I'm looking forward to back in America:
10. Driving
9. Having my own shower
8. A bed
7. Food (American, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, etc.)
6. Doing something different than this year- moving on
5. Personal space (at home, shopping, etc.)
4. Personal time (do my own thing: laundry, dishes, gym, etc.)
3. A job?! (we shall see)
2. Seeing friends, catching up, and knowing what's happening in their lives again!
1. Seeing my parents at the airport! ^^
Nothing much happened this week. I had two sets of plans for this weekend, but they both fell through- kinda disappointing and after finding out that I probably don't have that great of a chance getting a job from Korea, I was a little depressed.
I did see The Hulk on Friday night, which was really good. I've also spent most of the weekend making mini movies out of all the footage I've taken this year. (Also kinda made me a little sad/nostalgic.)
I really didn't break out my video camera until the end of my time here, which is probably a good thing, because it takes about 2 hours to actually make a movie. I'm going to need to detox from my computer when I get back home. Actually, I'm looking forward to reading a ton of books. I have a list in my head of books Id' like to read and hope to read at least 5 in the first week I'm back (no joke).
Funny story:
This week I saw my nice relaxing, quiet, personal trip to Vietnam slipping through my fingers. Nothing serious- I still have the trip booked, plane ticket, and as long as I get my passport back, I'm good to go. ^^
However, I decided to tell my host family this week that I was going to Vietnam at the end of the month. (It might seem a little late, but they tell me things last minute all the time- it was fine and actually worked in my favor.) My older host sister was around and I asked her if she could tell her parents I'm going to Vietnam. She couldn't understand my pronunciation of Vietnam and was very confused. Five minutes later, with lots of hand gestures and secondary references (can you believe I've lived here all year with this kind of communication? ^^) everyone understood that I am going to Vietnam. Then the questions started: Alone? Tour? How much? (Korean's don't have issue when talking about money.) Can Han-soong go with you?
And there was the snag. Could my 13 year old host brother go with me to Vietnam? If I wasn't so hell bent on going by myself, maybe. And, if I actually thought the kid would listen to me for 5 days straight, then yes. And, if he didn't act like the punk he's been acting*, then why not? However, I felt like I was treading in dangerous water. I didn't want to say "no" but I didn't want to say "yes" either. So, I said..."sure...but he would need a ticket, a passport, a visa, and a place in the tour and I leave in like three weeks, I think it's too late." I kept stressing the last part over and over again. However, he was really excited at the prospect of not going to school and his mother was trying to figure out where she could call for a ticket. Since the tour group was Australian, it was my job to see if he could join the tour.
Ah-ha! That was my in. I did actually call the company to see if it was still possible and there was the slightest chance (they'd need to contact the group in Vietnam and see if it was possible). However, I told a white lie to my host mom, "They can't add him to the tour- it's too late." I don't like telling lies, I don't like telling white lies, but this was clearly self preservation.
So, my trip is still a go. My host bro didn't seem bummed that he couldn't go which is a plus.
*Side note- my host brother has been really moody lately- I think his teen years have finally settled in. Actually, this weekend he was pretty good- the happy, outgoing kid he's been. I think all the school is finally getting to him- the studying and the pressure from home. He's also been getting in trouble at school and I know his friends aren't the best influence as well. He keeps telling me about one of his friends who smokes sometimes and steals things. About two weeks ago Hansoong and his friends pulled a prank at school (something pretty harmless), but he got in trouble and had to go back to school at night (I'm not sure what the punishment was). Then, last week he got into a fight at school. Supposedly another kid started it and he didn't get in trouble (from school or his mom). I just hope that next year he tests into a different middle school than his friends. He's a pretty bright kid, so I wouldn't be surprised.
-me
Thursday, June 12, 2008
It's all about the protests
In a rare mid-week post, I am going to attempt to upload the video I have spent creating tonight. It is a little repetitive. However, I need to justify spending about 2 hours creating this and another 2 hours uploading it.
It repeats a little; chanting, marching, singing, etc. The main thing I find interesting, besides the sheer number of people, are all the different types of people protesting. Young men in military uniforms, middle age business men (ajashi's), families, little children, students, etc. It is also interesting to see the police men (young young men)* and the barricades they've built.
*Military service for men is compulsory in Korea. It is a mandatory service of two years and there are only a few circumstances where you can "get out" of it. However, most of the time you cannot. If Korea has conscientious objectors, they are rare. By law if you do not want to complete your military service, you are sent to jail for two years (the same amount of time you would serve in the military).
There are a few options of when and what type of service you can serve. If you are a first son, of someone who was a war hero or someone high ranking, you are considered a "son of God" and get to complete an easy "military" assignment...like park services or something. If you are a good (amazing) athlete, you can complete your assignment as a team member for a national sports team (no joke). If you have good English skills, you can apply to be a translator and serve with the American army (few positions). You can also choose to complete your military service before, after, or during your university career. If you choose the first choice, most likely you end up as a police "man", which is why all the police officers in the pictures look so young. If you choose to complete your military service after university, you have the option to go into your branch as an officer. I think you need good grades to do this, but there are advantages to this. A slightly more interesting post and it looks good on job applications.
Hm, this post is longer than I expected. Enjoy!
-me
It repeats a little; chanting, marching, singing, etc. The main thing I find interesting, besides the sheer number of people, are all the different types of people protesting. Young men in military uniforms, middle age business men (ajashi's), families, little children, students, etc. It is also interesting to see the police men (young young men)* and the barricades they've built.
*Military service for men is compulsory in Korea. It is a mandatory service of two years and there are only a few circumstances where you can "get out" of it. However, most of the time you cannot. If Korea has conscientious objectors, they are rare. By law if you do not want to complete your military service, you are sent to jail for two years (the same amount of time you would serve in the military).
There are a few options of when and what type of service you can serve. If you are a first son, of someone who was a war hero or someone high ranking, you are considered a "son of God" and get to complete an easy "military" assignment...like park services or something. If you are a good (amazing) athlete, you can complete your assignment as a team member for a national sports team (no joke). If you have good English skills, you can apply to be a translator and serve with the American army (few positions). You can also choose to complete your military service before, after, or during your university career. If you choose the first choice, most likely you end up as a police "man", which is why all the police officers in the pictures look so young. If you choose to complete your military service after university, you have the option to go into your branch as an officer. I think you need good grades to do this, but there are advantages to this. A slightly more interesting post and it looks good on job applications.
Hm, this post is longer than I expected. Enjoy!
-me
Monday, June 9, 2008
There is always more...
I have just spent the past hour or so reading the blog of someone I have never met. Another Korean adoptee, raised in America, died last week from cancer- she was 25 years and 2 days old. Her name is Julia Ji Hye Mendelson and reading her writings from over the past two years reminded me that there is still so much to learn about myself.
I was ready to start reflecting upon my year here in Korea and I will get to this eventually, maybe even next week. Yet, just within this hour I have thought about and felt things I have never entertained before- simply because they never entered my consciousness.
This post seems to be very different than the majority of the others- it could be because it is a little late here in Korea and I'm tired from my weekend in Seoul, but also because I was moved so much by Ji Hye's story. It can be found here: juliasworld.wordpress.com/
Thursday evening I checked into the adoptee hostel up in Seoul and was informed about a memorial service to be held the following night for someone I never knew. I think it was expected of me to attend, even though at the time I felt no connection or obligation to go. However, after hearing a little about Ji Hye (albeit, some wrong info) I decided to go. After all, I figured I would appreciate it if people attended a memorial service for me.
It was a very nice service- attended in a small number due to the traffic problems (aka protesters). Many of the people attending and putting on the service never even met Ji Hye. Yet it touched everyone.
I got back to Daegu this evening and decided to search for her blog and glean what I could from her writing about her story. I am glad I did.
I made some preliminary lists reflecting some of my experiences over the past year, but one of the most important experiences has been meeting and connecting with other adoptees and finding within this similar, yet very different group of people a community that bands together and values one another above all.
-me
in memory of julia ji hye mendelson
I was ready to start reflecting upon my year here in Korea and I will get to this eventually, maybe even next week. Yet, just within this hour I have thought about and felt things I have never entertained before- simply because they never entered my consciousness.
This post seems to be very different than the majority of the others- it could be because it is a little late here in Korea and I'm tired from my weekend in Seoul, but also because I was moved so much by Ji Hye's story. It can be found here: juliasworld.wordpress.com/
Thursday evening I checked into the adoptee hostel up in Seoul and was informed about a memorial service to be held the following night for someone I never knew. I think it was expected of me to attend, even though at the time I felt no connection or obligation to go. However, after hearing a little about Ji Hye (albeit, some wrong info) I decided to go. After all, I figured I would appreciate it if people attended a memorial service for me.
