The sole bright spot of certain drama illuminated over two new friends: the couple who own Underground - Sonny and...Sonny's Wife. For those not in Suji, that's a club/bar we frequent on Friday nights when we're out celebrating our two-day pause from Chungdahm. Two weekends in a row, they've "kidnapped" me and taken me out to dinner with them and another one of their friends (yes =p). Sonny's Wife has declared us "good friends" (to the point that at her wedding, she kept calling my name for me to go over to her - and then when I left, clasped my hand and wouldn't let go), yet I have absolutely no clue what her name is. Sonny referred to her as "my fiancee" and Baekhyun calls her "Sonny's Wife", so..... I'm contemplating naming her "Cher".. .
Anyway, Sunday was their wedding. Tony, Kevin, Jen, and I attended. It was held in this giant tower of electronics; before Sunday, I was like, "what?......." but getting there, we found that it was actually this area set up for weddings. It was insanely nice and had this beautiful chandelier that I couldn't stop staring at.
This Korean wedding was pretty similar to an American wedding. The biggest difference were the guests: people talked throughout the whole thing! And they didn't dress as nicely as guests to American weddings do - most men were there in jeans. Afterwards, there was this fantastic buffet! No wonder Korean weddings cost so much!!
No dancing - that seems to be a pretty western thing.
Completely unrelated: anyone else notice that Koreans aren't big on having their shocks, brake pads, or CV joints worked on? Every time a car passes by my window, I cringe! yet they're all about keeping their cars clean.....go figure =p
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Gloves!
So this has nothing to do with teaching or South Korea, but I am such an irresponsible knitter that I get way too excited when I finish a project..
I cast off with *way* too small of a needle on the left one, so I need to go back and redo them if I have any hope of being able to do things like open my fingers. I also haven't tied off or woven in any of the loose ends - despite that, I'm totally wearing them to work today :D
I taught my EC4 kids the word "scandalous" when we were reading the Anna Marker story (at the end - when Mike gives Karen the ring), and now every time there's the hint of a love story between characters, my students go, "Teacher, scandalous!" This is totally the face that goes with that:
Don't call them hobo gloves (this means you, Lisa). They are not hobo gloves =p My grandmother said that they were for golfing and asked if I was playing again.
Also, I have this obnoxiously bright hot pink color...and I'm totally open for ideas with it (only one ball, so nothing too big and fancy =p)..
I cast off with *way* too small of a needle on the left one, so I need to go back and redo them if I have any hope of being able to do things like open my fingers. I also haven't tied off or woven in any of the loose ends - despite that, I'm totally wearing them to work today :D
I taught my EC4 kids the word "scandalous" when we were reading the Anna Marker story (at the end - when Mike gives Karen the ring), and now every time there's the hint of a love story between characters, my students go, "Teacher, scandalous!" This is totally the face that goes with that:
Don't call them hobo gloves (this means you, Lisa). They are not hobo gloves =p My grandmother said that they were for golfing and asked if I was playing again.
Also, I have this obnoxiously bright hot pink color...and I'm totally open for ideas with it (only one ball, so nothing too big and fancy =p)..
Monday, April 12, 2010
But Not Quite Ready to Leave....
As promised, I am going to write a list of the things I will miss about Korea. Which, actually, as this has only been 3 months, maybe I should call it, "The Top 12 Great First Impressions Provided by Korea"?
1. My students
I know, gag me with a spoon, but I love how competitive they are. I have one class who treats the critical thinking project like they are guarding state secrets. They get so competitive - even going out of their way during the post-presentation discussion to argue why theirs is the best. I also like talking with my older, more fluent students - they understand some of the cultural differences, so we're able to talk more about abstract concepts, and it's so amazing how smart they are.
2. The food
Just when I think everything is how-would-you-like-your-bulgogi-and-rice-and-red-pepper-paste-arranged, I eat something that's absolutely fantastic that...just can't happen in the states. Like my mistaken-not-really-bulgogi-dapbap. And kimbap. And kimchi mandu. I feel that in America, they'd find some way to deep fry both and just ruin them..
3. The foreigners
Now before you, "What?!" this one, let me explain.. Korea is a place where you form connections with people just because they happen to speak English, and I've found that I've become really good friends with people who I wouldn't have hung out with at home. That sounds a bit backhanded, so I'm going to clarify that I am so excited that being this minority has given me the chance to meet all of them. I've definitely learned a lot about myself and branched out with the person that I am (stop me before this gets too Hallmark).
4. Lotte
Yeah, had to do a u-turn after that last one =p. I love just wandering around Lotte and people watching. It's a lot like being at Target, but different - mostly because I don't spend the insane amount of money (because I'm not a Korean size in anything =p). I love the combinations of things they put together as sales, too - like the cream cheese and chapstick bundle from last week. It's such a neat combination of eastern and western cultures, too - like even though it is the Korean version of a Super Target, there's still a bit of that at-the-marketplace culture, with the workers trying to get you to buy something, or show you something, or help you choose an item.
5. The fashion
Again, a shallow idea that runs a bit deeper. I love the way Koreans - both men and women - dress. There's something about it that is insanely fashionable, but still tasteful - a concept that I think we're lacking in the US. I love that I haven't had to tell a preteen male to pull up his pants - something that I had to say at least twenty times a day while teaching in America. I love that the girls don't put their developing cleavage on display. I love that everyone dresses constantly to make an impression - there's no way a site like "People of E-Mart" could exist. But, they do all of this without sacrificing the art of looking good. America's Next Top Model is starting to scrape the bottom with it's overseas trips (Hawaii, anyone?) - Seoul would be such a fantastic destination. But, then we'd have Tyra Banks here. Not sure how I'd feel about that one...
