You can take the girl out of social work....

but you can't take the social work out of the girl.

Being a teacher in Korea doesn't fill my desire to help others. If I were a teacher back home, I would be more involved with the social and emotional needs of my students. However, because of the differences in both language, and maybe more so culture, I can not get as involved as I would like.
Fortunately, there are other outlets for my social work desires. In Mokpo, a program was started by a foreigner a few years ago. A group of waygook (foreign) teachers teach classes every Monday evening at an orphanage right up the street from my apartment.
The orphanage is run by Catholic ( I assume) nuns. A "sister" helps us with our class; however, I am 80 % sure one of our students is her son, and she also has an older daughter. So I am not sure how that really works. In a recent conversation, she said that she is married to Jesus Christ, so the only sensible explanation is that another Virgin Mary also exists in today's world in Mokpo, South Korea.
Travis and I taught this class together, and now my friend Kelli and me teach the class. We have 7 students ages 7-11 "korean" age, so 5-10 "everywhere else in the world" age.
Their names are Chul Jin, Song Hee, Min Ji, Ha Nul, Eun Joo, Hae Song, and I can NEVER remember the 7th student's name! Bad Lin Ji teacher :( I could type little personality profiles on each student, but I am aware that not all people are as intrigued by different personality characertistics as me. So if you are one of those people, just ask me, and I would be more than happy to give you copius details of each kiddo's personality.
We do not teach during winter vacation, so I have been missing my students A LOT! Yesterday on my way to the gym, I happened to pass Ha Nul, Song Hee, Chul Jin, and Auntia aka 2nd Virgin Mary . I was greeted with hugs and "Lin Ji teacher Lin Ji teacher." Long story shortened, I ended up attending a concert and eating dinner with all the sisters and the kiddos later that evening. It was a beautiful concert, and an overall moving experience.
The proceeds from the concert are going toward a mission trip to help the less fortunate in the Phillipines. Sister Thomas informed me that next month 32 of the students and several sisters will make the trip. Yes, these children are orphaned, but she wants them to realize that there are far less fortunate children in the world. She wants them to have a better appreciation for what they do have. The orphange is a very nice facility, and there is a strong sense of family between the sisters and the children. However, I am a firm believer that the bond of a biological family is one, for whatever reasons, is a difficult one to break. The longing that children have for their parents, especially their mothers, is incomprehensible.
Regardless of religious preference or cultural background, this is the most awe inspiring form of "pay it forward" that I have ever witnessed. It is easy to discuss support of various charities, it is pretty easy to write a check for some charitable cause, it is easy for many of us to volunteer for a few hours a week; because at the end of the day we go home to our comfortable lives and our loving families. Spending time with these children is by far the highlight of my week. I assure you that these children give me far more than I could ever give them.

Sorry this post was suppose to be a light hearted and brief overview of my after school adventures. But, I really miss social work, its the only thing that seems to give me a sense of purpose. Since this is the unedited version, I also feel like it shold also be an honest account of my life whether it be past or present. I left home for several reasons 1) I needed a change of pace. 2) I have always had a longing for adventures. 3) I felt that I was failing miserably at my job back home. As I said, social work gives me a sense of purpose, but unfortunately being assertive is not one of my personality characteristics. I always felt like there was more that I could have done or said. I'm also a sponge when it comes to other peoples' stress, and I couldn't handle it anymore. So to all of those in the "trenches" back home, I'm sending all of my love and upmost respect. You all stayed to endure so that others could have better lives.

Farewell for now Travis Tanner

Today in the early am, Charlie and I had to say our farewells to Travis Tanner. He is headed back to the states for school. After Travis walked out the door, Charlie whined for about 2 hours, and kept vigil either at the door or on the edge of the bed. Charlie missed his buddy, and he had to spend the day cooped up in the bathroom, until I got home from work and volunteering. Charlie and I decided to go on an hour and a half walk/run to take our minds of missing Travis. Above are pictures of our sad faces :( Good Luck at home Travis Tanner, can't wait to see you ! Sending all of my love and Charlie's, it won't be the same without you.

Chicken Little's Pictures

"The sky is falling, the sky is falling" Mokpo, South Korea edition

I begged Travis to do couples costumes this year, but I also wanted our costumes to relate to Korea. We decided to be a bottle of soju, its the Korean equivalent of vodka, and a chicken. Korean men love to eat chicken and throw back some soju or beer. I glued approximately 1,000 (Travis says he doesn't think its quite that many, but this is my blog!) feathers to a white tank, wore orange leggings, made a crest?, and glued a beak to some green glasses. What is a Korean anything without some fake glasses with no lenses for fashion purposes only. Travis painted two cardboard boxes and tied them together. He got way more compliments, and I wasn't jealous at all!
We went out with our friends Carla and Joe. The bar was too too crowded, so we hung out and had a few beers outside a convenience store. This is both legal and socially acceptable. I shared some beer with a few older Korean men, who let me borrow their bottle opener. You must return the favor! Also, some snacks with our taxi driver. Travis had made cookies for the bake sale, and the taxi driver did not like them. The cookies were quite delic, good job Betty Crocker :)

Even if your Halloween wasn't covered in feathers and random Korean encounters, I hope it was simply fantastic!

Korean miscommunications, kindnesses, customs, and regifting

On Friday, I was asked to go on a picnic with two classes and a few teachers. Miscommunication (1), picnic meant field trip and some light hiking. I dressed in leggings, a dress, and boots, at least I opted for the ones without a heel.
Before, I walked over to a little store to grab some cookies. I'm always without gifts, and I needed some for Mrs. Kim, who was picking me up. Miscommuncation (2), I was told Mrs. Kim would be picking me up; she was outside on the bench waiting so we could get a taxi together. Kindness (1), they had arranged for her to meet me to ensure that I arrived at the right meeting location. Kindess (2), Mrs. Kim gave me three tangerines. Korean custom (1), a gift is received and then it is often expected that a gift should be given in return. I got out my cookies and handed Mrs. Kim one and also Mrs. Cheung one. Korean custom (2), it is often considered rude if a gift is given to one person while in the presence of another, if there is no gift for the other. ReGifting (1),Mrs Cheung offered me one of the tangerines that Mrs Kim had just handed her. I said, "no thank you." I already had three! So then she offers me a drink, that she had just "asked" a student to give her. I said "no thank you" again, I mean she had just gotten it, so obviously she wanted it. She stopped after that offer, and I'm sure I offended her, but I didn't expect a gift in return, I'm not Korean!
We went to several cultural sights around Mokpo. It was interesting, and I forgot my camera, which is not suprising at this point. eh? (i'm saying eh? these days thanks to my Canadian friends) There were not many postings in English, so Mrs. Cheung explained me the significance to Korean history and culture of each place. Koreans are very proud of their culture, but not always of their history. Koreans had to fight for their independence as a country, and Mrs. Cheung informed me "they are very embarrassed" of the period when Japan controlled their country. I don't know that our definition of embarassed fits the Koreans' feelings the best, but this was the word she chose to describe their feelings. She would often explain an aspect of their culture and say much nicer than (insert either Chinese or Japanese here). Then she would look at me awaiting my reassurance that yes this is true. So, I did what any good Korean woman does, and smiled and went along with her without questioning. (insert a little sarcasm here)
We stopped in a Korean traditional house, that was functioning as a tea room/gift store, and had cold tea made from pine trees. It was incredibly sweet, and I enjoyed it. One of the male teachers was with us, and he had Mrs. Cheung translate about the medicinal qualities of the tea, it is apparently good for blood circulation. I was informed he is known as 'king of the island" that he lives on. He owns a large amount of land and farms along with teaching 6 days a week. I'm hoping to accompany him to his island someday! Kindness (3), Mrs. Kim bought me a lovely gift from the store. I hope my korean thank you, smile, and "you are very kind" was enough for a thank you, because I was out of cookies :/
At lunchtime, the teachers had brought all types of food to share. Therefore, stating a "picnic" was partially true. Fail (4,786), I had not thought to bring food specifically for lunch. During the course of lunch, students kept coming over to plead for some of the teachers' food. The teachers kept "shooing" them away. Sidenote: how Koreans stay thin, I don't know. The girls had been snacking on junk food the entire day, and ate so much food at lunch. Finally, a student brought over a tangerine for the male teacher, so he in turn gave her kimbap, and off she went to the dismay of all the other students. Regifting (2), the teacher handed to me and said "from Jeju." After all the endless eating, I could not stomach another bite. I had attempted to stop 5 bites ago, and had been shoved more chopsticks in my hand and urged to continue. Regifting (2.5) Mrs. Cheung took the tangerine from the table. Regifting (3), Mrs. Cheung gave the tangerine to a student.
I napped on the ride home, and was home by 2pm. I also was paid 20,000 won to go on a picnic with free lunch, entertaing students, kind teachers, and my regular day's pay. My life in Korea is one mess of miscommunications, kindnesses, customs, and regifting....and I love it :)