It was a very nice service- attended in a small number due to the traffic problems (aka protesters). Many of the people attending and putting on the service never even met Ji Hye. Yet it touched everyone.
I got back to Daegu this evening and decided to search for her blog and glean what I could from her writing about her story. I am glad I did.
I made some preliminary lists reflecting some of my experiences over the past year, but one of the most important experiences has been meeting and connecting with other adoptees and finding within this similar, yet very different group of people a community that bands together and values one another above all.
-me
in memory of julia ji hye mendelson
Monday, June 2, 2008
Winding Down
Good morning,
So, I seem to have spoken too soon, as I was downtown in Daegu this weekend and saw a medium-ish protest/march against US beef and the Korean President, Lee Myung-bak. This was held in response to beef imports from America being approved a few days ago. There's nothing that Korea can actually do about it, it's going to happen anyways.
Besides this, I spent most of my weekend downtown hanging out with friends who came in from out of town. It was nice to catch up and show people around Daegu.
I now have less than 50 days left in the country. I'll be going up to Seoul this weekend for help proctor a CFA exam (I get paid). Other than that, nothing really new- just trying to keep teaching.
However, as it is nearing the end of this year it is natural to reflect upon my experience here and many ETAs are asking these types of questions. So, future blogging will be geared toward looking back upon the year.
-me
P.S. Some pics from the bigbang concert last week can be seen under Daegu. Nothing from the concert, since you couldn't take your camera into the concert.
So, I seem to have spoken too soon, as I was downtown in Daegu this weekend and saw a medium-ish protest/march against US beef and the Korean President, Lee Myung-bak. This was held in response to beef imports from America being approved a few days ago. There's nothing that Korea can actually do about it, it's going to happen anyways.
Besides this, I spent most of my weekend downtown hanging out with friends who came in from out of town. It was nice to catch up and show people around Daegu.
I now have less than 50 days left in the country. I'll be going up to Seoul this weekend for help proctor a CFA exam (I get paid). Other than that, nothing really new- just trying to keep teaching.
However, as it is nearing the end of this year it is natural to reflect upon my experience here and many ETAs are asking these types of questions. So, future blogging will be geared toward looking back upon the year.
-me
P.S. Some pics from the bigbang concert last week can be seen under Daegu. Nothing from the concert, since you couldn't take your camera into the concert.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
FTA, Busan and Bigbang
Hi All,
Yes, I have been remiss in my blogging the past several weeks. It isn't because I have been terribly busy, rather it is the fact that there just isn't much happening. The year is winding down and I am taking it slow. I hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day weekend back in the states.
I'm not sure if it has made the news a lot, but for the past three weeks or so, American beef has been a huge issue in SoKo. Korean's don't want American beef. The reason is simple- mad cow disease. As I stated, the reason is simple- I didn't say it made sense or was justifiable. The media here- along with leftist politicians and celebrities have vilified American beef making the general Korean public scared out of their minds. Special reports on American beef have told horror stories about mad cow incidents in America, have presented irrefutable evidence that Koreans are genetically more susceptible to mad cow than any other "race", etc. This has led to many protests- national and local (see my picture from Daegu) against American beef and thus the FTA with America. Thankfully, it seems that the fervor this issue had about three weeks ago is beginning to cool. I haven't heard of any more candle light vigils or petitions.
Last weekend I was in Busan (see Around Korea) celebrating two of my friends' birthdays. I spent Friday and Saturday afternoon on the beach- it was great!
This weekend two other friends came into Daegu and we went to the Bigbang concert. Bigbang is a very popular boy band (think nsync). The concert was pretty good and it was an interesting cultural experience. To begin with, the concert was held in a convention center- on the fifth floor. Plastic patio furniture chairs were set up in the hall for seating. Security guards spent the majority of the concert trying to get screaming adolescents to sit in the chairs. Since there wasn't stadium seating they wanted to ensure everyone could see- even though they couldn't. Security checked everyone's bags before entering the hall- cameras had to be left outside (they were checking them in little plastic bags) and no, you couldn't take pictures with your cell phones. The whole evening was a bit ridiculous! Although, it was a good time.
I think some friends will be in town next weekend- I hope so. In two weeks I'm going to Seoul and then at the end of June I'm taking a vacation to Vietnam! Then, I fly home towards the end of July- difficult to believe!
I've been applying for jobs like crazy, but haven't heard anything. Please keep this in your thoughts!
-me ^^
Yes, I have been remiss in my blogging the past several weeks. It isn't because I have been terribly busy, rather it is the fact that there just isn't much happening. The year is winding down and I am taking it slow. I hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day weekend back in the states.
I'm not sure if it has made the news a lot, but for the past three weeks or so, American beef has been a huge issue in SoKo. Korean's don't want American beef. The reason is simple- mad cow disease. As I stated, the reason is simple- I didn't say it made sense or was justifiable. The media here- along with leftist politicians and celebrities have vilified American beef making the general Korean public scared out of their minds. Special reports on American beef have told horror stories about mad cow incidents in America, have presented irrefutable evidence that Koreans are genetically more susceptible to mad cow than any other "race", etc. This has led to many protests- national and local (see my picture from Daegu) against American beef and thus the FTA with America. Thankfully, it seems that the fervor this issue had about three weeks ago is beginning to cool. I haven't heard of any more candle light vigils or petitions.
Last weekend I was in Busan (see Around Korea) celebrating two of my friends' birthdays. I spent Friday and Saturday afternoon on the beach- it was great!
This weekend two other friends came into Daegu and we went to the Bigbang concert. Bigbang is a very popular boy band (think nsync). The concert was pretty good and it was an interesting cultural experience. To begin with, the concert was held in a convention center- on the fifth floor. Plastic patio furniture chairs were set up in the hall for seating. Security guards spent the majority of the concert trying to get screaming adolescents to sit in the chairs. Since there wasn't stadium seating they wanted to ensure everyone could see- even though they couldn't. Security checked everyone's bags before entering the hall- cameras had to be left outside (they were checking them in little plastic bags) and no, you couldn't take pictures with your cell phones. The whole evening was a bit ridiculous! Although, it was a good time.
I think some friends will be in town next weekend- I hope so. In two weeks I'm going to Seoul and then at the end of June I'm taking a vacation to Vietnam! Then, I fly home towards the end of July- difficult to believe!
I've been applying for jobs like crazy, but haven't heard anything. Please keep this in your thoughts!
-me ^^
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
24+ hours on a bus, 3 festivals, 5 days later
Hi Everyone,
Hope all is well back home! I spent the past five days traveling around Gwangju, the only province I had yet to see. Like the title suggests, I spent over 24 hours in a bus during the five days and went to three festivals. I also got to spend time with friends and had a great time seeing everything I wanted to see. Here's a short summary of my trip (see pictures in Around Korea- I should have them up in a day or so):
Friday evening- left for Mokpo, via Gwangju (approx. 4.5 hours) Met up with friends.
Saturday- woke up, ate breakfast with friends' homestay family, then met up with friends at Dunkin Donuts (new to Mokpo and a big deal!) Walked down to the water (Mokpo's a harbor) and walked along the coast, it was pretty- nice weather and hot! Had lunch at a restaurant near the beach. Went to the Maritime and Natural History museum of Mokpo. Went to another part of the city and ate dinner watching the sun set. Then met up with another friend downtown Mokpo- walked around, had a cup of tea.
Sunday- woke up really early and went to the bus station. Took a bus to Gwangju (1.5 hours). Had breakfast in the terminal and then took a bus to Damyang for the bamboo festival (2 hours round trip). The festival was cool and there was even a bamboo park which was neat. I just hung out and relaxed. In the afternoon I met up with a friend and we went downtown in Gwangju for dinner and a movie, Ironman. It was really good!
Monday- we woke up and then headed out for Jindo and the "Mysterious Sea Parting Festival", yes, I hope you're thinking Moses here (8 hours bus round trip). Every year at a particular time, the tides recede in this one place from Jindo (the mainland) to an island close by. The point is that this creates a land bridge and you can walk across it to the island. It's a pretty neat thing and a ton of people come every year. I did not walk across because I did not have boots, but it was still neat to see. I also was able to get the footage of a special dish, live octopus, here. See below. If you're squeamish I'd advise not watching. ^^ Later that night we had dinner at TGIF's.
Tuesday- woke up and went to Boseong, to see green tea fields/plantation (3 hours round trip). It was a beautiful day and it was cool to see all the bushes. I also had green tea noddle soup, a pot of green tea, and green tea ice cream- yum! In the evening we went to try and see the national cemetery of Gwangju/memorial to the May 18th Independence movement, but we got on the wrong bus and went to a different memorial park (1.5 hours round trip). It was okay.