6. The efficiency
I was talking about my students with this one - Koreans just make everything easy. Sometimes, I feel like America goes out of it's way to make things complicated just because they can. In class, I referenced the sloped conveyer-belt-people-mover at the back of Lotte so that you can take your cart upstairs without having to push it up some ramp. I'm sure that those exist in America, but not in any stores I visited. I'm sure after I post this, I'll think of some fantastic example - so think of the Lotte one as a place-holder =p
7. The Korean boys
I don't think an explanation is necessary =p
8. Indecision corner and restaurant alley
Every night when we go out to dinner, we always head to the same spot, then stand in a circle and do the, "Okay, where are we going to eat tonight?" Eventually, Aaron will look at one of us and say, "______, it's your special day - where do you want to eat?" and we all echo with, "Yeah, it's your special day..". We always end up at one of the same four places, and I always order the same thing, but for some reason, it doesn't seem repetitive (at least not to me).
9. Kimchi at pork-bone-soup and that one place I went that Aaron knows the name of
My first week in Korea, the coworkers took me to this place that served only pork bone soup - literally, soup with a big pork bone in it. I wasn't a big fan - it was kinda oily, and I had a hard time picking the meat pieces off of the bone. However, that place had some of the *best* kimchi I've ever had, and have since been on a hunt to find some that I like just as much but at a restaurant that served....not pork bone soup. I found it! But I have no clue what the place is called! I went there at like 3 in the morning with the owners of Underground (who, by the way, are completely awesome and the sweetest people on the planet) and was served....I have no clue what it was, but it was good. And, looking back, I really should've eaten more kimchi..
10. Pickled radishes!
Thinking about kimchi reminded me of this one. For those in America, when you go to a Korean restaurant, they usually bring you out these side dishes/appetizers of various simple foods. My *favorite* are the yellow pickled radishes. I have been known to eat all of them before my dining companions could have their turn.
11. The crazy drivers!
"Crazy" is probably not the right word. South Korea is a pretty crowded country - especially in the cities (where everyone lives). In America, we have pretty bad stereotypes for Asian drivers, but there's no way Americans would be able to perform the maneuvers that these Koreans do on a daily basis. I have a game on my iPhone called "Unblock" (the idea is that you have to shift around the blocks so that you can create a path), which is what the parking around the library reminds me of - yet there are never any dings or scrapes, which is what would happen if Americans tried the same thing. Traffic laws are also a bit different here - Koreans are more into the U-turns than Americans (which is so fun to watch at intersections - a bunch of cars just turning around in unison). Red lights seem to be more of a suggestion than a law - especially for busses, taxis, and scooters. The horns on cars are also less obnoxious - not the loud blast like in America, but a softer tone.
This one is getting two paragraphs =p. I appreciate the drivers because of something I mentioned waaaaaaaaay long ago - Koreans have insane road rage, but they also have something that Americans don't: the ability to forget. They'll honk like crazy at each other, but it ends there. There's no worry that one will follow you 20 blocks out of their way just to get out of the car and yell at you (or worse) because of something you did to make them mad 15 minutes ago.
12. Subway shopping
Many subway stations here are set up like little shopping centers once you exit the turnstyle. The rule of thumb to shopping in Korea is don't go to stores (with my Lotte addiction, we know I don't follow this rule =p). Street vendors and subway shops have much less overhead so they're able to keep their prices down. I bought a scarf for 5000 KRW (like $5), and want to go back for more *^^*. Still have yet to start buying clothes here - I'm kind of afraid to start...
Bonus! 13. Dr. Fish!
I know you can find the doctor fish in other countries, but since this is the first place in which I visited them, I view the experience as something Korean. I want to go back! Also, the last time I went (when Laura arrived), I totally braved the "big-fish" tank and decided I like them much better :)
When talking about this entry to a friend of mine, his first reaction was, "You're planning on leaving already?!" Want to clarify that one: No! As I said, this is probably just the top 12 good first impressions that Korea gave me. I'm sure a year from now, the things on this list will change (and you all will be subjected to another list entry!).
1. My students
I know, gag me with a spoon, but I love how competitive they are. I have one class who treats the critical thinking project like they are guarding state secrets. They get so competitive - even going out of their way during the post-presentation discussion to argue why theirs is the best. I also like talking with my older, more fluent students - they understand some of the cultural differences, so we're able to talk more about abstract concepts, and it's so amazing how smart they are.
2. The food
Just when I think everything is how-would-you-like-your-bulgogi-and-rice-and-red-pepper-paste-arranged, I eat something that's absolutely fantastic that...just can't happen in the states. Like my mistaken-not-really-bulgogi-dapbap. And kimbap. And kimchi mandu. I feel that in America, they'd find some way to deep fry both and just ruin them..
3. The foreigners
Now before you, "What?!" this one, let me explain.. Korea is a place where you form connections with people just because they happen to speak English, and I've found that I've become really good friends with people who I wouldn't have hung out with at home. That sounds a bit backhanded, so I'm going to clarify that I am so excited that being this minority has given me the chance to meet all of them. I've definitely learned a lot about myself and branched out with the person that I am (stop me before this gets too Hallmark).
4. Lotte
Yeah, had to do a u-turn after that last one =p. I love just wandering around Lotte and people watching. It's a lot like being at Target, but different - mostly because I don't spend the insane amount of money (because I'm not a Korean size in anything =p). I love the combinations of things they put together as sales, too - like the cream cheese and chapstick bundle from last week. It's such a neat combination of eastern and western cultures, too - like even though it is the Korean version of a Super Target, there's still a bit of that at-the-marketplace culture, with the workers trying to get you to buy something, or show you something, or help you choose an item.