My New Home

Pictures taken by Travis Tanner Urban on last week's hike of Yudal.


Tomorrow, I will have been living in Korea for exactly 4 months. In the past few weeks, I have started to finally grasp that this is my new home. It's not a vacation or a short term placement. I am a resident of Mokpo, South Korea. Mokpo is a small (260,000 people) city in the southern part of Korea. Along with the realization that this is my home, I have also adopted an appreciation for Mokpo. It isnt a bustling metropolis and there aren't many western comforts to be found, but its beauty and delicious food far outweigh those absent aspects.

This weekend was full of random activities adventures and great people. Friday night, Carla, Joe, Travis, and I went out to dinner at a place called the Drunken Chicken. These types of restaraunts are everywhere and serve chicken and beer. We attempted and "succeeded" in ordering our meal. Carla and Joe ended up getting two huge chicken dishes instead of one. The older man, who appeared to be the owner, was a little upset that we didnt speak Korean. On a side note, four months and I still only know about 10 words. I need to stop saying that I am going to learn and just do it. (nike style) He used his cellphone translations to ask if we were full or if we wanted more. He did know the word "cocktail" but then again, maybe thats important English for his position at the Drunken Chicken. I wish that I would have gotten a picture of their logo. It was two chicken sitting at a table, one handing the other a shot glass of (undoubtedly) soju and both looking a little inebriated. Hilarious! Koreans also never split a bill, either the person who did the inviting or the eldest pays for the bill. They must think we are so strange trying to calculate who owes what at the register.

Saturday, Carla, Joe, Travis, and I hiked Yudalsan, san meaning mountain. The view on top of Yudal makes me appreciate Mokpo's beauty every time. (Ok, ok, ok, maybe not the first time, but I was out of shape and dripping sweat when we reached the top, whilst Korean women were in high heeels and full makeup.) Trav and I have prob hiked it about 5-10 times, and most times we take a different path with different scenery.



After ourt hike, I went to my friend Kate's and we baked...oh how I miss baking. Trav and I do not have an oven. Ovens in Korea are about the size of a Easy Bake Oven. We went to dinner at a Korean bbq, where you prepare your own meat and wrap it and your veggies and rice in a lettuce leaf. It is sooo amazing and so cheap about 5,000 won or about 4 US dollars.
After dinner, we met up with more friends at a free concert in Peace Park. Peace Park is a boardwalk located in new downtown Hadang. They have free concerts quite often and its just another wonderful aspect of Korea. There are many performers, most of them are old with silly backup dancers. My friend Erin performed almost all the moves for me, because I forgot my glasses and couldn't see the ridiculousness in all its glory. At the end, there were two K-pop groups. One performer rapped and we decided she was similar to Eve or Little Kim. I am quite positive her lyrics weren't as scandalous, but then again, I don't understand a lot of Korean. :( The final act was U-Kiss a group of about 6-8 Korean boys doing sychronized dance moves with the occasional blurp of English, which was well of course like all K-pop....EPIC.
We ended the night at a place called Joki Joki. Kate's boyfriend read our palms. Young Tae is Korean, and his English is really good, as good if not better than the Korean English teachers at my school. His personality is amazing, he is absolutely hysterical. He said, "oh, you many personalities" and then went on to say "I want this, ok no I want this, or maybe I want this, you never make decisions." At first, I thought maybe I should discuss treatment with Keith, who was a previously a psychiatric nurse at a facility in London (how amazingly interesting is that?!) for multiple personality disorder ;) but the translation was that I can never decide and want a million different things. So true. I will have three men in my life, sorry Travis things aren't looking so great for you, kiddo. Most importantly. I will only live to "hmmmm about 55." "Hands...hands are very bad, but mine (his) are terrible." Great finish to a great night.

Sunday, was a day of getting up late, grocery shopping, napping, and Kelly, Travis, and me are headed to Ti Amo later for gelato. Perfect end to a perfect weekend.

I'm loving Korea, if you can't tell. It's been such a journey in the last four months, excited about what the next eight will have to offer.

I hope you enjoy the new layout, and I am attempting to shorten my entries, so they are not novels. (obv FAIL) Also, I will be adding pictures courtesy of Travis Tanner. I really need to start taking my own, it really makes a blog so much better. (obv FAIL, again)

Hope your weekend was also full of random exciting adventures.

OH KOREA

It has been exactly two months since I last posted, WHOOPS! I have been reminded (harassed) by my one faithful reader (my mom) for the past few months to update. SO here goes, first of all I was going to try and review the last two months but that IS impossible. So if you want to hear about my trip to China, you will have to just ask.

Major updates: My friend Chelsea's contract has ended and she has gone to live on the island with her boyfriend for a few months before heading back to Canada. Chelsea and I would hang out sometimes in the "women's lounge" of her school and vent about our students/staff. The women's lounge is an area where the women staff can go eat or take a nap. For the men it is acceptable to sleep in their chair in the teacher's room, but women must go to this room to take a nap. OH KOREA!

Carla from California is her replacement and now I have a lunch date :) Its nice to have someone to chat with over lunch. Both of our staffs asked the first day if we had brought a friend to lunch. OH KOREA!

One of my assignments involved the students writing about their future dreams whether it be a career or travel. I was checking papers, and one students wrote "wants to mate" She isn't a student who typically gives me a hard time, and she also has limited English knowledge. So I said "man" "woman" (using my hands combined the two) and said "baby." She started to giggle and said "teacher, no!" Further discussion, it turns out she wants to work on a ship. So we changed it to "wants to be a mate on a ship." OH KOREA!

Koreans never do/plan anything in advance.

A few weeks ago, a teacher walked into my room five minutes into my class and say "Lin-Ji, I need your room, go." I am expected to pack up all my stuff and my students and go to another room, because the air conditioning is out in the English building. (which my classes are not in)

Today, a teacher walked in to tell me that tomorrow she would be taking my picture for the school pamphlet.

Translation: A korean teacher's comfort is more important than the students English education. More important than that is my appearance in the school's pamphlet.

OH KOREA!

Besides all the culture differences, I do enjoy my life in Korea. I have so much less stress than in the US. Life is more affordable. When I go home from work, I don't obsess over my clients/students well being. When the students/staff say rude things to me, I can't understand them.

OH KOREA ! Thank you, you are just what I need at this point in my life :)

Are you where you need to be in your life right now?

If not, then do something about it!

Summer School for Smart Students....