Wednesday- woke up and went to the national cemetery of Gwangju/memorial (1.5 hours round trip). I was really happy we found it. It was really interesting to see. Pretty much in 1980 the government in Korea was a dictatorship and many people wanted democracy. Over a series of days in May the people in Gwangju protested- then the government came in and brutally suppressed the movement. Those who died are buried in this memorial. There is also a small museum about the event. Gwangju is famous for this in Korean history and it's super recent, which is really interesting. After this, I hopped on a bus bound for Daegu (3 hours).
Overall I had a really great trip, even if I did spend an inordinate amount of time on a bus! I got to see some great things and took some cool pics.
Have fun with the videos and pics!
me ^^
Hope all is well back home! I spent the past five days traveling around Gwangju, the only province I had yet to see. Like the title suggests, I spent over 24 hours in a bus during the five days and went to three festivals. I also got to spend time with friends and had a great time seeing everything I wanted to see. Here's a short summary of my trip (see pictures in Around Korea- I should have them up in a day or so):
Friday evening- left for Mokpo, via Gwangju (approx. 4.5 hours) Met up with friends.
Saturday- woke up, ate breakfast with friends' homestay family, then met up with friends at Dunkin Donuts (new to Mokpo and a big deal!) Walked down to the water (Mokpo's a harbor) and walked along the coast, it was pretty- nice weather and hot! Had lunch at a restaurant near the beach. Went to the Maritime and Natural History museum of Mokpo. Went to another part of the city and ate dinner watching the sun set. Then met up with another friend downtown Mokpo- walked around, had a cup of tea.
Sunday- woke up really early and went to the bus station. Took a bus to Gwangju (1.5 hours). Had breakfast in the terminal and then took a bus to Damyang for the bamboo festival (2 hours round trip). The festival was cool and there was even a bamboo park which was neat. I just hung out and relaxed. In the afternoon I met up with a friend and we went downtown in Gwangju for dinner and a movie, Ironman. It was really good!
Monday- we woke up and then headed out for Jindo and the "Mysterious Sea Parting Festival", yes, I hope you're thinking Moses here (8 hours bus round trip). Every year at a particular time, the tides recede in this one place from Jindo (the mainland) to an island close by. The point is that this creates a land bridge and you can walk across it to the island. It's a pretty neat thing and a ton of people come every year. I did not walk across because I did not have boots, but it was still neat to see. I also was able to get the footage of a special dish, live octopus, here. See below. If you're squeamish I'd advise not watching. ^^ Later that night we had dinner at TGIF's.
Tuesday- woke up and went to Boseong, to see green tea fields/plantation (3 hours round trip). It was a beautiful day and it was cool to see all the bushes. I also had green tea noddle soup, a pot of green tea, and green tea ice cream- yum! In the evening we went to try and see the national cemetery of Gwangju/memorial to the May 18th Independence movement, but we got on the wrong bus and went to a different memorial park (1.5 hours round trip). It was okay.
Wednesday- woke up and went to the national cemetery of Gwangju/memorial (1.5 hours round trip). I was really happy we found it. It was really interesting to see. Pretty much in 1980 the government in Korea was a dictatorship and many people wanted democracy. Over a series of days in May the people in Gwangju protested- then the government came in and brutally suppressed the movement. Those who died are buried in this memorial. There is also a small museum about the event. Gwangju is famous for this in Korean history and it's super recent, which is really interesting. After this, I hopped on a bus bound for Daegu (3 hours).
Overall I had a really great trip, even if I did spend an inordinate amount of time on a bus! I got to see some great things and took some cool pics.
Have fun with the videos and pics!
me ^^
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Updated pictures
The pictures links are all updated. I took off the old pictures to make room for the new ones. This should also help with the loading time for the website.
also be sure to check the new post below & the video I added from the relay.
^^
also be sure to check the new post below & the video I added from the relay.
^^
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Protests, mid-terms, and travel
Hi everyone,
I was gone for the weekend again! Actually I spent Friday and Saturday in Daegu seeing friends and hiking a small-ish mountain with a teacher from my school. I wasn't all that excited to go with the teacher, but I did want to hike. However, it did turn out to be a nice day and I had a good hike.
Saurday night I left for Seoul and met up with friends at a jimjilbang- one of the public bath/sauna places. It was a really nice one and there was a nice place to sleep as well. It was 11,000 won (11 bucks)- much cheaper than trying to find a hotel/motel. It was relaxing and we hung out and woke up the next morning in search of the Olympic torch.
It didn't take us too long to find where the relay started. As we were sitting on the subway a bunch of Chinese students boarded our car. You might ask how I knew they were Chinese (and not Korea) but I knew because these individuals were decked out in red. They were carrying Chinese flags, wearing Chinese flags, and wearing the shirts for the Olympics as well. We pretty much just followed the crowd to get to the relay starting point.
The torch lighting ceremony was held at Olympic Park in Seoul- the Olympics were held here in 1988. There were lots of Chinese waiting to support their country. I thought there would be more foreigners or Koreans, but 98% of the crowd was Chinese. Some were holding sings that said "Tibet IS part of CHINA", "China wants peace", etc.
Now, at breakfast that morning, unbeknownst to me, my friend made herself a "Free Tibet" poster to bring to the relay. I was a little surprised, but didn't think much of it. It was only one sign and my friend was an activist in the states- she had done things like this many times. She kept saying things like, "In the states I have a gasmask to wear at protests" (so she doesn't get tear gased). "You're supposed to write the phone number of a lawyer on your arm so you can make your one phone call if you are arrested by the police." "They tell you to carry nail clippers in your pockets because sometimes the police will run out of handcuffs and use plastic ties- nail clippers will cut through it" and "If you don't have a gasmask you can use a towell/hankercheif soaked in apple cider vinegar to use if there is tear gas."
On the way to the starting point a few Chinese people made comments to her such as, "Tibet is FREE". She was also flipped off at least once and was called "a son of a bitch". However, as the torch lighting ceremony got closer and closer a small group of Chinese (most likely students) spotted my friend and her sign. They came over and started shouting "ONE CHINA!" and proceeded to try and cover up my friends' sign with their huge Chinese flag (by standing infront of her). Several people were taking pictures, video, and a few policeman on duty came over and stood by us (I'm not sure if they would have done anything if things had gotten out of hand...maybe) Soon one of the men taking video stopped to the small crowd. I commented that he wasn't tyring to disperse the bunch, he was telling them what he wanted so he could capture it on video. Sure enough a few seconds later the group was screaming "ONE CHINA" again. This time more people heard and decided to come over. I never felt all that threatened, but it was a bit disconcerting having about 30 people or so yelling at you. Some of my other friends were a bit uncomfortable and rather than having us leave, my friend with the sign moved. The crowd was very happy and cheered when she did.
Now, I have several problems about groups of people screaming at one person who did nothing, but hold up a sign. Hm, things like free speach come to mind. Or respecting/tolerating someone else's belief. And even, blindly following what your government tells you. Clearly Tibet is not free- otherwise you would not have the government cracking down the way it did and does everytime monks and others protest. I understand that although China does have relative free speech, young people my age still don't know about Tienamen Square (and yes I know this from experience).
Later during the relay more people were protesting and a few small fights broke out. Nothing too major though- although Korean newspapers reported North Korean defectors trying to immolate themselves. Not only were Koreans and some foreigners protesting about Tibet, but North Koreans who have defected were protesting because China sends the North Koreans that illegally come into their country back to North Korea where they are subsequently killed or put into work camps. China is continuing to do this while preparing for the Olympics.
I was debating whether or not to go up to Seoul this weekend solely for the torch relay, and am very glad I decided to go. It was a good experience all around and I got to see some friends I have not seen in awhile. I also was able to attend a Fulbright Forum in Seoul and listen to two Senior Fulbright Scholars present about teaching American history in Korean Universities- also very interesting to a history teacher at heart. :)
One last thing- over the weekend in the NYtimes and the International Herald Tribune an article was printed about Korean students getting into Ivy League Universities. It was an intersting article and fairly accurate about high school student life. If you are interested check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/world/asia/27seoul.html?th&emc=th While up in Seoul I visited the Embassy and the people I worked with over winter break. It turns out that my office was one of the sources for the writer of the article. Also, a former Fulbright ETA taught at Minjok and he now lives and works in Korea you should check out his response to the article itself here: http://metropolitician.blogs.com/scribblings_of_the_metrop/2008/04/korean-foreign.html He talks about how the students are able to get into these Universities, but then struggle in the American educational system.
I'm headed to Pohang to see a friend tomorrow and will be away this weekend and early next week. I'm going to the southwest area of Korea- the last place in Korea I haven't seen. I'm super excited!