5. The fashion
Again, a shallow idea that runs a bit deeper. I love the way Koreans - both men and women - dress. There's something about it that is insanely fashionable, but still tasteful - a concept that I think we're lacking in the US. I love that I haven't had to tell a preteen male to pull up his pants - something that I had to say at least twenty times a day while teaching in America. I love that the girls don't put their developing cleavage on display. I love that everyone dresses constantly to make an impression - there's no way a site like "People of E-Mart" could exist. But, they do all of this without sacrificing the art of looking good. America's Next Top Model is starting to scrape the bottom with it's overseas trips (Hawaii, anyone?) - Seoul would be such a fantastic destination. But, then we'd have Tyra Banks here. Not sure how I'd feel about that one...
6. The efficiency
I was talking about my students with this one - Koreans just make everything easy. Sometimes, I feel like America goes out of it's way to make things complicated just because they can. In class, I referenced the sloped conveyer-belt-people-mover at the back of Lotte so that you can take your cart upstairs without having to push it up some ramp. I'm sure that those exist in America, but not in any stores I visited. I'm sure after I post this, I'll think of some fantastic example - so think of the Lotte one as a place-holder =p
7. The Korean boys
I don't think an explanation is necessary =p
8. Indecision corner and restaurant alley
Every night when we go out to dinner, we always head to the same spot, then stand in a circle and do the, "Okay, where are we going to eat tonight?" Eventually, Aaron will look at one of us and say, "______, it's your special day - where do you want to eat?" and we all echo with, "Yeah, it's your special day..". We always end up at one of the same four places, and I always order the same thing, but for some reason, it doesn't seem repetitive (at least not to me).
9. Kimchi at pork-bone-soup and that one place I went that Aaron knows the name of
My first week in Korea, the coworkers took me to this place that served only pork bone soup - literally, soup with a big pork bone in it. I wasn't a big fan - it was kinda oily, and I had a hard time picking the meat pieces off of the bone. However, that place had some of the *best* kimchi I've ever had, and have since been on a hunt to find some that I like just as much but at a restaurant that served....not pork bone soup. I found it! But I have no clue what the place is called! I went there at like 3 in the morning with the owners of Underground (who, by the way, are completely awesome and the sweetest people on the planet) and was served....I have no clue what it was, but it was good. And, looking back, I really should've eaten more kimchi..
10. Pickled radishes!
Thinking about kimchi reminded me of this one. For those in America, when you go to a Korean restaurant, they usually bring you out these side dishes/appetizers of various simple foods. My *favorite* are the yellow pickled radishes. I have been known to eat all of them before my dining companions could have their turn.
11. The crazy drivers!
"Crazy" is probably not the right word. South Korea is a pretty crowded country - especially in the cities (where everyone lives). In America, we have pretty bad stereotypes for Asian drivers, but there's no way Americans would be able to perform the maneuvers that these Koreans do on a daily basis. I have a game on my iPhone called "Unblock" (the idea is that you have to shift around the blocks so that you can create a path), which is what the parking around the library reminds me of - yet there are never any dings or scrapes, which is what would happen if Americans tried the same thing. Traffic laws are also a bit different here - Koreans are more into the U-turns than Americans (which is so fun to watch at intersections - a bunch of cars just turning around in unison). Red lights seem to be more of a suggestion than a law - especially for busses, taxis, and scooters. The horns on cars are also less obnoxious - not the loud blast like in America, but a softer tone.
This one is getting two paragraphs =p. I appreciate the drivers because of something I mentioned waaaaaaaaay long ago - Koreans have insane road rage, but they also have something that Americans don't: the ability to forget. They'll honk like crazy at each other, but it ends there. There's no worry that one will follow you 20 blocks out of their way just to get out of the car and yell at you (or worse) because of something you did to make them mad 15 minutes ago.
12. Subway shopping
Many subway stations here are set up like little shopping centers once you exit the turnstyle. The rule of thumb to shopping in Korea is don't go to stores (with my Lotte addiction, we know I don't follow this rule =p). Street vendors and subway shops have much less overhead so they're able to keep their prices down. I bought a scarf for 5000 KRW (like $5), and want to go back for more *^^*. Still have yet to start buying clothes here - I'm kind of afraid to start...
Bonus! 13. Dr. Fish!
I know you can find the doctor fish in other countries, but since this is the first place in which I visited them, I view the experience as something Korean. I want to go back! Also, the last time I went (when Laura arrived), I totally braved the "big-fish" tank and decided I like them much better :)
When talking about this entry to a friend of mine, his first reaction was, "You're planning on leaving already?!" Want to clarify that one: No! As I said, this is probably just the top 12 good first impressions that Korea gave me. I'm sure a year from now, the things on this list will change (and you all will be subjected to another list entry!).
Adding....
I lied - we're going to make this a 12 point list...
11. American barbecue
There's something I say wrong when I order bulgogi dabap that results in me getting something that's.....not bulgogi dabap. But I like it more *^^*. However, it really makes me miss Sonny's - not that it tastes like Sonny's, but there's something about it that reminds me of the barbecue pulled pork. Oh man.....pulled pork sandwiches on garlic bread with those creamed corn fritters. If Sonny's served tater tots, I would be in *heaven*
12. Cars that puddle dodge
I think this is the only one I'm putting on here in anger. In America, cars definitely swerve around puddles to avoid splashing people on the sidewalks, but in Korea, they just zoom on by. I've been hit by a torrential tidal wave (possibly a slight exaggeration) every time it rains.