When I was in elementary school, my school held summer school for those students who were behind in their academics. With all the cuts to education, I am not sure if this type of program still exists. In Korea, summer school still exists, but it is for a much different student population. The brightest and most gifted students attend summer classes for an additional two weeks. I had only ten classes over this two week period with all gifted students, with the exception of one class. The gifted students translated their attendance cover sheet for me and it roughly was labeled summer class for smart students. I did not ask my "low" class to translate their title for two reasons 1) there is not enough English comprehension on their part or Korean on my part to have that conversation 2) did I really want to know that their class was probably labeled as sumer class for students with no talent. I have tried extra hard with several students and have been informed by their classmates, in front of the student, "she has no talents." Anyway, this entry is becoming very serious and depressing and it suppose to be light-hearted and fun, so I will post a few of the students essays. These essays provide me with lots of laughs, but more importantly an insight into the thoughts and opinions of Korean middle school girls.

The first prompt was that the students are on strike and they are detailing their "negotiations" with the respective parties.

**There are several mispellings and use of wrong words....I am posting their essays as is with no corrections.**

To sister

From your sister re: the strike is on

Im not happy with how you are acting me. I wont be supplying you with many cookie. Before I go back to give cookie. I want to you to give me the following.

1. Don’t yell at me

2. don’t hit me

3. don’t tease me

4. don’t cry at next brother

I hope you like rice because you won’t be getting many cookie from me

Your older sister'

** Ree seester this reminds me of our pickle incident...bahahaha love you, your little seester*

To study room principal

From your student

Re the strike is on

I am not happy with how you’re make me studying. SO listen up. I m going on strike. Before I go back to studying. I want you to give me the following.

1. Don’t speak ill of abuse

2. Don’t hit us

3. Don’t talk be idle

4, Don’t stay of of this. This is none of your business.

* I think she is actually unhappy with abuse, because she is getting hit with the stick, but I think "don't talk be idle" is my new favorite saying, and I think she would like whoever to stay out of her business!*

** A few negotiations of a student to her mother.**

Don’t treat me as a silly girl

The freedom to wake up and sleep any time I like.

**I think her "don't treat me as a silly girl" is a really mature statement.

**The next is one a student wrote to herself, and like all of us she is of course her worse critic.**

To myself

From me

Im little worried with how I am spending times these days. SO listen up. Im going on strike. I wont let myself to become lazy and not good tempered. SO follow these

1. Write all the homework in your planner

2. Plan a day certainly and very careful

3. Always smile

4. Be positive

5. Think one more before you talk

6. I understand because Im sick these days and tired of busy vacation days but I hope myself to do the best I know Im trying well but I want myself to try just little more.

**This one is a few of the negotiations of a student to her English Academy. many of the girls go to Hyein Middle School until 5pm, and the straight to English Academy until 8 or 9pm.**

I don’t want to submit my cellphone: its my privacy

I want to eat in glass. I am a growing girl So I need to eat much hungry.

**Obv she meant class not glass, in Hangul the G and the C are often interchangeable.**

Another prompt: While digging in the dirt, I found an old lamp. I started to wipe off the dirt off, when, suddenly s genie appeared and promised to grant me three wishes.

Some of the following are whole essays while others are excerpts.

I thought very long time finally I said three wishes to genie. Well, one is I want to be a richman. I wish I would be a millionaire. Genie nodded his head and he said “You can say two wishes too. I know I know and another is everyone likes me, then I wish I could be superstar ha ha ha !!! Genie laughed at me, but I was very happy so I couldn’t see he laghed at me. The other is I wish I would be the most beautiful person in the world. But when I said last wish I wake up the dream. All is my dream, so I was vain.

**I love that she realizes she is very vain....lol**

I said “I wish I would go to BigBang’s house Genie said “wait…Hum…they are in Japan. I cant send you the other country sorry I said “hum then

**Obv this student never finished, but I love her sarcasm with the response of the Genie.**

One wish: Hum…I wish I would meet Jesus so I want to know my name write in life book if my name don’t write in this book I will live kindly and help poor people.

**This was interesting take of the Book Of Life, and that she needs to earn her spot by good deeds, but only if she hasn't made her way into the book yet.**

So I told Genie my wish. Ummm.. First, I wish if I could be magic.” Then I was be witch. And I made many things I wanted so long time. Genie asked me second wish. SO I toldhim, “Second wish If I would know my future. My wish is end. Thank you. 10 years later, as ever I can magic and see my future. But I comprehend my wish is foolish. I’m in pain I saw bad futures. So I find genie again and said “My last wish is here! Return me again. I comprehend commonness is true happieness. Then, I return again 10 years ago mine. I think it is real happieness.

** I do not know know if "commonness is happieness" is a Korean saying/belief or if she created this on her own. Either way, I think it is a beautiful concept, even if its extremely idealistic.

The Korean English teachers gave the students these prompts, and it was my duty to correct them. Ay! Ay! Ay! (in the words of Mrs. Dayadurham) I felt so bad making all those red marks. However, it was fun trying to decipher the meanings of many of their bizzare sentence structures.

Living in Flats in a High Heel Country

I like shoes…I mean I love shoes…really I am completely obsessed with shoes. More specifically HEELS! It’s possible that I have owned a pair of almost every color in a 64 Crayola box. Unfortunately for my shoes, their life span in my “hands” or in this case I guess feet is always a very short one. I become obsessed with my new additions and wear them non-stop. I also must trudge along with the grace of an ogre judging from the damage done to the heels. But, there is no excuse for ugly shoes, so I continue trudging, and frequent DSW as much as someone else may frequent the grocery store.

By this point, you are considering skimming over the rest of this entry or just stopping all together. I mean you came here to read about my adventures in South Korea, not my obsessive shoe consumption, but alas I am about to explain the connection to my life here in SK.

So in the United States, I live, eat, and breathe in high heels while a majority of my friends and coworkers prefer their lives on a much less steep incline. Before I moved out of 1057 E Jefferson, I threw away about 10-15 pairs of shoes who had a date with the dump. I use them, abuse them, and then toss them in the trash. (be thankful you are not a pair of my shoes) I left several pairs of heels at home, and only had room for three pairs, two pairs of boots, one pair of tennis shoes, one pair of hiking shoes, one pair of flats, and three pairs of flip flops in my suitcase. Now, I would have gladly forgone the 7 pairs of shoes without heels (one pair of boots has heels), but the other shoes were going to be necessities for our active lifestyles.

I arrive in South Korea, and it was like I had stumbled upon my version of heaven. Random but not so random note: if you have not seen What Dreams May Come starring Robin Williams then a) you have no reference for each person’s heaven being specific to that person b) you must go rent it NOW, its one of my favorites! Everywhere I looked: Heels! Heels! Heels! Women were wearing heels walking to and from work, grocery shopping, and even hiking up the mountain.

So my first day of school, I put on my new(ish) silverish/gray heels (not disco they were classy and satin) and headed to school. My school is about a 20-25 minute walk, and in heels probably much closer to 30. Well uneven sidewalk and drivers who regard traffic signals as optional are not the kind of friends a girl in heels want to have. My beautiful heels were ruined by the time I had trudged to school. This loss was extremely excruciating, because my momma had bought me these shoes after Delilah had chewed up my purple ones of the same style.

Therefore, my life 3 inches closer to the sky ended, and my life 3 inches closer to the ground began. I have been living, eating, and breathing in flats, flip flops, or my mandated school slippers. Now it is my heart aching instead of my feet. Longingly, I gaze at the women’s shoes and drool in front of the store windows as I pass in my flats.
If you are thinking, “just go some heels already so we never have to read such a depressing entry again.” Well, I too, have spent countless hours thinking this same thought. If only…….I did not have a foot phobia :/

In Korea, they have a saying that the “customer is king.” Therefore, they wait on you hand and foot! So in this situation, there would be lots of their hands touching my feet. They would help me put the shoes on my feet and also help me take them off. One of two things has to happen before I can go into a shoe store. I either learn enough Korean to say please do not touch my feet, and insult them for refusing their help, or I overcome my foot phobia. That’s why next English Korean exchange with the music teacher, I will be asking her how to say “don’t touch my feet!”