-me ^^
p.s. I'll be putting up pictures and some video of the Olympic relay and some pictures from the school's 5th year anniversary celebration today (that was a surprise for me!)
I was gone for the weekend again! Actually I spent Friday and Saturday in Daegu seeing friends and hiking a small-ish mountain with a teacher from my school. I wasn't all that excited to go with the teacher, but I did want to hike. However, it did turn out to be a nice day and I had a good hike.
Saurday night I left for Seoul and met up with friends at a jimjilbang- one of the public bath/sauna places. It was a really nice one and there was a nice place to sleep as well. It was 11,000 won (11 bucks)- much cheaper than trying to find a hotel/motel. It was relaxing and we hung out and woke up the next morning in search of the Olympic torch.
It didn't take us too long to find where the relay started. As we were sitting on the subway a bunch of Chinese students boarded our car. You might ask how I knew they were Chinese (and not Korea) but I knew because these individuals were decked out in red. They were carrying Chinese flags, wearing Chinese flags, and wearing the shirts for the Olympics as well. We pretty much just followed the crowd to get to the relay starting point.
The torch lighting ceremony was held at Olympic Park in Seoul- the Olympics were held here in 1988. There were lots of Chinese waiting to support their country. I thought there would be more foreigners or Koreans, but 98% of the crowd was Chinese. Some were holding sings that said "Tibet IS part of CHINA", "China wants peace", etc.
Now, at breakfast that morning, unbeknownst to me, my friend made herself a "Free Tibet" poster to bring to the relay. I was a little surprised, but didn't think much of it. It was only one sign and my friend was an activist in the states- she had done things like this many times. She kept saying things like, "In the states I have a gasmask to wear at protests" (so she doesn't get tear gased). "You're supposed to write the phone number of a lawyer on your arm so you can make your one phone call if you are arrested by the police." "They tell you to carry nail clippers in your pockets because sometimes the police will run out of handcuffs and use plastic ties- nail clippers will cut through it" and "If you don't have a gasmask you can use a towell/hankercheif soaked in apple cider vinegar to use if there is tear gas."
On the way to the starting point a few Chinese people made comments to her such as, "Tibet is FREE". She was also flipped off at least once and was called "a son of a bitch". However, as the torch lighting ceremony got closer and closer a small group of Chinese (most likely students) spotted my friend and her sign. They came over and started shouting "ONE CHINA!" and proceeded to try and cover up my friends' sign with their huge Chinese flag (by standing infront of her). Several people were taking pictures, video, and a few policeman on duty came over and stood by us (I'm not sure if they would have done anything if things had gotten out of hand...maybe) Soon one of the men taking video stopped to the small crowd. I commented that he wasn't tyring to disperse the bunch, he was telling them what he wanted so he could capture it on video. Sure enough a few seconds later the group was screaming "ONE CHINA" again. This time more people heard and decided to come over. I never felt all that threatened, but it was a bit disconcerting having about 30 people or so yelling at you. Some of my other friends were a bit uncomfortable and rather than having us leave, my friend with the sign moved. The crowd was very happy and cheered when she did.
Now, I have several problems about groups of people screaming at one person who did nothing, but hold up a sign. Hm, things like free speach come to mind. Or respecting/tolerating someone else's belief. And even, blindly following what your government tells you. Clearly Tibet is not free- otherwise you would not have the government cracking down the way it did and does everytime monks and others protest. I understand that although China does have relative free speech, young people my age still don't know about Tienamen Square (and yes I know this from experience).
Later during the relay more people were protesting and a few small fights broke out. Nothing too major though- although Korean newspapers reported North Korean defectors trying to immolate themselves. Not only were Koreans and some foreigners protesting about Tibet, but North Koreans who have defected were protesting because China sends the North Koreans that illegally come into their country back to North Korea where they are subsequently killed or put into work camps. China is continuing to do this while preparing for the Olympics.
I was debating whether or not to go up to Seoul this weekend solely for the torch relay, and am very glad I decided to go. It was a good experience all around and I got to see some friends I have not seen in awhile. I also was able to attend a Fulbright Forum in Seoul and listen to two Senior Fulbright Scholars present about teaching American history in Korean Universities- also very interesting to a history teacher at heart. :)
One last thing- over the weekend in the NYtimes and the International Herald Tribune an article was printed about Korean students getting into Ivy League Universities. It was an intersting article and fairly accurate about high school student life. If you are interested check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/world/asia/27seoul.html?th&emc=th While up in Seoul I visited the Embassy and the people I worked with over winter break. It turns out that my office was one of the sources for the writer of the article. Also, a former Fulbright ETA taught at Minjok and he now lives and works in Korea you should check out his response to the article itself here: http://metropolitician.blogs.com/scribblings_of_the_metrop/2008/04/korean-foreign.html He talks about how the students are able to get into these Universities, but then struggle in the American educational system.
I'm headed to Pohang to see a friend tomorrow and will be away this weekend and early next week. I'm going to the southwest area of Korea- the last place in Korea I haven't seen. I'm super excited!
-me ^^
p.s. I'll be putting up pictures and some video of the Olympic relay and some pictures from the school's 5th year anniversary celebration today (that was a surprise for me!)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A new look
Hi everyone,
I haven't posted in about two weeks because life became very busy. I've been up to a lot, so I'll highlight what I've been doing. I'm in the process of putting up the pictures and they can be found in a few different folders around Korea, Seoul, Daegu, and wedding.
About a month ago, I went to the east coast with my host family and got to see a cave. That was pretty neat. I like caves a lot and it was really beautiful. It wasn't that long, so it was a pretty quick visit. However, on the way back home we stopped by the sea, after picking up lunch (a freshly chopped fish). We had lunch by the water and ate our fresh sushi (sashimi Korean style), with some rice, vegetables and fresh hand-picked seaweed from the sea. It was pretty good, thankfully I'm not all that picky about what I eat! However, my host father proceeded to pick little seasnail/shell things from the rocks that made their way into our dinner that night. That was a little more difficult to eat! (Pics in Around Korea)
I also went to an apricot blossom festival with some friends- the flowers were really pretty and I got some great pictures! (lots of festivals are happening all over Korea- it seems like there is always a festival.) (Pics in Around Korea)
After that trip, I went to visit some friends on the west coast the following week. It was neat to see another town and see some of my friends and I got to stay with one friend and meet her host family and school. She teaches elementary, so it was neat to see a different school. Along with that visit, I got to see a friend who lives in Taean- where the big oil spill happened. There is still some clean-up from the spill that happened last fall, but not a whole lot. (Pics in Around Korea)
Two weekends ago I went to Jeju, an island off the Southern coast of Korea. It is known as the honeymoon island. We had a conference on the island for Fulbright, it wasn't much of a conference, but it was nice to relax, see friends, and go sightseeing. Unfortunately the weather wasn't all that great over the weekend, but it was at least mild enough to go sightseeing. I went to see the longest lava tube caves in the world (I like caves), the teddy bear museum (pretty strange, but cute), waterfalls, a cherry blossom festival, and I got to stay with another friend and visit her middle school. (Pics in Around Korea)
Last week there were some friends from America in Seoul. I got to go up and meet them have dinner and hangout with them. It was really fun to see them and to share what I know about Korea. Lindsey got her hair cut. (Pics in Seoul)
Lastly, I was in America last weekend for my best friend's wedding. :) I didn't tell most people I would be there, because literally I left Korea on Thursday (my time) and arrived Thursday (US time). I then left the U.S. Monday and arrived Tuesday (Korea time). The wedding was on Sunday and I spent Friday and Saturday helping my friend get ready for the wedding. Her father flew me out with his frequent flyer miles and I was so fortunate and happy that I was able to be a part of her special day! Needless to day, I am still recovering from jetlag, but am doing a pretty good job of it. :) The wedding was great!
And last but not least, I was accepted to graduate school at CU Boulder! This is good, but now I need to get a teaching job so I can do the program that partners me with the district. I'll keep you posted!
-me ^^
p.s. there are a few new pics under Daegu
I haven't posted in about two weeks because life became very busy. I've been up to a lot, so I'll highlight what I've been doing. I'm in the process of putting up the pictures and they can be found in a few different folders around Korea, Seoul, Daegu, and wedding.
