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!)

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