"You Are My Sunshine"

On Wednesday morning, my "official" co-teacher Mrs. Cheung informed me that on Thursday, I would be going on an overnight teachers retreat. I say "official" because she does not help me plan lessons or manage my classes, like many co-teachers do. I was very bitter about this at the beginning and the bitterness creeps back on "rough" days. However, she is a very kind lady, and I think that if I needed help then she would help me.

Wednesday afternoon Mrs Shin (we would be BFF if the language barrier didn't sometimes create a problem) stopped by, she said that she didn't think I needed to go on the teachers retreat, but that her and Mrs. Cheung had a difference of opinion. She also told me that she made up an excuse, so that she did not have to go on the retreat.

So for the rest of the afternoon and evening, I was dreading my impending awkward adventure. Lucky me, my boyfriend, who has many talents, also enjoys motivational speaking. So by Thursday morning, I was ready to take on the world or at least thirty to forty Korean teachers for a two day one night trip.

At 12pm, I boarded the coach and chose a seat toward the front. I am attempting to psyche myself up, so I'm thinking lots of happy thoughts: you can do this, it won't be so bad, it might even be fun. Then I look out the window, the coach driver has just unzipped his pants to do his business with no regard that his "little friend's" debut has just taken place not only in front of the white lady but also three middle school girls. My thoughts now: oh shit, what have I gotten myself into, will anyone notice if I just walk off the bus. Right before I am getting ready to gather up my belongings, Mr. Shin says "Is this seat taken?" (sounding very formal) I want to reply "seat's taken" (sounding very Forrest Gump) but instead "no and you are welcome to sit there." (responding like a formal robot) Mr. Shin is by far the best English speaker at the school and is always willing to talk to me. I learned a lot about Korean culture during our bus ride, and he had many questions about culture in the United States.

About 30 minutes into our adventure, we stopped for lunch. One of the younger (my age) Korean teachers had to give up her seat, so I could sit with the women. It is very common for me to get "special treatment." Often, I am waited on hand and foot, which might be enjoyable if I were more of a "diva" personality, but it just makes me uncomfortable. We boarded the bus after lunch and continued to snack on random foods every 15-20 minutes. I felt like I had just eaten a Thanksgiving feast, so I politely refused the next few rounds, well a refusal no matter how polite is regarded as rude. So two more points against the white girl :/

We arrived at the hotel which was AMAZING! It was called Daemyung Resort and was sitting on a beach and also surrounded by mountains. Oh yeah, and I forgot my camera :( I was informed that I would be sharing a room with Mrs. Cheung, (my offical co-teacher) three young teachers, and the English secretary. I feel horrible and worse admitting it, but I do not know their names. I will go out on a limb and say they are probably Shin, Shim, Cheung, Park, or another common family name in Korea. Side note: when Koreans introduce themselves they give their family name first and thats about all I usually can remember.

Out of the five women in my room only two of them speak English. So for the next hour, I was "interviewed" through my interpreters. Look out Jennifer Aniston, I am a pretty big deal over here :) I had to have many pictures taken with all of the teachers, especially the younger ones. Taking pictures with them was fun, but having my picture taken all by myself was well a little awkward. One of the teachers, who speaks very little English, "I come American visit you?" I told her of course she could, as previously stated a refusal of any sort is always rude. If we were in the US, it may have been considered rude that she invited herself to come across the world and stay with me after the second time we had spoken. Just another friendly reminder, we are in Korea :)

After the paparazzi was satisfied with their photos and Connie "Cheung" was finished with the interview, we headed to dinner. We ate at a seafood restaurant, and no it was nothing like Red Lobster. All of the fish and other sea creatures are kept fresh in tanks outside the restaurant. Most of the food comes to the table very fresh and by this I mean RAW. Most importantly, the food never stops coming. The minute you start thinking "oh its finally over" the server comes out with a brand new round of dishes. For the most part, it was delicious. However, after about round 5, I was FULL. Well you guessed it, my refusal to continue to gorge myself was not acceptable. They were very concerned, that I did not like the food and offered to get me chicken.( yes even in Korea its common knowledge that I love chicken) I tried to assure them, that the food was delicious and I was in fact just full. Another refusal I made was to go to the naked bathhouse with the Korean female teachers. I was thinking "who says yes to such a request" and then my lovely friend Lindsay Schilling came to mind, you would have loved it lady :)

After dinner, we headed to a norabang, a Korean karaoke club. These are a huge deal in Korea and everyone participates. Well for those of you who don't know me that well, singing in public is near the top of my list of NO NO's. It is about as horrifying as having someone rubbing their bare feet on me or rubbing mine, a squeaky ceiling fan whirling overhead, or running in pubic when not in appropriate athletic attire. Finally in an effort to prove that I am somewhat normal, speaking in public also makes the list. So everyone is taking their turn, (and of course eating more food and drinking beer and soju) and I have politely refused like oh a million times. Mrs. Cheung was translating how much I really DID NOT want to sing. Everyone is singing and clapping, and I am really enjoying myself and am happy that I came on this retreat. Then this chant begins....."Lin-Ji! Lin-Ji! Lin-Ji!" Suddenly my efforts to refuse are no longer working and I am being pushed on stage. At this point, I still feel confident that I can get out of this situation. I am feeling so overwhelmed, that I can not read the titles of the songs. (they are in English) My co-teacher is saying to me "lots of Korean teachers are waiting on you, you must sing." So I grab the mic and a capella style sing the only song that my brain can recall, "You Are my Sunshine." It was possibly the longest most embarrassing two minutes of my life.

The Koreans loved it, and chanted "encore encore" but I refused. Maybe the thing I hate most in the world is someone making me do something that I do not want to, so I pouted for a few minutes. After my pity session, I started clapping and enjoying myself again :) The principal loves me now, and he bowed at me several times that evening and the next day. A bow from the principal is always in return to your bow, so the fact that he bowed first was pretty cool.

All in all, the trip was a great experience! After writing this blog, I have realized maybe I "refuse" too much. I guess I will try to live a little from now on ;)

Tell me how you FEEL...continued

Ok, so I hand out these worksheets, after spending like the first ten minutes of class explaining, and like always have to go around and explain again to each individual student. Oh I wish I had a coteacher :/ A majority of my students had a really difficult time relating feelings to situations and would always say I am _____, because I don't know. Therapy is not a booming business in Korea, I am not even sure that it exists. Many of the students said, "but teacher, I am only one feeling, and I can not lie." But some of the responses were too humorous not to share. One girl wrote, "I am sad, because my boyfriend has three girlfriends." Apparently boys are scum even across the world! One wrote "I am sad, because my mom yell at me." Now you are probably thinking, "Lindsey, thats not funny at all, thats sad." But she went on to say "teacher, she (her mom) look like lion" and then put both hands beside her face like paws and growled in my face. One student wrote, "I am tired, because my teacher's lesson is boring." Yep, thats my class she is referring to :( However, the most ridiculous responses came from one of my 3rd grade classes. These girls are 16 in Korea, and 15 in the US. I thought the age had to do with everyone's birthday also being on January 1st. But a Korean teacher explained that at birth you are 1, they count the time in the mother's womb (which makes me nauseous total side note) so then at your U.S. "1st" birthday you are actually 2. These girls have a male homeroom teacher, who well no sugarcoating they DESPISE. I don't really understand, I like him, he is one of the few teachers that goes out of his way to talk to me. But at some level, I could see how his actions may be a "bit" smothering, and he is always talking about how disrespectful the students are, so he is probably overly authoritative or weak in class. I have not seen him interact with the students, so this is merely assumptions. (and yes I know about assumptions) Anyways, about a paragraph ago, I was going to share their thoughts with you, so I will collect mine and follow through. Some of the responses, most of which were regarding their homeroom teacher, were "Mr. **** makes me feel sick, because he looks like a dog." Mr. **** makes me feel dirty, because he is dirty." "Mr. **** makes me mad, because I told him that he is so ugly and he mad at me." These comments continued and were on about 1/3 of a class of 34. Know being the social worker that I am, I explored the dirty comment, and she literally meant he looks dirty as in unclean. So at the end of every class, I would walk around asking each student "How are you?" and half of them responded "I am fine, thank you and you?" Two lessons teacher (me) learned: my teaching is completely ineffective and never ask a korean middle school girl to share her TRUE feelings. If you are feeling bad for me, STOP, all in all this was one of my good days of teaching :)