About a month ago, I went to the east coast with my host family and got to see a cave. That was pretty neat. I like caves a lot and it was really beautiful. It wasn't that long, so it was a pretty quick visit. However, on the way back home we stopped by the sea, after picking up lunch (a freshly chopped fish). We had lunch by the water and ate our fresh sushi (sashimi Korean style), with some rice, vegetables and fresh hand-picked seaweed from the sea. It was pretty good, thankfully I'm not all that picky about what I eat! However, my host father proceeded to pick little seasnail/shell things from the rocks that made their way into our dinner that night. That was a little more difficult to eat! (Pics in Around Korea)
I also went to an apricot blossom festival with some friends- the flowers were really pretty and I got some great pictures! (lots of festivals are happening all over Korea- it seems like there is always a festival.) (Pics in Around Korea)
After that trip, I went to visit some friends on the west coast the following week. It was neat to see another town and see some of my friends and I got to stay with one friend and meet her host family and school. She teaches elementary, so it was neat to see a different school. Along with that visit, I got to see a friend who lives in Taean- where the big oil spill happened. There is still some clean-up from the spill that happened last fall, but not a whole lot. (Pics in Around Korea)
Two weekends ago I went to Jeju, an island off the Southern coast of Korea. It is known as the honeymoon island. We had a conference on the island for Fulbright, it wasn't much of a conference, but it was nice to relax, see friends, and go sightseeing. Unfortunately the weather wasn't all that great over the weekend, but it was at least mild enough to go sightseeing. I went to see the longest lava tube caves in the world (I like caves), the teddy bear museum (pretty strange, but cute), waterfalls, a cherry blossom festival, and I got to stay with another friend and visit her middle school. (Pics in Around Korea)
Last week there were some friends from America in Seoul. I got to go up and meet them have dinner and hangout with them. It was really fun to see them and to share what I know about Korea. Lindsey got her hair cut. (Pics in Seoul)
Lastly, I was in America last weekend for my best friend's wedding. :) I didn't tell most people I would be there, because literally I left Korea on Thursday (my time) and arrived Thursday (US time). I then left the U.S. Monday and arrived Tuesday (Korea time). The wedding was on Sunday and I spent Friday and Saturday helping my friend get ready for the wedding. Her father flew me out with his frequent flyer miles and I was so fortunate and happy that I was able to be a part of her special day! Needless to day, I am still recovering from jetlag, but am doing a pretty good job of it. :) The wedding was great!
And last but not least, I was accepted to graduate school at CU Boulder! This is good, but now I need to get a teaching job so I can do the program that partners me with the district. I'll keep you posted!
-me ^^
p.s. there are a few new pics under Daegu
Sunday, March 30, 2008
"...a good climbing mind..."
Hi everyone,
How's it going? I'm okay. Nothing too new to report from the week, but I'll share a few stories of what's been happening recently.
At the beginning of the month I found a bouldering gym in Daegu. There are supposedly a few in Daegu, but after walking back and forth past the actual gym for twenty minutes it was a miracle that I actually found this one. I didn't see the place at first, because it is in the basement of a building. The first time I went, I just wanted to find the place, see how much it cost, etc. The people were generally friendly and the place looked fine. I started going once a week- mainly because it takes about 30 minutes to get there with two bus transfers.
Now, I've never bouldered before (in a gym) and the experience was quite new. One of my fellow Fulbrighter's assured me that Korean climbers were friendly and they would help me. I quickly learned that this "help" comes in the form of the owner of the gym with a bamboo stick directing where I should place my "right hand, left hand, right foot, left foot," this is just a sampling of his limited English speaking ability. Of course, his English gets a lot better when he informs me, "No! No! No! Wrong, everything wrong!" He then proceeds to show me the correct way. This has happened every week since I began going to the gym. Now, I profess it is true, I'm not doing things the "correct" way, but I really am trying. I'm convinced that I only need more practice, not someone yelling at me in broken English that I'm doing everything wrong.
Now, last week was the icing on the cake when after a rather frustrating time he proceeded to tell me that I needed to lose weight to be better at bouldering and that I should jog to lose weight. Now, I've come to expect the blunt statements and assessments Korean's make about outward appearances, but like most American's, I'm not exactly thrilled when someone tells me I'm fat. I was pretty frustrated, but was more determined to show them that I could do it, despite being what they consider fat.
The chance to prove my ability came on Saturday when I went rock climbing with the man who owns the gym and several people that frequent the gym. I was invited on Thursday, but never received a call about going, so I craftily tracked down a phone number and made sure I was going on Sat. I was concerned that after Thursday they would try to ditch me on Sat!
I hadn't been rock climbing in almost nine months and it felt so good to be outside! Even if it was freezing outside! (Spring is slowly coming, one day it's gorgeous, the next it's rainy and cold.) We didn't go to a mountain to climb, rather a rock formation that has about a dozen or so routes. The place was pretty busy on Saturday, it was interesting to see so many people (mostly men, but some women) in all their fancy gear. I think most of the routes are pretty easy- mostly varying degrees of 10's.
I got to climb first and impressed them with my knot tying ability (thanks Matt) and a relatively good first climb. They were pretty impressed with my ability since I suck so much at the gym. Mr. Park's statement, "Rock climbing good! Bouldering bad!" After a few more runs over the course of a few hours (there were some other people climbing with us, we took turns) Mr. Park determined that I did not have a lot of power, but I had a good climbing mind- a reference to my stubbornness and refusal to give up. :) Overall, I was very happy that I went and had a good time. I can't wait for the next trip!
One more thing impressed some of the Koreans I went climbing with and that was my gear. I only say this, because, for the most part, Koreans tend to care about brand names and such. It's true and made me stress about what clothes I should wear climbing at the gym. I spent about a week searching for pants and a shirt I could wear climbing. However, this wasn't a thought when they saw the name of my shoes and harness!
I'll be traveling for the next two weekends and won't be able to make it into the gym because of my schedule, but I'll post more exciting stories later!
-me ^^
How's it going? I'm okay. Nothing too new to report from the week, but I'll share a few stories of what's been happening recently.
At the beginning of the month I found a bouldering gym in Daegu. There are supposedly a few in Daegu, but after walking back and forth past the actual gym for twenty minutes it was a miracle that I actually found this one. I didn't see the place at first, because it is in the basement of a building. The first time I went, I just wanted to find the place, see how much it cost, etc. The people were generally friendly and the place looked fine. I started going once a week- mainly because it takes about 30 minutes to get there with two bus transfers.
Now, I've never bouldered before (in a gym) and the experience was quite new. One of my fellow Fulbrighter's assured me that Korean climbers were friendly and they would help me. I quickly learned that this "help" comes in the form of the owner of the gym with a bamboo stick directing where I should place my "right hand, left hand, right foot, left foot," this is just a sampling of his limited English speaking ability. Of course, his English gets a lot better when he informs me, "No! No! No! Wrong, everything wrong!" He then proceeds to show me the correct way. This has happened every week since I began going to the gym. Now, I profess it is true, I'm not doing things the "correct" way, but I really am trying. I'm convinced that I only need more practice, not someone yelling at me in broken English that I'm doing everything wrong.
Now, last week was the icing on the cake when after a rather frustrating time he proceeded to tell me that I needed to lose weight to be better at bouldering and that I should jog to lose weight. Now, I've come to expect the blunt statements and assessments Korean's make about outward appearances, but like most American's, I'm not exactly thrilled when someone tells me I'm fat. I was pretty frustrated, but was more determined to show them that I could do it, despite being what they consider fat.
The chance to prove my ability came on Saturday when I went rock climbing with the man who owns the gym and several people that frequent the gym. I was invited on Thursday, but never received a call about going, so I craftily tracked down a phone number and made sure I was going on Sat. I was concerned that after Thursday they would try to ditch me on Sat!
I hadn't been rock climbing in almost nine months and it felt so good to be outside! Even if it was freezing outside! (Spring is slowly coming, one day it's gorgeous, the next it's rainy and cold.) We didn't go to a mountain to climb, rather a rock formation that has about a dozen or so routes. The place was pretty busy on Saturday, it was interesting to see so many people (mostly men, but some women) in all their fancy gear. I think most of the routes are pretty easy- mostly varying degrees of 10's.
I got to climb first and impressed them with my knot tying ability (thanks Matt) and a relatively good first climb. They were pretty impressed with my ability since I suck so much at the gym. Mr. Park's statement, "Rock climbing good! Bouldering bad!" After a few more runs over the course of a few hours (there were some other people climbing with us, we took turns) Mr. Park determined that I did not have a lot of power, but I had a good climbing mind- a reference to my stubbornness and refusal to give up. :) Overall, I was very happy that I went and had a good time. I can't wait for the next trip!
One more thing impressed some of the Koreans I went climbing with and that was my gear. I only say this, because, for the most part, Koreans tend to care about brand names and such. It's true and made me stress about what clothes I should wear climbing at the gym. I spent about a week searching for pants and a shirt I could wear climbing. However, this wasn't a thought when they saw the name of my shoes and harness!
I'll be traveling for the next two weekends and won't be able to make it into the gym because of my schedule, but I'll post more exciting stories later!
-me ^^
Thursday, March 27, 2008
...a rare midweek post...