Since I wrote 12 about America, I'm going to write 12 about Korea. It's only fair :)
11. American barbecue
There's something I say wrong when I order bulgogi dabap that results in me getting something that's.....not bulgogi dabap. But I like it more *^^*. However, it really makes me miss Sonny's - not that it tastes like Sonny's, but there's something about it that reminds me of the barbecue pulled pork. Oh man.....pulled pork sandwiches on garlic bread with those creamed corn fritters. If Sonny's served tater tots, I would be in *heaven*
12. Cars that puddle dodge
I think this is the only one I'm putting on here in anger. In America, cars definitely swerve around puddles to avoid splashing people on the sidewalks, but in Korea, they just zoom on by. I've been hit by a torrential tidal wave (possibly a slight exaggeration) every time it rains.
Since I wrote 12 about America, I'm going to write 12 about Korea. It's only fair :)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Homesick?
Last week, I got homesick for the first time. I had a godawful week and just wanted to escape anything related to work - I was talking to Jessi about this and she said, "See, this is the kind of weekend that I'd convince you to come down to Orlando. I'd bribe you with Universal and sushi!"
I almost started crying. This weekend would have been a *perfect* Orlando weekend.
The weekend actually turned out pretty well, but it got me thinking about things here that we just don't have at home. To keep this from going on and on, here are the top 10 things that I miss about America...
1. Drinkable tap water
In St. Augustine, I went through a pretty long phase in which I only drank bottled water - not because the tap water was unsafe, but just because I didn't like the taste. I got over that phase when I realized how much trash I was generating, and started drinking the tap water (which wasn't all that bad when I thought about it). Here, I'm sure the tap water tastes fine, but it comes with a really awesome side effect: massive sickness. It's annoying because you constantly have to have bottled water on hand..
2. Steak n Shake and Village Inn
I can probably live without the terrible food, but I miss what these places represented: my friends. These were our default late-night places where we'd order something absolutely terrible for us, and spend hours just talking and laughing. They were where we went when awful things happened and just needed to escape - because nothing bad can happen when you've got a frisco melt or coconut cream pie.
3. Italian food
Red sauce here is the equivalent of ketchup. Most cheese is insanely processed. I miss all forms of Mediterranean food like crazy! On May 15, Chris and I are having our America Day in Itaewon, and I might just convince him to find some good Italian food there (that isn't ketchup and a few spices!).
4. Gay Clubs
Dancing is my favorite form of exercise, and there are plenty of clubs here. The problem is, when I go out, there's usually alcohol involved, which then makes me *so much* more aware of the opposite gender. Gay clubs at home, for me, were all about the fun of dancing with complete strangers without any of the mess that goes along with dancing with straight guys.
5. Dryers
I think part of the reason my clothes are too big is that they don't have that opportunity to shrink back up in the dryer! I've also made the mistake of leaving paper in pants pockets, which breaks up in the wash and gets all over my other clothes - and is an absolute *pain* to get out. I've learned that once lint is washed in, it is *staying* there for good! I miss the way my clothes -especially my socks - feel after coming out of the dryer, though it is nice that none of them have faded since I've gotten here. Plus, laundry now takes a day and a half instead of a few hours..
6. Shopping
I love Korean fashion. I hate that my hips are too big for the clothes. I hate that my feet are too big for the shoes. Again, America Day...Itaewon ;) I have started to develop a few accessory habits, which I'm sure will grow while I'm here.
7. Chick-fil-A
Of course this one made it to the list - I was an addict in America :). I don't just miss the food, I miss how that place was run. Everyone was so friendly (at least at the St. Augustine franchise). Not to say that people aren't friendly here - they definitely are, and insanely helpful especially seeing as there's this huge communication block - but there is a lack of warmth.
8. Anastasia Athletic Club / My old morning routine
I miss charging up the mountain on the elliptical, and then talking with the old ladies in the dressing room. There's a path here, but it's not the same. I miss going backwards =p I miss the steam room afterwards. I miss Gail, who used to give me free makeup, and Karen who used to try to sell me condos.
9. Vilano
One of my favorite "Me" things to do was go to Vilano Beach and hunt for sharks teeth. I had quite a collection going - which Mom of course took in an effort to incorporate them into jewelry. It was so peaceful - just me. And when I would feel like I'd searched the whole beach and there were none left, I'd always end up finding one. Even though the big ones were impressive, I liked the small ones the most because they were the most challenging to find.
10. Being in the same time zone
I've been such a bad friend/daughter/granddaughter here. Lately, I've been so down (because I have this secret emo side that I'm trying desperately to shed), and just haven't felt like connecting with *anyone*. This time difference sucks! By the time I am done with all of my stuff in the morning, it's too late to call...and when I come home at night (late morning there), I'm too tired to talk to anyone.....plus, they are all at work.
Reading back, this was an insanely negative entry, but I guess if I'm going to talk about the things I miss at home, there's no way to put a positive spin on it. Next time, I'm going to write the top 10 things I will miss about Korea when and if I come home. Yes, even though I just spent all that time writing about these things I miss about America, I really don't miss living there. The other day, I figured it out: living in America is like living with divorced parents. There are two sides in power, and they don't get anything productive done because they are too busy arguing with each other. When one side comes up with a good idea that will help move things forward, the other side disagrees just because it wasn't their idea/program. Instead of helping them improve it, or working to reach a compromise, they just sit back and point out only the negatives and put exaggerated spins to bury any positives. It's not healthy.
I almost started crying. This weekend would have been a *perfect* Orlando weekend.
The weekend actually turned out pretty well, but it got me thinking about things here that we just don't have at home. To keep this from going on and on, here are the top 10 things that I miss about America...