Tell me how you FEEL....ok ok maybe not THAT much

So my lesson for one week was regarding different responses to the question "How are you?" Korean students have been drilled with formal responses, and as a result they often answer like little robots. You say "How are you?" They say, "I am fine, thank you, and you?" One day a very energetic young lady had an entire conversation with me, and I never once opened my mouth to reply. She said "Teacher how are you?" and before I could utter a sound she said "Oh I am fine, thank you and you?" and then "I am fine, thank you for asking." "It was nice to meet you" "Oh it was nice to meet you too." It was quite comical, but I decided that a lesson exploring alternatives was a MUST. So we listed all types of both emotional feelings and physical states that can be used to answer "How are you?" They had to write examples using I feel _____, because_________. and also My _______ makes me feel __________ when they ________. I hope all my social work friends will be proud that my English lesson also served as a therapy lesson on feelings :)

(This entry is far from finished, but I have a SKYPE date with my Bestie...so check back for the rest in a few days)

Korean "Cheaters"

I'm feeling overwhelmed, because I have not blogged in a few weeks. These next few entries will be an overview of the big happenings in the past few weeks, its too daunting to blog on day to day events :/

But first lets rewind to the weekend Trav and I made the trek to Hadang. I can not even begin to fathom how I forgot to mention this Korean encounter. If you have ever been awake and watching television really really late at night in the US, (and no this is not regarding any "pay per views") you may have stumbled on a very classy show called Cheaters. If you have not had the pleasure, you should probably youtube it right this instant, but for the meantime here is a brief synopsis: One partner suspects that the other partner is cheating on them, so they hire this TV show to investigate. The show always ends with a culmination of hysterical crying, endless tirades of curse words, and if its a really sensational episode the final scene is a physical altercation which always involves a hair pull or two.

Lights, Camera, Action! Travis and Lindsey are casually strolling down the streets of Hadang. It is a beauitful day, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, (or the cars are honking), and all the people are smiling and laughing. Meanwhile, a Korean woman has just caught her husband cheating on her with some "dirty hoe" from his work place and the confrontation is about to ensue. While, my Korean language skills are limited, there are certain situations where a lack of skill does not keep me from succesfully interpretting the message. This Korean "homegirl's" (thats for you Candy) use of language was so colorful that impressionist painters would have truly been inspired. Her tirade continued for several minutes, which seemed to last an eternity, and then she simply stopped and walked away. Let's be honest, I was hoping for a hair pull or two ;) I think this was one of those "you had to be there" moments to really appreciate the experience. I will forever regret missing this opportunity to publicly embarass my two best friends, who were once on the receiving end of a similar situation, but I would like them to remain my two best friends so this is all I will say :BRA AND PANTY SETS :) Love you Liss and Alicia

My Trek up the Mountain for Babies :)

Our intentions for this weekend were to go shopping for things for the apartment. I was going to attempt to live a "dorm style" life but it is so depressing and empty in the apartment. Well the shopping trip ended with only a mat to sleep on. Lots of teachers will be leaving in August, so hopefully we will be able to buy some of their stuff to fill our penthouse ;) I did find the most amazing bright fuschia chair and there was also a zebra print one, but Travis didn't approve :(

On Sunday, I put on my baby mt climbing shoes and headed for my baby mountain. It was very relaxing just me, Colbie Calait, Jack Johnson, Brett Dennen, Third Eye Blind, John Mayer, Elton John, and Pat Monahan even tagged along for a few minutes. I started by Atilla the Hun (just a joke Soulmate you will enjoy this except for the fact I am butchering the actual details of history) and climbed up, up, up, up and sweat dripped down, down, down, down. I ended up taking the wrong path, but found the Buddhist temples. ( I dont really know if this is correct terminology) It was really peaceful and serene, until Three Days Grace had to come along and ruin the moment!
Anyways, on my walk back home a little Korean girl, she was probably five or six, came out of a convenience store with her cheeks full of the cookie. She said "hi" and then in Korean offered me the cookie. She shoved her slobbery half chewed cookie in my face, all while talking with her mouth full. Sorry Korean girl with chocolate, but you have been voted out for the cutest Korean kid moment. Not all of you maybe aware, but I have a certain weakness. This weakness is for anything with wrinkles whether it be a chubby baby, child, wrinkly puppy, or my personal favorite an old wrinkly person! So this girl takes the cake or in her case a half chewed slobbery cookie, which I so graciously let her keep :)

Only one other post for today. During my walks to school, I often pass the same little boy. He is probably nine or ten. The first three times, I passed him, he covered his mouth with both hands and ran past me as quickly as his little legs would carry him. Well, lucky for him, my cooties shot is still working after all these years. I have passed him a few additional times in the last two weeks, and he no longer holds his breath and runs. I really feel like our relationship has moved to the next level, and next time I pass him I am going to............say hello! I know its radical, but I must try :)

Interesting...

My third week of school. This week was exam week for my students, so I was told that on Monday I would have class, and the rest of the week, I would proctor (stand in the back of a classroom) exams during the morning and could leave in the afternoon.
On Tuesday, Travis and I went to play soccer with the other "white people." (as Chelsea would say) Anyone that knows me knows that my athletic skills are well missing, lacking, unaccounted for, nowhere to be found, I think you get the gist. SO I watched "pretty athletic" Travis play with the other white people. Most of them are from Canada and a few are other places possibly Australia or Europe.
On Thursday, I was invited to an English teachers dinner. I was excited to get to talk with my fellow English teachers. Oh my disappointment, the entire lunch conversation was in Korean with the exception of the man sitting next to me making occasional conversation. I tried not to be upset, because its not like I EXPECT them to speak English just because I do. But one would assume (yes I know that makes an ass out of you and me) that some English conversation would occur. It is interesting (and by interesting I mean hypocrytical), because they expect the students to be willing to practice their English; however, they had a golden opportunity to practice in a small group and did not take the opportunity. My conversation with the male teacher was "interesting" (this does not mean hypocrytical I do not even know what this interesting really means) He said I must join the gym and work out with him every day. Thanks pal but I have been running :) And that I also must hike with him, because the mountain I hike on is for babies. Lets be honest, he may not have said "for babies" but the translation was clear! Korean culture would dictate that I take all this in stride, because I am both a woman and much younger than him. I tried I really did, but some comment was going to impulsively come out at some point. So after dinner, I was told that I would need to ride "on" his car to my apartment. ( I had rode with ladies on the way to the restaurant) So I put on my sweetest smile and said "Could I please ride in your car, or must I ride on it?" I plead not responsible for my actions due to genetics and will attribute my sarcasm to my Grandpa Donald. During the car ride home, the prnicipal (who speaks no English) instructed the male teacher to ask me.......will it be something insightful, profound, philosophical, or possibly(a tribute to Linny Lou and the Ringer) earth shattering? Is your hair color natural? Yes it is, and thank you for realy wanting to know the real me ;)
On Friday, I was told about an hour before afternoon classes that we would in fact be having afternoon classes, so I whipped together a lesson. Let's just say the Education Dept at Franklin College would not have been proud of that one :)