I received this e-mail from another Fulbright English Teacher living in Korea:
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200803/200803270009.html
This truly is a sad story, but found the article very interesting. I wanted to know why I hadn't heard of this until it found it's way into my inbox today, so I did some searching.
Here is what the NYTimes had to say:
www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Iowa-City-Slayings.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=iowa&st=ny
And the International Herald Tribune:
http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/03/25/america/OUKWD-UK-IOWA-SLAYINGS.php
Obviously Korea has a national interest in the story, but the slant of the article is undeniable. As far as know, the Chosun-Ilbo is a conservative newspaper.
-me
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200803/200803270009.html
This truly is a sad story, but found the article very interesting. I wanted to know why I hadn't heard of this until it found it's way into my inbox today, so I did some searching.
Here is what the NYTimes had to say:
www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Iowa-City-Slayings.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=iowa&st=ny
And the International Herald Tribune:
http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/03/25/america/OUKWD-UK-IOWA-SLAYINGS.php
Obviously Korea has a national interest in the story, but the slant of the article is undeniable. As far as know, the Chosun-Ilbo is a conservative newspaper.
-me
Sunday, March 23, 2008
I'm a slacker...
...Hi!
Sorry, no post last week. It's not like I've been super busy or anything lately, but I just didn't end up blogging last week.
Teaching is still going well. I'm on week four of class, this week, but I've only taught about two weeks. This is because my students went on their class trip last week (for three days) and I didn't have to teach. I wanted to travel with my students, but wasn't invited- kinda sucks, but I got some time off- always a plus.
Last weekend I went with two friends to see the apricot blossom festival a town about 2 hours south of here. It was really beautiful! It's like an orchard field, so there are many trees. There were tents set up with different things you could buy, typical festival foods, etc. I've added some new pics (finally) of the festival.
After the festival Alison and I went to a basketball game (pics included too) in Daegu. We have our own professional team. It was an interesting game- our team is not very good. We played the Pusan team- they were a lot better than us, but at least we ended up winning. It was funny because it seemed like the teams here passed the ball way more than American teams do. For example, before anyone ever made a shot, it seemed like the entire team passed the ball around- like everyone had to touch it or something. It was a good experience and I'm glad we went. I also ran into some foreigner friends at the game I hadn't seen in awhile, so that was nice- we ended up going out for dinner.
This week- with all my spare time, I went to visit some friends on the west coast. It was nice, I got to visit a friend who teaches at an elementary school and help/watch her teach. It was neat visiting another family and school. I also went to visit a friend in Taean- where the oil spill happened last fall. We went to a beach and there was still some clean up happening (pics included).
I can't believe it's the end of March already. I know the rest of my time is going to fly by- I want to come back, but I know I'll miss Korea and my time here. These are a few things I plan on doing before I leave Korea: attend a concert (Big Bang is huge among high schooler's here, I just bought my tickets tonight!), see a baseball game (let's hope it's better than the basketball), see a soccer game, travel to a few more cities in Korea (Gwangju, Mokpo, maybe Daejon), and take an international trip with all my free time.
I feel like I should be volunteering this semester, but I didn't feel much of a connection last semester and I don't want to do something out of obligation. I think this semester is just going to be a time of rest (traveling and being active). I'm taking a yoga class every day and then going to a rock climbing gym once a week. I also hope to go climbing or hiking on the weekends when I'm in town.
Please leave a note or write an e-mail to let me know how things are going with you! I really do want to know!!!
As soon as I find out info about grad school/a job I'll post it!
-me ^^ (<- Korean smiley face)
Sorry, no post last week. It's not like I've been super busy or anything lately, but I just didn't end up blogging last week.
Teaching is still going well. I'm on week four of class, this week, but I've only taught about two weeks. This is because my students went on their class trip last week (for three days) and I didn't have to teach. I wanted to travel with my students, but wasn't invited- kinda sucks, but I got some time off- always a plus.
Last weekend I went with two friends to see the apricot blossom festival a town about 2 hours south of here. It was really beautiful! It's like an orchard field, so there are many trees. There were tents set up with different things you could buy, typical festival foods, etc. I've added some new pics (finally) of the festival.
After the festival Alison and I went to a basketball game (pics included too) in Daegu. We have our own professional team. It was an interesting game- our team is not very good. We played the Pusan team- they were a lot better than us, but at least we ended up winning. It was funny because it seemed like the teams here passed the ball way more than American teams do. For example, before anyone ever made a shot, it seemed like the entire team passed the ball around- like everyone had to touch it or something. It was a good experience and I'm glad we went. I also ran into some foreigner friends at the game I hadn't seen in awhile, so that was nice- we ended up going out for dinner.
This week- with all my spare time, I went to visit some friends on the west coast. It was nice, I got to visit a friend who teaches at an elementary school and help/watch her teach. It was neat visiting another family and school. I also went to visit a friend in Taean- where the oil spill happened last fall. We went to a beach and there was still some clean up happening (pics included).
I can't believe it's the end of March already. I know the rest of my time is going to fly by- I want to come back, but I know I'll miss Korea and my time here. These are a few things I plan on doing before I leave Korea: attend a concert (Big Bang is huge among high schooler's here, I just bought my tickets tonight!), see a baseball game (let's hope it's better than the basketball), see a soccer game, travel to a few more cities in Korea (Gwangju, Mokpo, maybe Daejon), and take an international trip with all my free time.
I feel like I should be volunteering this semester, but I didn't feel much of a connection last semester and I don't want to do something out of obligation. I think this semester is just going to be a time of rest (traveling and being active). I'm taking a yoga class every day and then going to a rock climbing gym once a week. I also hope to go climbing or hiking on the weekends when I'm in town.
Please leave a note or write an e-mail to let me know how things are going with you! I really do want to know!!!
As soon as I find out info about grad school/a job I'll post it!
-me ^^ (<- Korean smiley face)
Monday, March 10, 2008
First Week
Hi everyone,
Last week was the first week of school and thankfully it got a lot better from my last post. I finally got a schedule- a pretty good one that allows me Mondays off and classes pretty much back to back, so not too many breaks in between. Between all the national holidays and test days I have a few long vacations and I'm excited to be able to travel and get around this Spring.
My new kids are great. I don't think they'll be lots of problems and I am just tweaking and fine tuning lessons from last semester- so not a lot of prep. I'll prob need to create a few new lessons, but nothing major.
In my free time, I started a yoga class, which I really enjoy. I also found the bouldering gym yesterday and will go once a week and maybe on a weekend sometime. I've been trying to study some Korean on my own and have been meeting with different people to practice my conversation.
So, all in all things are going well.
me ^^
Last week was the first week of school and thankfully it got a lot better from my last post. I finally got a schedule- a pretty good one that allows me Mondays off and classes pretty much back to back, so not too many breaks in between. Between all the national holidays and test days I have a few long vacations and I'm excited to be able to travel and get around this Spring.
My new kids are great. I don't think they'll be lots of problems and I am just tweaking and fine tuning lessons from last semester- so not a lot of prep. I'll prob need to create a few new lessons, but nothing major.
In my free time, I started a yoga class, which I really enjoy. I also found the bouldering gym yesterday and will go once a week and maybe on a weekend sometime. I've been trying to study some Korean on my own and have been meeting with different people to practice my conversation.
So, all in all things are going well.
me ^^
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Would it be any less frustrating if I could understand?
Okay, for once I will make my Sunday deadline because I have absolutely nothing to do at school today. It is the first day of school and all of the teachers I am used to seeing in the office have moved to different grade levels, transfered schools, or are on a sabbatical. It's a little sad because I really liked the teachers in the office last year. I'm sure I'll like the new ones too- but to keep in touch with the other teachers, I now need to canvas the building trying to find them.
The odd thing about it being the first day of school is the lack of students. Well, first year students anyways. Although, I think they are beginning to trickle in. I believe there is a welcome ceremony for them in about an hour. I'm going to try and follow everyone for that (no one seems to know where it will be and if I have to attend).
I haven't really been too frustrated with my lack of understanding, however it's a bit different when I'm expected to teach and I still don't know when and who I'm teaching. Supposedly my schedule is being made as I type this out. My two requests: most of the classes in the morning and no classes on Fridays. I've been crossing my fingers and holding my breath for my schedule ever since it was mentioned a week ago. I do understand that my requests are a bit hopeful, but whatevs.
I might even have to teach second year students, which will be a huge surprise and a drag (although I miss my students from last year- so that will be good). Mainly because I wasn't prepared for that and don't have any lessons prepared to teach second year students!!! Actually I think I have an idea of what I could do, but it is a bit inconvenient.