1. Drinkable tap water
In St. Augustine, I went through a pretty long phase in which I only drank bottled water - not because the tap water was unsafe, but just because I didn't like the taste. I got over that phase when I realized how much trash I was generating, and started drinking the tap water (which wasn't all that bad when I thought about it). Here, I'm sure the tap water tastes fine, but it comes with a really awesome side effect: massive sickness. It's annoying because you constantly have to have bottled water on hand..
2. Steak n Shake and Village Inn
I can probably live without the terrible food, but I miss what these places represented: my friends. These were our default late-night places where we'd order something absolutely terrible for us, and spend hours just talking and laughing. They were where we went when awful things happened and just needed to escape - because nothing bad can happen when you've got a frisco melt or coconut cream pie.
3. Italian food
Red sauce here is the equivalent of ketchup. Most cheese is insanely processed. I miss all forms of Mediterranean food like crazy! On May 15, Chris and I are having our America Day in Itaewon, and I might just convince him to find some good Italian food there (that isn't ketchup and a few spices!).
4. Gay Clubs
Dancing is my favorite form of exercise, and there are plenty of clubs here. The problem is, when I go out, there's usually alcohol involved, which then makes me *so much* more aware of the opposite gender. Gay clubs at home, for me, were all about the fun of dancing with complete strangers without any of the mess that goes along with dancing with straight guys.
5. Dryers
I think part of the reason my clothes are too big is that they don't have that opportunity to shrink back up in the dryer! I've also made the mistake of leaving paper in pants pockets, which breaks up in the wash and gets all over my other clothes - and is an absolute *pain* to get out. I've learned that once lint is washed in, it is *staying* there for good! I miss the way my clothes -especially my socks - feel after coming out of the dryer, though it is nice that none of them have faded since I've gotten here. Plus, laundry now takes a day and a half instead of a few hours..
6. Shopping
I love Korean fashion. I hate that my hips are too big for the clothes. I hate that my feet are too big for the shoes. Again, America Day...Itaewon ;) I have started to develop a few accessory habits, which I'm sure will grow while I'm here.
7. Chick-fil-A
Of course this one made it to the list - I was an addict in America :). I don't just miss the food, I miss how that place was run. Everyone was so friendly (at least at the St. Augustine franchise). Not to say that people aren't friendly here - they definitely are, and insanely helpful especially seeing as there's this huge communication block - but there is a lack of warmth.
8. Anastasia Athletic Club / My old morning routine
I miss charging up the mountain on the elliptical, and then talking with the old ladies in the dressing room. There's a path here, but it's not the same. I miss going backwards =p I miss the steam room afterwards. I miss Gail, who used to give me free makeup, and Karen who used to try to sell me condos.
9. Vilano
One of my favorite "Me" things to do was go to Vilano Beach and hunt for sharks teeth. I had quite a collection going - which Mom of course took in an effort to incorporate them into jewelry. It was so peaceful - just me. And when I would feel like I'd searched the whole beach and there were none left, I'd always end up finding one. Even though the big ones were impressive, I liked the small ones the most because they were the most challenging to find.
10. Being in the same time zone
I've been such a bad friend/daughter/granddaughter here. Lately, I've been so down (because I have this secret emo side that I'm trying desperately to shed), and just haven't felt like connecting with *anyone*. This time difference sucks! By the time I am done with all of my stuff in the morning, it's too late to call...and when I come home at night (late morning there), I'm too tired to talk to anyone.....plus, they are all at work.
Reading back, this was an insanely negative entry, but I guess if I'm going to talk about the things I miss at home, there's no way to put a positive spin on it. Next time, I'm going to write the top 10 things I will miss about Korea when and if I come home. Yes, even though I just spent all that time writing about these things I miss about America, I really don't miss living there. The other day, I figured it out: living in America is like living with divorced parents. There are two sides in power, and they don't get anything productive done because they are too busy arguing with each other. When one side comes up with a good idea that will help move things forward, the other side disagrees just because it wasn't their idea/program. Instead of helping them improve it, or working to reach a compromise, they just sit back and point out only the negatives and put exaggerated spins to bury any positives. It's not healthy.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Continued....
Going to add a bit to that entry about Norebang and laryngitis (e.g., the whole tribute to the Chicago Trib advice column)
Don't be impatient with the samgyeopsal. It will be just as good if allowed to cook that extra necessary minute - plus, you will avoid the week of not being able to keep anything down.
Korean boys are just as untrustworthy as American boys.
Clean your tiny apartment. It'll look bigger. Making your bed on a daily basis helps with this, too - especially if your place is all one room.
Despite the fact that being a hagwon teacher is an extension of college/the frat party, try not to get totally wasted every weekend. Your skin will thank you. As will your stomach and your brain.
Related to the above, find a sober hobby.
Scooter drivers don't play dodge-the-person - they play Red Rover. You will lose. Sidewalks are not just for people.
Get lost in Lotte - preferably during free sample time. The workers will be entertained that you come back for more - be sure to smile each time.
Leave your hair dryer at home. They sell them at E-Mart and Lotte for the same price as a power converter. They also sell hair straighteners, and every skin and hair product known to man. Seriously - save the suitcase room for sheets and pillows.
Bring your own pillows.
Don't censor your music collection. Out here, it's not only okay, it's actually kind of cool to like bad American pop.
After the laryngitis, go back to norebang. Be sure to choose one of those terrible American pop songs. Belt it without shame - we both know you know the lyrics ;).