Charming Ways of Korean Men

On Sunday, Trav and I made the trek to the new downtown of Mokpo, Hadang. There is a place called Peace Park which is a boardwalk full of people of all ages on bicycles, rollerblades, and out just enjoying the weather. There were so many cute Korean children, it was nice to see the innocence before they grow up and enter my classroom. Another ATW siting was children in the little battery operated cars. I was never cool enough to have one (thanks mom and dad) but there were places to rent them at Peace Park. Unfortunately, I think I passed the weight limit awhile ago. I decided we needed to watch a movie, before making the trek back. We managed to order tickets, get popcorn and a drink, and find our assigned seats. Yes in Korea, you choose your seats when ordering tickets and are expected to find and sit in that seat during the movie. We also had to "take a number" to wait in line to purchase our tickets. This "take a number" is also used at the bank. We watched Knight and Day, I liked the movie and the Koreans did too judging from their laughter. Who knew reading subtitles could still make you laugh?! After the movies, we headed toward home. On the way home, I was "hit on" by a Korean man. This entailed him pulling up next to me on his bicycle, rolling up his shirt sleeve to show me his tattoo,(the ones my students are always drawing on eachother look more professional) and flexing his arms to show me how strong he was. All without a word of English spoken, Trav is really going to have to up his game if he wants to keep me ;) We stopped at HomePlus (4story WalMart) and picked up a few things. Trav was carrying his backpack and the swiffer broom, so I grabbed the plastic tote with our other stuff in it. This in Korea is not acceptable. On our way home, a man who spoke decent English started talking to us, and could not understand why I was carrying our stuff. He even offered to carry it to my house for me. Travis who???? I kid I kid :)

Never ask a Korean woman for menu selection advice!

This weekend our original plans were to go on a bus tour on Saturday and strolling downtown. (its a two hour stroll one way) However, it rained on Saturday and several hours of the bus tour were outside. So Saturday we just relaxed in the apartment, went to the PC room, and watched a million episodes of Flashpoint. Trav's new fave American show) We decided to go out for dinner. We wanted (Travis) to get chicken and beer. Jk Jk Trav! He wanted beer though and I do love chicken, and lucky for us they go together here. We walked across the street, and I think they saw those crazy white people coming, so by time we got to the door it was locked. There was a place a few doors down, so we settled on it. The lady brought us our menus, we asked for chicken and she informed us No Chicken :( and pointed down the street.(the locked door) We attempted to ask her what she would reccommend. BIG MISTAKE! Our "appetizers" came those little rice puff cereal type things, peanuts, and small fish.(heads and all) Mom, you may want to stop reading since you have a weak stomach and I would hate for you to think less of your little princess. But if I want to really experience true Korea, I had to eat that little fish. SO after like 5 attempts, he landed in my mouth and after about 5 minutes, I was actually able to swallow it. It did not help that she only brought us three large beers and no water. While, my dad and seester enjoy the occasional beer, I absolutely do not! However, I had reached my lowest of lows (with the obvious exception of my hospital trauma) so I enjoyed a few glasses of beer. The use of enjoy in this context is equivalent to making the most hideous face with every sip. Needless to say our main entree comes out and it is "fishbread" as Trav so perfectky described it. It was pieces of fish that had to be pulled away from the hard (not really scales) but most outer part of the fish. Then gnawed on to allow for swallowing. We stomached the delic dish, becasue we did not want to hurt our hostess's feelings, afterall it is her favorite! Needless to say, we picked up some chicken before heading home.

ATW- Across the World

As promised this post is ATW or Across the World. I was originally going to title it Around the World, but since I will only be comparing South Korea and the US, it seems "around" would be a bit of a false representation.

1. The first ATW is dirty men which allows for the other related ATW prostitutes. Yes, yes the US and S Korea are both booming with the business of dirty men and their prostitutes. Every evening just like magic there are little pamphlets littering the street with ladies in their panties and phone numbers. A picture of such pamphlet must be posted as soon as I a) get the nerve to actually pick one up and b) have internet in our apt to upload for your viewing pleasure. Don't have a hard attack Granny they are wearing underwear :)

2. The second ATW is Jesus. Before someone starts to say a special prayer to save my soul from the fiery pits of hell, I do not mean this in a literal sense. It is simply the depictions of Jesus, whether he be a Caucasian man with brown hair, or an African American man, or a Korean man with Asian features.

3. Third ATW is those ear deafening recorders. JCD hands them out in the fifth grade, I believe. If the point is to instill appreciation of music in children, well maybe another instrument should have been chosen. Every lunch period at my school, I have the choice of listening to my students attempt to play those shrieking instruments or tune it out with Jack Johnson and Brett Dennen. Sorry Hyein girl middle schoolers, but I would like to keep my hearing intact.

4. Fourth ATW are those ridiculous women who try to treat their puppy like an accessory. Before going on, I would like to say that just because Delilah may own two sweaters, I am not in this category ;) In the US, you have women like Paris Hilton carrying around her pooch in her purse, and in Korea you have a lady who has dyed her dogs fluffy ears and tail bright pink. I saw this woman and her dog a few days ago. Today, I saw them both again and the dog's ears were orange and her tail was pink. At least color coordinate for the poor pooch :(

I am forgetting a few and Trav is in the apt. and not here to remind me. So I apologize for the loss of sleep that you will all have to endure until my list is finished ;)

"Teacher what is your chest size?"

June 21-25: It was my second week of school. Because of last week's schedule changes, I had yet to meet three of my classes. The week overall went well. It is still hard to decide whether the students are being unmotivated or simply do not understand me. I think the latter occurs more frequently. The students are very familar with "ok" and "yes." So, while those of us who understand the English lesson would say "yes" or "ok" if we understood. My students think that since this is the appropriate response in a conversation, they should say it repeatedly even if they have no clue what I have just explained. So while I stand up there teaching the lesson, I either hear an echo of every word I say or "ok ok ok teacher" "yes yes yes teacher." Being the rookie that I am, I took this to mean that they understood, and I could pass out the in class work. After this, out of 35 students, there a typically 4-6 students doing the work I handed out, 8-10 doing work for other classes, and the remainder are reading comics, pulling eachother's leg hairs out with tweezers, admiring their reflection in the mirror, recurling their bangs, talking and laughing with others, or hitting the student (who is always their friend) who is sitting next to them. Ay Ay Ay ! We had a discussion regarding the use of "ok" and "yes" in my class, but I am sure that was lost in translation as well! I have one 3rd grade class with a student who speaks fluent English, so she always translates for me. Apparently, this would be the role of a co-teacher..... if I had one.

One of my third grade classes was new to me this week. I answered the standard questions. Do you have a boyfriend? When I answer they cover their mouths and say ahhh! The second question is older or younger? Well this response is most likely the funniest, the fact that I have a younger boyfriend, apparently makes me extra "sexy" Next, what color are your eyes? When I show them that I have blue eyes, they are insistent that I have lenses. (contacts) SO then I have to proof to them that indeed I have no lenses. Many of the girls have blue lenses, which is so funny, because the brown shows right through them. But, I understand during high school I got brown contacts, and the blue of my eyes was much larger so I had brown eyes with blue around them! I'm sure at the time I thought it was really cool. However, this class decided to also ask me....My chest size! I blushed and walked to the front of the classroom, and began to teach the lesson. Lesson number possibly four or five, Korean middle school girls always say what is on their minds.

Before I left a very intelligent friend of mine (Lee-Ann) told me that you can always tell people about your travels and show them pictures, but you can never share the sounds, smells, and tastes. She is so insightful! So I thought that although I can not let you experience such things first hand, I would attempt to describe them in writing.