One good thing is the fact that I don't have to change offices. This is good, because I don't want to move all my stuff around. I feel like if I was in an office with others I might be a bit more productive this semester, but I'll just have to buckle down and use my free time a little more wisely.
I think it would be a little less frustrating if I could understand what was going on, but I'll try to be patient and wait for my schedule and a myriad of other details that are important for teaching this week and tomorrow.
I have turned in all the info for the grad application and now I just have to wait. However, I keep trying to contact the school of education and they are unhelpful at best, just like I remember. I want to make sure my application is complete- that they received everything, since I had to submit my app via internet, domestic and international mail. *sigh* oh well.
-me
The odd thing about it being the first day of school is the lack of students. Well, first year students anyways. Although, I think they are beginning to trickle in. I believe there is a welcome ceremony for them in about an hour. I'm going to try and follow everyone for that (no one seems to know where it will be and if I have to attend).
I haven't really been too frustrated with my lack of understanding, however it's a bit different when I'm expected to teach and I still don't know when and who I'm teaching. Supposedly my schedule is being made as I type this out. My two requests: most of the classes in the morning and no classes on Fridays. I've been crossing my fingers and holding my breath for my schedule ever since it was mentioned a week ago. I do understand that my requests are a bit hopeful, but whatevs.
I might even have to teach second year students, which will be a huge surprise and a drag (although I miss my students from last year- so that will be good). Mainly because I wasn't prepared for that and don't have any lessons prepared to teach second year students!!! Actually I think I have an idea of what I could do, but it is a bit inconvenient.
One good thing is the fact that I don't have to change offices. This is good, because I don't want to move all my stuff around. I feel like if I was in an office with others I might be a bit more productive this semester, but I'll just have to buckle down and use my free time a little more wisely.
I think it would be a little less frustrating if I could understand what was going on, but I'll try to be patient and wait for my schedule and a myriad of other details that are important for teaching this week and tomorrow.
I have turned in all the info for the grad application and now I just have to wait. However, I keep trying to contact the school of education and they are unhelpful at best, just like I remember. I want to make sure my application is complete- that they received everything, since I had to submit my app via internet, domestic and international mail. *sigh* oh well.
-me
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thoughts from Korea
Hi everyone,
Just thought I'd share some more personal happenings here in Korea- no I don't have a boyfriend. :) (sorry mom and dad) ^^ It's more along the lines of why I wanted to come here in the first place- learn about the culture, because I was born here.
Last week I went and visited my adoption agency. I had contacted them about a month earlier wanting to visit the orphanage where I was when I was born. It took them forever to get back to me- I actually went through another center before they contacted me. I made an appointment and spoke with a social worker who said really quickly on the phone that the orphanage had been closed for the past 15 years, but that we could visit the place where it used to be if I wanted. I was a bit hurried, but I set up an appointment.
I arrived at the office and she was ready to whisk me away, but I wanted to take things a little bit more slowly. I inquired about my file and got to see all the original documents surrounding the first 3 months of my life. It was neat. The social work spoke English very well and was able to point out some of the things written in Korean for me. Such as my name, which I already knew.
There was only one piece of new information in my file in Korea than in the records I already knew, my birth mother's name and date of birth. The social worker clearly had done her work, because she informed me that she had already tried to contact a few different places to track this woman down. I was taken by surprise, because this was not my intention when I had called to visit the orphanage. I told her that if she found anything not to contact her before she spoke to me.
We then got in a van and drove (about an hour) to the site where the orphanage used to be. It wasn't all that exciting- the space is now filled with apartment buildings, but it was good to go- I'd never have been able to find it myself and she had taken notes with what the orphanage looked like, what buildings were here and there. Then we got back in the van- got caught in a lot of traffic and went back to the office.
That was the end of the end of the trip and I'm glad I went. At the beginning of my time in Korea I never had any intention to go, but after volunteering at the center and meeting so many other adoptees and hearing their stories I wanted to go and see the orphanage (or what was left of it). There's no news about my birth mother, so far she hasn't been able to find any information. There's really only one other place she can look and I'm still waiting to hear from her. I'm actually relieved that there isn't any information because I wouldn't know what to do if there was.
I start teaching next week and still don't know my school schedule. * sigh * Oh well. I've sent in some documents for the grad program and almost have it completed. I've also finished the online application for a school district and just have to send in some paperwork, and I'm nearly done with the online app for another district- then I'll have to send in some paperwork, but it's coming along and I'm still excited for the possibility of teaching and living back in CO. :)
-me
Just thought I'd share some more personal happenings here in Korea- no I don't have a boyfriend. :) (sorry mom and dad) ^^ It's more along the lines of why I wanted to come here in the first place- learn about the culture, because I was born here.
Last week I went and visited my adoption agency. I had contacted them about a month earlier wanting to visit the orphanage where I was when I was born. It took them forever to get back to me- I actually went through another center before they contacted me. I made an appointment and spoke with a social worker who said really quickly on the phone that the orphanage had been closed for the past 15 years, but that we could visit the place where it used to be if I wanted. I was a bit hurried, but I set up an appointment.
I arrived at the office and she was ready to whisk me away, but I wanted to take things a little bit more slowly. I inquired about my file and got to see all the original documents surrounding the first 3 months of my life. It was neat. The social work spoke English very well and was able to point out some of the things written in Korean for me. Such as my name, which I already knew.
There was only one piece of new information in my file in Korea than in the records I already knew, my birth mother's name and date of birth. The social worker clearly had done her work, because she informed me that she had already tried to contact a few different places to track this woman down. I was taken by surprise, because this was not my intention when I had called to visit the orphanage. I told her that if she found anything not to contact her before she spoke to me.
We then got in a van and drove (about an hour) to the site where the orphanage used to be. It wasn't all that exciting- the space is now filled with apartment buildings, but it was good to go- I'd never have been able to find it myself and she had taken notes with what the orphanage looked like, what buildings were here and there. Then we got back in the van- got caught in a lot of traffic and went back to the office.
That was the end of the end of the trip and I'm glad I went. At the beginning of my time in Korea I never had any intention to go, but after volunteering at the center and meeting so many other adoptees and hearing their stories I wanted to go and see the orphanage (or what was left of it). There's no news about my birth mother, so far she hasn't been able to find any information. There's really only one other place she can look and I'm still waiting to hear from her. I'm actually relieved that there isn't any information because I wouldn't know what to do if there was.
I start teaching next week and still don't know my school schedule. * sigh * Oh well. I've sent in some documents for the grad program and almost have it completed. I've also finished the online application for a school district and just have to send in some paperwork, and I'm nearly done with the online app for another district- then I'll have to send in some paperwork, but it's coming along and I'm still excited for the possibility of teaching and living back in CO. :)
-me
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Okay, I'm really back...
Hi everyone,
Sorry, I haven't been very timely with the updates recently. However, I am back from Seoul (I'm in Daegu), so that should put me on a regular schedule once again. I still have about two weeks of freedom before school and I actually decided the other day that I am going to apply to a graduate school program. Which means I have a lot of work to do in these next two weeks.
I am applying for the Partners in Education program through CU Boulder (same as my undergrad). The program is good because I will be earning my masters and teaching (they partner me with a local school district). I hope that I can get accepted into the program because I am very excited to go back to teaching in the states.
The decision to apply is really because I miss teaching social studies and figure that if I'm going to go back and teach eventually, why shouldn't I just do it next year? I still really like Korea, but do want to do something new next year. I feel like if I stay here another year, it will just be more of the same. I'm also excited to get back into a classroom and learn. :)
I'll post more next week,
me ^^
Sorry, I haven't been very timely with the updates recently. However, I am back from Seoul (I'm in Daegu), so that should put me on a regular schedule once again. I still have about two weeks of freedom before school and I actually decided the other day that I am going to apply to a graduate school program. Which means I have a lot of work to do in these next two weeks.
I am applying for the Partners in Education program through CU Boulder (same as my undergrad). The program is good because I will be earning my masters and teaching (they partner me with a local school district). I hope that I can get accepted into the program because I am very excited to go back to teaching in the states.
The decision to apply is really because I miss teaching social studies and figure that if I'm going to go back and teach eventually, why shouldn't I just do it next year? I still really like Korea, but do want to do something new next year. I feel like if I stay here another year, it will just be more of the same. I'm also excited to get back into a classroom and learn. :)
I'll post more next week,
me ^^
Thursday, January 31, 2008
안영!
Hello!