But, seriously, wait until the laryngitis is *over*
----
This weekend brought a few lessons, and a whole lot of awesomeness. Finally met up with a few people I've been talking to for various periods of time. The first was a knitting group of foreign teachers. They showed me this one expensive yarn shop (totally forgot the location, which is probably a good thing), and then the Dongdaemun Market. Bought some of the ugliest yarn for 2000 KRW a ball and plan on making insanely awesome fingerless gloves with it :D. Also bought some very expensive, but very pretty, yarn that will also become a pair of fingerless gloves.
Left the group for lunch with Tim, which is always a great time. This time, we discussed how, thanks to CNBlue, Koreans know how to start counting in English. Unfortunately, also thanks to CNBlue, they run the risk of thinking that the number that comes after 7 is "tonight". Seriously, on behalf of Tim and The Beck, ask a Korean what comes after 7 - they will tell you either 1, "tonight", or "to nine". I hate that I love that song.
Ended the day with round two of meet-a-stranger-I-met online - in a much less creepy sounding intro, I finally met Chris! To the family members who are probably reading this and worried that I am meeting strangers from the internet, don't worry - he's a Chungdahm teacher whom I started talking with before I left America while I was reaching out to people over there who weren't serial killers. We did a few loops around Hongdae (I have yet to actually go clubbing in that place despite having been there a few times) and went to a fantastic chicken galbi place for dinner that was much cheaper than the one in Suji. We decided that May 15 is going to be our America day, which we will spend (appropriately) in Itaewon (Land of English menus, XL sizes, and corn-free pizza :)).
Actually, we need to discuss that link that I just snuck in there: Roketship is this fantastic webcomic done by an American teacher in Korea. Everything that man has written is so true about this place: the kids are insanely busy with academies, they complain about being hot but won't take off their jackets, there are trucks that drive around making apocalypse-sounding announcements but are really just advertising sales, and the weirdest things come packaged together at grocery stores (today it was chapstick and cream cheese). Also, gun-line-square-batman-sideways t-batman equals not only lunch, but also dinner :). I was so inspired that I emailed the guy and told him about "shiver" popping up on my Memory class's vocabulary list (pretend you're a Korean 6th grader...now say it....yeah, that's exactly what they said, too ;)).
Don't be impatient with the samgyeopsal. It will be just as good if allowed to cook that extra necessary minute - plus, you will avoid the week of not being able to keep anything down.
Korean boys are just as untrustworthy as American boys.
Clean your tiny apartment. It'll look bigger. Making your bed on a daily basis helps with this, too - especially if your place is all one room.
Despite the fact that being a hagwon teacher is an extension of college/the frat party, try not to get totally wasted every weekend. Your skin will thank you. As will your stomach and your brain.
Related to the above, find a sober hobby.
Scooter drivers don't play dodge-the-person - they play Red Rover. You will lose. Sidewalks are not just for people.
Get lost in Lotte - preferably during free sample time. The workers will be entertained that you come back for more - be sure to smile each time.
Leave your hair dryer at home. They sell them at E-Mart and Lotte for the same price as a power converter. They also sell hair straighteners, and every skin and hair product known to man. Seriously - save the suitcase room for sheets and pillows.
Bring your own pillows.
Don't censor your music collection. Out here, it's not only okay, it's actually kind of cool to like bad American pop.
After the laryngitis, go back to norebang. Be sure to choose one of those terrible American pop songs. Belt it without shame - we both know you know the lyrics ;).
But, seriously, wait until the laryngitis is *over*
----
This weekend brought a few lessons, and a whole lot of awesomeness. Finally met up with a few people I've been talking to for various periods of time. The first was a knitting group of foreign teachers. They showed me this one expensive yarn shop (totally forgot the location, which is probably a good thing), and then the Dongdaemun Market. Bought some of the ugliest yarn for 2000 KRW a ball and plan on making insanely awesome fingerless gloves with it :D. Also bought some very expensive, but very pretty, yarn that will also become a pair of fingerless gloves.
Left the group for lunch with Tim, which is always a great time. This time, we discussed how, thanks to CNBlue, Koreans know how to start counting in English. Unfortunately, also thanks to CNBlue, they run the risk of thinking that the number that comes after 7 is "tonight". Seriously, on behalf of Tim and The Beck, ask a Korean what comes after 7 - they will tell you either 1, "tonight", or "to nine". I hate that I love that song.
Ended the day with round two of meet-a-stranger-I-met online - in a much less creepy sounding intro, I finally met Chris! To the family members who are probably reading this and worried that I am meeting strangers from the internet, don't worry - he's a Chungdahm teacher whom I started talking with before I left America while I was reaching out to people over there who weren't serial killers. We did a few loops around Hongdae (I have yet to actually go clubbing in that place despite having been there a few times) and went to a fantastic chicken galbi place for dinner that was much cheaper than the one in Suji. We decided that May 15 is going to be our America day, which we will spend (appropriately) in Itaewon (Land of English menus, XL sizes, and corn-free pizza :)).
Actually, we need to discuss that link that I just snuck in there: Roketship is this fantastic webcomic done by an American teacher in Korea. Everything that man has written is so true about this place: the kids are insanely busy with academies, they complain about being hot but won't take off their jackets, there are trucks that drive around making apocalypse-sounding announcements but are really just advertising sales, and the weirdest things come packaged together at grocery stores (today it was chapstick and cream cheese). Also, gun-line-square-batman-sideways t-batman equals not only lunch, but also dinner :). I was so inspired that I emailed the guy and told him about "shiver" popping up on my Memory class's vocabulary list (pretend you're a Korean 6th grader...now say it....yeah, that's exactly what they said, too ;)).
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Acquired Tastes and Bumps in the Road
The two week silence isn't because life has been boring - the complete opposite. I've had so much to write about that I have been so intimidated by the ideas that I've avoided this thing. That and the combination of last week's complete despondency (which was not helped by actions this weekend...oops).