First we will start with the sounds. On my walks to and from school in the morning, the usual sounds are cars honking and children talking as they walk or run to school. As I am walking up the steps to my school, there are usually at least three voices yelling "hello Lin-ji." The girls have a difficult time getting their mouths to form the sound of Lin-z, so my Korean name is Lin-ji. I can empathize, because I fail getting my mouth to correctly articulate their names. When English speakers talk, our mouths tend to open fairly wide and words carry out for a longer period of time. When Koreans speak it seems to come through clenched teeth and every syllable/word is short and precise. So when I try to pronounce their names it turns into a sing-song instead of a very short and precise name. I am also aware that my voice is much slower than the typical English speaker. (thank you sorority sister who so "nicely" pointed that out one night and Osgood for catering to such slow talking) On with the purpose of this paragraph, during passing periods which are ten minutes long, it is sheer and utter chaos. Girls are running, skipping, yelling, and singing down the halls. These sounds can also be heard in Lin-ji's class. These sounds are NOT heard in other classes, I have walked around during my free periods, and it is silent!

A few days this week, I decided to listen to my headphones on the walk to and from work. This was actually really interresting experience, because I am always trying to listen so intently on conversations (of which I may catch one word) and miss out on the gestures and body language. While, waiting to cross the street I was able to understand the relationships of the people around me. A mom was explaining to her son (who was probably six) how to get to school every day and which route to take. Korean children are much more independent than children in the US. Two little girls were flirting with a little boy. The only way children know how to flirt pointing and laughing and then the boy gave the girls the finger.

On to the smells of Mokpo. Depending what day it is, upon leaving my apartment my nose is assaulted with the smell of garbage. In Korea, you pile your trash up, maybe in certain areas or maybe it is random I have not decided yet. The trash is just in bags so the smells seep out into the streets. It also is rainy seaon which aids in the dispersion of the raunchy gargage scent.
The smells at lunch are always a nice reprieve. In my opinion, it is typically a spicey aroma. I do not have many smell observations, I will continue to sniff out more to share.

Finally the tastes of Mokpo. Every day at lunch, is a new adventure for my palate. Chef Travy is very jealous, that everyday I eat an authentic Korean lunch for free :) So far I have had so many different dishes. Many of the soups have a fishy taste to them, and I am not all that crazy about them. The first day we had a pork tenderloin, it was very tasty. The kimchi, which I eat daily, is a spicey cabbage. I really like it, however at some of the restaurants it tastes a little different. The fish is served with scales and bones, you do not eat them, but you have to pick at it, so I avoid fish as well. The other meats pork and beef are usually smokey tasting and are usually good. Unfortunately for me, chicken is not a huge deal at our school or the smaller restaurants. There are numerous chicken and beer joints. Trav and I ate at one last Sunday, and it was a honey barbeque flavored. It was good, probably my fave thus far in regards to eating out. The school has had several delicous dishes.

I am aware that I have neglected the senses of sight and touch. When we get the internet, you can share in the sights as we will be able to post pictures. As far as feels, I assume that Korean people feel the same as all other humans (oh Karol with a K) do, and I am not going to rub on them to test this assumption. I have not felt any other textures that need to be explained, but if I come across some, I will let you know!

Ok well my fingers say it is quitting time! I received my alien card Friday, will be getting paid on Monday, and hopefully Trav and I will be able to get internet in our apt and cellphones! Also next week Tuesday through Friday is test week, so I only have to go to school in the mornings! Yay for me! I will have many more adventures to post next week as well as a special entry "ATW" or "Across the World" aspects of life that are both in the US and Korea. This will mostly be a light hearted sarcastic list, so fair warning do not be suprised or insulted, afterall this is the UNEDITED VERSION!

June 12-13: Our first weekend in Mokpo. First before, I forget my favorite encounter with a Korean, thus far occurred Friday when we were walking home from the grocery. First of all, I am sure two white people walking in Mokpo was enough of a reason to stare, but secondly, we were carrying boxes of groceries. The lady, who checked us out, would not bag our groceries, and kept repeating BOXES! BOXES! So we boxed up those groceries and started the trek to our apt. We passed a little Korean girl on the way, she was probably about seven or eight and was enjoying her chocolates. She stopped and stared at us, which by this point was a very normal response. However, she continued to stare, and well me being me, continued to turn around to look back at her. She stood almost frozen with her little chocolately mouth hanging open until we had rounded the corner at the end of the street. I did not allow my curiousity to get the best of me, but I am almost certain she was still standing there for several minutes after.

On to the events of Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we hiked around the city for a few hours. It was nice. We saw a few dogs, yes contrary to popular belief dogs are the new pet in Korea and not commonly found on the dinner plate. We went to HomePlus (no translation that is what is printed on the side of the building) and its pretty much like a Wal-Mart and got sheets, blankets, and pillows. Those items did not make the cut to be provided by the school. The lavish apartment came with two dining chairs (BONUS: one more than stated in the contract) a table, a twin bed, and a closet. No cookware either, so we purchased one pot, one pan, two cups, two bowls, two plates, and two sets of a fork, spoon, and chopsticks...we are most definitely not hosting any dinner parties anytime soon! Sunday we relaxed and explored the town for a few hours. The most exciting part of Sunday was visiting the PC room which really translates to a room full of young boys wasting their lives away playing online games or a new found paradise for others with Trav's interests!

June 14- My first day of school! Trav and I walked together to school. If you are thinking oh how cute its more like Lindsey would have been lost in Korea without a little help! I arrived about a half an hour early, first impressions are important you know?! I also arrived dripping sweat and Trav insisted on taking my "first day of school picture." Lucky you Mom someone carried on your tradition! During the teacher's meeting ( all of which is conducted in Korean) I had to sit on a blue stool in front of the meeting. I also had to get up and introduce myself which I told them English would have to do. I managed to get a few laughs, and most importantly I survived! I was told on Friday NUMEROUS times, that I would not be teaching on my first day. Well the bell rang at 8:50, and my class filled with about 35 students. If teachers in the US think students are direspectful well fly on over to Korea. My students talked, ran around the room, sang, danced, pretty much anything one could imagine that is not appropriate for a classroom. My first two classes were dreadful (this is the nicest way I know to state the facts) My third class was grade 3, in a middle school that translates to about 8th greade. The students are 16 in Korea, they would be 15 in the US and possibly almost every other country in the world. Lunchtime came and I struggled with my chopsticks. They told me I could use my spoon(no fork in the entire school, but I could bring my own) But again me being me, I continued to struggle with those ridiculous metal chopsticks. Lunch was suprisingly good. It was a fried pork tenderloin, rice, kimchi, veggies, and soup (which the lady would not serve to me because I had not left the designated spot free). The worst part about lunch was their food is spicey (to me not to Trav he's way cooler than me) and you do not drink during. You fill up a metal cup after and take like four gulps and thats it.