I'm back with internet! I even forgot certain command keys on my computer I didn't use it for so long. I know it's pretty sad, but it's true. Actually, I can live without the internet, but it does make communication and a myriad of other things very convenient. One of the very first things I did was upload a bunch of pictures! Please check it out-> I created two more albums the first is labeled "Internship" and the second is labeled "Winterbreak". Internship pictures are mostly of me teaching when I traveled to Busan and Daegu to do four presentations about various topics concerning America. There are also some very bad pictures of me on my last day receiving a certificate of appreciation. Speaking of which, my last day was coincidently today. The "Winterbreak" album contains a few pictures from New Year's, the ice festival, a few pictures of Incheon, and AYPP pictures (some of North Korea). I also have uploaded some pictures in the folder "Around Korea" when I volunteered at the orphanage in Gumi.
Hope all is well with everyone in the states (and even for those outside the states)!
My internship was interesting- a good learning experience. It was boring at times- sitting in a cubicle making PowerPoint presentations about aspects of America. However, sometimes it was interesting- getting to travel and present programs myself. I worked with some very nice people and learned what an embassy actually does. I'm not sure if I could actually work in that capacity- but it was good to have the experience.
the AYPP program was great for my students! I think they really enjoyed it and despite getting frustrated at some of them at times, it was a good experience. I learned about some Korean history and relations with the U.S., like the FTA negotiations, etc. We got to travel to interesting places like the DMZ and the JSA (Pan mun jon). I stayed up late with the kids working on our group project and by the end of the week I was exhausted!
My trip to Japan got canceled because my friend had/has a bad case of mono. However, I'm happy just to chill and relax in Korea. I'll spend the next three weeks in Seoul hanging out, seeing friends, etc. Then I teach a winter camp (pick up a few extra bucks) and then head back to Daegu and start teaching on March 3.
I'll keep trying to update every Sunday!
-me :)
I'm back with internet! I even forgot certain command keys on my computer I didn't use it for so long. I know it's pretty sad, but it's true. Actually, I can live without the internet, but it does make communication and a myriad of other things very convenient. One of the very first things I did was upload a bunch of pictures! Please check it out-> I created two more albums the first is labeled "Internship" and the second is labeled "Winterbreak". Internship pictures are mostly of me teaching when I traveled to Busan and Daegu to do four presentations about various topics concerning America. There are also some very bad pictures of me on my last day receiving a certificate of appreciation. Speaking of which, my last day was coincidently today. The "Winterbreak" album contains a few pictures from New Year's, the ice festival, a few pictures of Incheon, and AYPP pictures (some of North Korea). I also have uploaded some pictures in the folder "Around Korea" when I volunteered at the orphanage in Gumi.
Hope all is well with everyone in the states (and even for those outside the states)!
My internship was interesting- a good learning experience. It was boring at times- sitting in a cubicle making PowerPoint presentations about aspects of America. However, sometimes it was interesting- getting to travel and present programs myself. I worked with some very nice people and learned what an embassy actually does. I'm not sure if I could actually work in that capacity- but it was good to have the experience.
the AYPP program was great for my students! I think they really enjoyed it and despite getting frustrated at some of them at times, it was a good experience. I learned about some Korean history and relations with the U.S., like the FTA negotiations, etc. We got to travel to interesting places like the DMZ and the JSA (Pan mun jon). I stayed up late with the kids working on our group project and by the end of the week I was exhausted!
My trip to Japan got canceled because my friend had/has a bad case of mono. However, I'm happy just to chill and relax in Korea. I'll spend the next three weeks in Seoul hanging out, seeing friends, etc. Then I teach a winter camp (pick up a few extra bucks) and then head back to Daegu and start teaching on March 3.
I'll keep trying to update every Sunday!
-me :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy New Year's! (slightly different from the e-mail I sent...with a shameless plug for my b-day)
Hi everyone!
It has been ages since I've updated my blog, but I wanted to say hi! How is everything at home? I hope all is well and that 2008 is starting off to be a good year!
It's been a busy start for me, I'm sure you're not all that surprised! I was able to spend a relaxing Christmas in Korea, hanging out with some new American friends I made the night before. However, New Year's was a blast as I got to spend it with some other American teachers on my program. We went for a nice dinner and then spent most of the night out ringing in the New Year. A lot of Koreans were out celebrating too, although they spend more time celebrating the Lunar New Year (February 6-8 this year).
After my New Year's adventures I began my internship at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. I am living on the U.S. military base, in Embassy housing, and take the shuttle to work every day. Embassy housing is super nice- like living in a little America. The houses are set up in neighborhoods, there are sidewalks, electrical poles above ground, etc. The houses are even wired with American outlets. We have access to the Commissary on base, which was a big deal, since I hadn't seen a lot of American food- or a grocery store- in 6 months!!!
The internship is going well and they are keeping me really busy. I am working in the Regional Program Office, which puts on programs and presentations about America to anywhere in Korea outside of Seoul. I actually get to travel next week to Daegu (where I live) and Busan to give presentations on America. I've been creating the different presentations I will be giving and am excited as I am presenting to different types of audiences. One presentation is about teaching listening comprehension to English teachers using NPR's This I Believe (something I have experience with from student teaching and working for Teaching East Asia), another presentation is about Dr. Seuss for a elementary students, another presentation is a film screening and talk using the movie Catch Me If You Can, the last is a film presentation to children using Peter Pan.
In two weeks the AYPP program takes place, so I'll be out of the office to take students around Seoul to learn about Korean and American politics, economics, etc. It should be fun. I was able to meet with my Korean partner last night and am excited for the program. My birthday also falls during the program, so it will be nice to be doing something then. As per Cara's comment, I don't actually want anything for my birthday- a card would be nice :)
Also, if you would like to send something you can send it to this address:
Jenna Novaral
US Embassy Seoul
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Unit 15550
APO AP 96205-5550
However, whatever you send MUST ARRIVE BEFORE JAN 31 as I will be leaving Seoul that date and the address will not longer be valid. APO address are cheaper than sending something to Korea- it costs the same as mailing something to the states.
I have limited access to the Internet this month, which is a pain. I can send e-mails from work, but I don't want to send too many. Therefore I don't think I will be updating my blog anytime soon. I am headed to Japan the first week in February, so check back for updates on that adventure!
Please let me know how things are going with you!!!
-me :)
P.S. I've been here for 6 months!!! It's difficult to believe that. I'm still enjoying my time here and am excited to see what the next few months bring me!
It has been ages since I've updated my blog, but I wanted to say hi! How is everything at home? I hope all is well and that 2008 is starting off to be a good year!
It's been a busy start for me, I'm sure you're not all that surprised! I was able to spend a relaxing Christmas in Korea, hanging out with some new American friends I made the night before. However, New Year's was a blast as I got to spend it with some other American teachers on my program. We went for a nice dinner and then spent most of the night out ringing in the New Year. A lot of Koreans were out celebrating too, although they spend more time celebrating the Lunar New Year (February 6-8 this year).
After my New Year's adventures I began my internship at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. I am living on the U.S. military base, in Embassy housing, and take the shuttle to work every day. Embassy housing is super nice- like living in a little America. The houses are set up in neighborhoods, there are sidewalks, electrical poles above ground, etc. The houses are even wired with American outlets. We have access to the Commissary on base, which was a big deal, since I hadn't seen a lot of American food- or a grocery store- in 6 months!!!
The internship is going well and they are keeping me really busy. I am working in the Regional Program Office, which puts on programs and presentations about America to anywhere in Korea outside of Seoul. I actually get to travel next week to Daegu (where I live) and Busan to give presentations on America. I've been creating the different presentations I will be giving and am excited as I am presenting to different types of audiences. One presentation is about teaching listening comprehension to English teachers using NPR's This I Believe (something I have experience with from student teaching and working for Teaching East Asia), another presentation is about Dr. Seuss for a elementary students, another presentation is a film screening and talk using the movie Catch Me If You Can, the last is a film presentation to children using Peter Pan.
In two weeks the AYPP program takes place, so I'll be out of the office to take students around Seoul to learn about Korean and American politics, economics, etc. It should be fun. I was able to meet with my Korean partner last night and am excited for the program. My birthday also falls during the program, so it will be nice to be doing something then. As per Cara's comment, I don't actually want anything for my birthday- a card would be nice :)
Also, if you would like to send something you can send it to this address:
Jenna Novaral
US Embassy Seoul
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Unit 15550
APO AP 96205-5550
However, whatever you send MUST ARRIVE BEFORE JAN 31 as I will be leaving Seoul that date and the address will not longer be valid. APO address are cheaper than sending something to Korea- it costs the same as mailing something to the states.
I have limited access to the Internet this month, which is a pain. I can send e-mails from work, but I don't want to send too many. Therefore I don't think I will be updating my blog anytime soon. I am headed to Japan the first week in February, so check back for updates on that adventure!
Please let me know how things are going with you!!!
-me :)
P.S. I've been here for 6 months!!! It's difficult to believe that. I'm still enjoying my time here and am excited to see what the next few months bring me!
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