Weekend of the 13th involved The Beck!!! As Japan is quite close to Korea, she was able to jet over on her vacation and spend some quality time in the Land of the Morning Calm. Beck brought me Japanese candy (half of which we ate and the other half was left....somewhere) and introduced me to Tim. We went to norebang (we're going to ignore the spelling in the last entry) and I felt quite intimidated with them - I am tone deaf like a seal, and they are both champions. Despite that, I somehow managed "Phantom of the Opera" (which was chosen because our microphones had so much echo and it seemed the only fitting song) and "Lady Marmalade" (Tim..such a champion).
That night, we went to this all you can eat galbi place. Just 8000 KRW - only in Korea. Not sure how much I ate, but it was probably too much. This was also the night that Audrey learned about the dangers of soju. First, it's a good thing that stuff gets to you so quickly because it tastes like rubbing alcohol. With the terrible overblown sense of confidence that comes in these situations, I decided it would be a great idea to turn to the table full of Korean guys behind us and ask if they spoke English. I'm not entirely sure what I said - but thank goodness our table involved a few native Koreans who could translate whatever it was that I said. Turns out the guys were in university studying medicine and law, and did speak English (which seems to be a pre-requisite here if you want to get into a decent school).
A few quotes from Beck's visit:
Rebecca, to Chae when he wouldn't drink, "Excuse me, are you a North Korean? Are you a communist?" Chae gave in to the peer pressure - that's apparently the line that works here =p
Me, on seeing a man walking a gigantic dog and watching girls jump away from it, "Everyone is scared of his dog."
Rebecca's response, "They're scared because they're looking at it thinking, 'I can't eat all that!'"
The following week brought our new director and a few new rules. Normally at Chungdahm, we write comments/evaluations of students three times a term. Our new director decided that we would have to write them daily - an idea, to her, that would improve our connection to the students. I think this may have been poorly translated - it doesn't improve *our* connection to them, but does let other staff know what's going on with the students. This is a good idea in theory, but it creates so much work for everyone that they just don't have time to care about the implications behind what we wrote. The new rule isn't that bad in itself, but it did kind of create this idea of "Is this just the start?"
March 20th became the day of Laura! The fourth member of our Facebook email exchange finally made it to Korea - however, based on her status updates, she didn't have nearly the hard time with training as we did. I think it's become the thing to take the new recruits to Dr. Fish (although, now that Laura is here, I have a feeling that we're done with the new recruits in our group). Laura took the unique pedicure like a champ, but her roommate, Kira, was even more squeamish than Christi. So glad I survived with my fingers intact - not sure I could translate what happened to a Korea doctor. Later that night, thanks to Anna, we discovered strawberry makgeolli, which is a much nicer substitute for soju. We then headed in search of a place in Gangnam that didn't have an insane cover and had *something* going on (yes, I know we should've headed to Hongdae, but we didn't want to lead the girls too far from the Coatel....plus, by this time, I still was under the delusion that I would actually make the last train to Jukjeon). We found this bar with loud music and four bartenders who were too busy blowing fireballs onto the ceiling to take our orders all the time.
Around 3:30, we decided it was time to leave, but were stopped by two of the bartenders who decided they wanted to go clubbing with us when they got off at 4. Several of their friends joined us - by 4:15, we were standing in the subzero weather waiting for people to withdraw money from the ATM, and by 4:30, we were in this sardine-mob of a coat-check line. As soon as we were free of that, the guys totally ditched us at the club. Lesson learned. Not too put out, though - the club was awful! I can't stand that techno/house stuff that is the same thing over and over - it was like 90 mins of Sandstorm.
Weekend of the 13th involved The Beck!!! As Japan is quite close to Korea, she was able to jet over on her vacation and spend some quality time in the Land of the Morning Calm. Beck brought me Japanese candy (half of which we ate and the other half was left....somewhere) and introduced me to Tim. We went to norebang (we're going to ignore the spelling in the last entry) and I felt quite intimidated with them - I am tone deaf like a seal, and they are both champions. Despite that, I somehow managed "Phantom of the Opera" (which was chosen because our microphones had so much echo and it seemed the only fitting song) and "Lady Marmalade" (Tim..such a champion).
That night, we went to this all you can eat galbi place. Just 8000 KRW - only in Korea. Not sure how much I ate, but it was probably too much. This was also the night that Audrey learned about the dangers of soju. First, it's a good thing that stuff gets to you so quickly because it tastes like rubbing alcohol. With the terrible overblown sense of confidence that comes in these situations, I decided it would be a great idea to turn to the table full of Korean guys behind us and ask if they spoke English. I'm not entirely sure what I said - but thank goodness our table involved a few native Koreans who could translate whatever it was that I said. Turns out the guys were in university studying medicine and law, and did speak English (which seems to be a pre-requisite here if you want to get into a decent school).
A few quotes from Beck's visit:
Rebecca, to Chae when he wouldn't drink, "Excuse me, are you a North Korean? Are you a communist?" Chae gave in to the peer pressure - that's apparently the line that works here =p
Me, on seeing a man walking a gigantic dog and watching girls jump away from it, "Everyone is scared of his dog."
Rebecca's response, "They're scared because they're looking at it thinking, 'I can't eat all that!'"
The following week brought our new director and a few new rules. Normally at Chungdahm, we write comments/evaluations of students three times a term. Our new director decided that we would have to write them daily - an idea, to her, that would improve our connection to the students. I think this may have been poorly translated - it doesn't improve *our* connection to them, but does let other staff know what's going on with the students. This is a good idea in theory, but it creates so much work for everyone that they just don't have time to care about the implications behind what we wrote. The new rule isn't that bad in itself, but it did kind of create this idea of "Is this just the start?"