The next entry is well unedited, you have been warned, but it must be shared with the world, since it was my most dreadful part of this overall dreadful day! I had to go to the hospital for my medical clearance. Ms Park and I left before my 7th and 8th period classes. So instead of six classes, I only had to teach four on my first day! We arrived at the hospital and my blood was taken. I am sure the burse gave a warning in Korean, but all of the sudden I was just stabbed with a syringe and then I realized what was going on. After, I had to give a urine sample. Well, sometimes yoiu just do not have to use the restroom. So I tried and I tried, and I mean after about three trips to get something to drink and about thirty minutes...finally! The doors in the restroom were like accordian type and they slid shut. Most ladies were not even shutting the doors, obv I did. I am getting ready to come out and this lady kicks the door and my sample spills all over my lap. I think this is when I made the decison that Korea was just not for me and I would be flying home the next day. I don't think I said more than five sentences that evening to Travis. It was my no good, very bad, horrible day.(or whatever that book was called Aunt B.. am sure you know what I am referring to)

June 15-17- Tuesday through Thursday at Hyein Girls Middle School

Since this is the unedited version, it is only fair that it is a real account of the events of my life in Mokpo. During the 20ish minute walk to school on Tuesday, I wore my sunglassses, not because it was extra sunny, but because I was trying not to cry or was crying the whole way to school. I would like to blame my emotional state on the effects of jet-lag and my belly not being happy about the switch in foods, and since I am the author of this blog lets just go with that theory.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were all good days at school. I established class rules, and enforced them. I threw students' food away and consifcated their work from other classes, and even made them stand with their arms out for 5 minutes. This was suggested by a Korean teacher and I used it in place of the stick that the Korean teachers whack students' arms with. Its really not as cruel as it sounds, the girls usually giggle and try to dodge the stick. I also learned which food goes where on the tray, and that you must never put rice in a small section, and the soup lady even served me! I carry around a large water bottle, and although I am the only one, I take it with me to lunch. I did get scolded on Wednesday, for not taking attendance although it was never explained to me, however, these types of misunderstandings are common in Korean schools. (so I have heard) I was introduced to the director of the school, which is the wife of the owner. She actually runs the school, he just signs the check. She gave me a juice box and wanted to talk about her daughters who live in the US and are of the Rutheran Christian faith. I told her, that I did not know about such a Christian religion, and she looked at me "like how could you not know if you are really a Christian" Luckily, looks are pretty much universal, even if I have no idea what people are actually verbally communicating. However, in Korean the the r/l sounds go together ALAS! Lutheran! Ok ok we are going to head out of the PC room for the day....nevermind Trav is joining the forces and signing in to Guild Wars, which means I have hours to write ;)

June 18-20: Our second weekend in Mokpo!

Friday was an ok day at school. I have a supplementary class, which happens 8th period from 4:05 to 5pm. No one told me that these students would all see me in regular classes during the week. I have these supplementary classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday, its still up for debate whether its every week three days or every other two. This is also common place in Korean schools, depending on who you ask about a certain topic you will undoubtedly get several answers. Anways, back to the point (oh Candace I miss our ADD moments) these girls had all either already seen me once if not twice that week. I did not realize this, so I had to try and create a new lesson in a few minutes. Well, when in doubt play an English game right?! My students enjoyed the game, and about 8 of them actually listened to the directions, the others thankfully caught on within a few minutes. (my students are often disrespectful and often lazy but I can not argue that they are not smart and quick) After the game, they decided that they would rather socialize than particpate in class, I tried several strategies to no avail. Finally, with about ten minutes to go, I wrote on the board that the class would sit in silence for 5 minutes, and for everytime someone talked an additional minute would be added. Intersting enough, my students will say they do not understand me or its a common occurrence for them to cross their hands in an X across their chests and say "no english no english." However, they can read almost anything on the board and follow the instructions. We began our five minutes and got to 3 minutes before two minutes were added within seconds of each other. As I was walking up to add one of the minutes, I tripped (in my room there is a platform in front of the board) and almost fell there were a few giggles, but lets be honest I really just wanted to join in the giggling! I mean if a certain English teacher of mine would have tripped I would have been in hysterics...oh milkshakes ;) They ended up staying after the bell for two minutes, which may have been more painful for me. It was 5, and I wanted to go home and celebrate my survival.

Let's talk about that celebration. I told Sacachewa (for you Soulmate and anyone else that loves history...so just Soulmate it is!) known as Travis that I wanted to go downtown to the movie theater and out to dinner. We walked around for over two hours, I can not even begin to wrap my head around the route that we ended up taking. After about an hour and forty-five minutes, we saw a pizza place (yes I wanted Korean pizza to celebrate) but by that time all I wanted to do was gooooooo home! So celebration consisted of seeing half of Mokpo (but no movie theater), one Korean man very excited to see us (possibly intoxicated), two very sore feet, and one very grumpy Lindsey :( (home video of two year old birthday party grumpy Lindsey)

Saturday was a relaxing day. We had that pizza, although it was not Mr. Pizza which I suggested but Ishmil's Pizza which Travis chose. He likes me to think that I am choosing :) In the US, we would call food before the meal appetizers, but in Korean you do not pay extra for such food, but you always eat three to four types of food before you actually eat what you ordered. Usually its kimchi, turnips, or some other type of veggies, however at the pizza place it was a type of rice cereal, pickles(there is a god and he loves me), and a type of salad. These dishes are shared with others at the table. We had Bulgogi (beef) pizza. Honestly, I will stick with Korean food from now on, it was not bad, but authentic Korean food is much better.

On Sunday, well when in Rome do as the Romans do, the same principle applies here in Korea as well, we hiked. Everyone in Korea hikes that means children who can walk, (no wories if you can't you are just strapped to your dad) old women with backs curved more than Granny's, women with two inch high heels on and their fancy jewelry, and everyone else. We hiked Yudalson Mountain, I was dripping in sweat and smelled pretty fresh. Koreans do not use deodarant, well there is a legitimate reason for that: THEY DONT REALLY SWEAT! So sweaty white girl with her stunna shades, they are prescription and I wanted to see no I do not think I am a rockstar, on was quite the sight! We also hiked to the Sculpture Park. There is a section with about 20-30 sculptures and descriptions of each sculpture and the artist's name. I really enjoyed it, Sacachewa did very very well ! And despite all my teasing, am very very glad he is with me :)

"You are much more beautiful than your picture"

June 10th: On Thursday evening around midnight we arrived in Seoul, South Korea. My contact, who we shall just refer to as Mr. Kang which is undoubtedly the name of a million Korean men, misunderstood and thought we would be arriving on Friday afternoon. He informed us we would need to get a hotel for the night and start our journey to Mokpo in the morning. We were greeted by a very "eager" taxi driver who insisted on taking us to our destination. He also insisted that our destination was not a good choice, and therefore he would take us to another one. We pleaded with him to drop us off at the specified hotel, he refused and politely pulled the taxi over to continue to argue his point. First lesson, never argue with a Korean taxi driver, he will always win. We arrived at his hotel of choice and as promised were driven to the airport to catch the bus to Mokpo the following morning.

June 11th: After waiting for the bus for about an hour all the while getting long glances from Koreans, we boarded the bus. Luckily, faithful travel partner Travis Tanner asked the bus driver if it would take us to Mokpo. By asked I mean awkwardly pointed to our bus ticket and the bus driver nodded. Even more lucky, the nod in fact meant yes this bus was going to Mokpo! On the bus ride, we stopped for a bit, and the bus driver offered us ice cream, Mr. Show-Off (otherwise known as Travis) replied Kamshamneeda. (Thank you in Korea) The bus driver turned back around and began to chat in Korean as we attempted to explain that was about the extent of our Korean language skill. Lesson two, don't flaunt your Korean unless you can at least say three or four additional sentences.

At the bus stop Ms. Shin and Ms. Park from Hyein Girls Middle School picked us up in their very small car. We rode with suitcases on our laps, and our new friends giggled at the silly Americans in the back. I feared for my life several times. Lesson three, red lights in Korea are optional. Also if a driver wants over, he/she simply honks and then proceeds over regardless of cars in the other lanes. Apparently, a honk is fair enough warning to get out of the way. We arrived at our apartment and by apartment I mean a bathroom, with no defined shower or bathtub and equipped with a washer, and another small room, which serves as kitchen, living room, bedroom, and every other room one would have in their home. Ms. Park told me that "I was much more beautiful than my picture" well unfortunately her English isn't exactly clear and the elevator didn't allow for the most conducive listening environment, I misunderstood and thought she was referring to our baggage as being "much more." So I was like "Yeah, I know." Lucky for me, these reponses in Korea are common (at least among my middle school girls) but when I realized I tried to explain, but maybe that was also lost in translation!

More to come, but I have to go because we are getting hungry ! My first weekend and first week of school in Mokpo will be posted in a few days hopefully!