March 20th became the day of Laura! The fourth member of our Facebook email exchange finally made it to Korea - however, based on her status updates, she didn't have nearly the hard time with training as we did. I think it's become the thing to take the new recruits to Dr. Fish (although, now that Laura is here, I have a feeling that we're done with the new recruits in our group). Laura took the unique pedicure like a champ, but her roommate, Kira, was even more squeamish than Christi. So glad I survived with my fingers intact - not sure I could translate what happened to a Korea doctor. Later that night, thanks to Anna, we discovered strawberry makgeolli, which is a much nicer substitute for soju. We then headed in search of a place in Gangnam that didn't have an insane cover and had *something* going on (yes, I know we should've headed to Hongdae, but we didn't want to lead the girls too far from the Coatel....plus, by this time, I still was under the delusion that I would actually make the last train to Jukjeon). We found this bar with loud music and four bartenders who were too busy blowing fireballs onto the ceiling to take our orders all the time.
Around 3:30, we decided it was time to leave, but were stopped by two of the bartenders who decided they wanted to go clubbing with us when they got off at 4. Several of their friends joined us - by 4:15, we were standing in the subzero weather waiting for people to withdraw money from the ATM, and by 4:30, we were in this sardine-mob of a coat-check line. As soon as we were free of that, the guys totally ditched us at the club. Lesson learned. Not too put out, though - the club was awful! I can't stand that techno/house stuff that is the same thing over and over - it was like 90 mins of Sandstorm.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Koreans and Disabilities
There's a guy in Suji with Cerebral Palsy. I've held the door open for him a few times coming in and out of the bank - every time I do, I get either glared at or stared at in confusion (Sean, if you read this - there's another stare/glare example..). Last night, when we got our freak March snowstorm (if it's not unusual to get snow in March, please don't tell me), we were at a pizza place commiserating over the latest (for another post), and he walked by. He slipped several times on the frozen sidewalk, to which the other patrons (high schoolers) responded by laughing. Now, I know that's a typical teenager response, but I feel that American high schoolers at least have that "accept differences" idea engrained in them so hard that the laughter wouldn't have been so open.
My Alba+ reading students (whom I love dearly) talked to me the other night about the Korean perspectives on disabilities. I forget how we started discussing the subject, but one (quite outspoken) student informed me that having a mentally disabled person in your home lowers the value of your house in Korea. This is so opposite of American viewpoints, in which we have pushed tolerance and acceptance to the top tier. In the American classroom, any time a kid might have the slightest difficulty keeping up, we storm in with our tests and our IEP's, whereas here the parents shame their kids into working harder so that they can stay on track. I had to explain to them the concept of a learning disability, and their reaction was to laugh. I'm conflicted over this - on one had, I think that we tend to misdiagnose in America because labeling a kid as dyslexic is much easier than working harder as a teacher, but on the other, I taught kids who had legitimate reading disabilities and were not dumb by any means.
Tomorrow, the same kids will be in listening where we'll talk about Bipolar disorder. I know how Koreans view mental and physical disabilities...it'll be interesting to see how they view emotional instabilities..
My Alba+ reading students (whom I love dearly) talked to me the other night about the Korean perspectives on disabilities. I forget how we started discussing the subject, but one (quite outspoken) student informed me that having a mentally disabled person in your home lowers the value of your house in Korea. This is so opposite of American viewpoints, in which we have pushed tolerance and acceptance to the top tier. In the American classroom, any time a kid might have the slightest difficulty keeping up, we storm in with our tests and our IEP's, whereas here the parents shame their kids into working harder so that they can stay on track. I had to explain to them the concept of a learning disability, and their reaction was to laugh. I'm conflicted over this - on one had, I think that we tend to misdiagnose in America because labeling a kid as dyslexic is much easier than working harder as a teacher, but on the other, I taught kids who had legitimate reading disabilities and were not dumb by any means.
Tomorrow, the same kids will be in listening where we'll talk about Bipolar disorder. I know how Koreans view mental and physical disabilities...it'll be interesting to see how they view emotional instabilities..
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Ain't No Lie, Baby....
In high school, our "graduation song" was the "Sunscreen Speech" (also called "Advice, Like Youth, is Wasted on the Young") set to background music. Later, the song was mocked by Chris Rock in a sketch called "There's No Sex in the Champagne Room" - both very sound pieces of advice. Since hearing both, I've been searching for my own piece of advice that I was 100% sure would always be effective and help out a large chunk of the population. Well, I found it...
Noriban is not a cure for laryngitis.
For those unfamiliar (i.e., my family at home - hi!!!), noriban is the Korean version of karaoke. Instead of singing in front of a large crowd, you and your friends rent this little room (not soundproof, of course - this is Korea, after all), and have at your disposal every pop song ever created in the American and Korean cultures (I'm sure there's also some J-Pop in there - I didn't get a chance to really look through the book). I like it better than our perception of karaoke because there's no crowd involved. Yes, I know that I <3 attention, but not when singing is involved.
Before noriban, I thought that "I Believe I can Fly" was a syrupy sweet song that was too cavity-threatening to make it even onto my iTunes list (and for everyone who's seen that thing, you know that there's too much Miley and High School Musical for me to deny my love for pop). Tony, however, corrected that misbelief. Just like "Boyz in the Hood" can be turned into a soft alternative song, "I Believe I can Fly" can become a rough, screaming jam.
Also, before noriban, I thought that I was _not_ a fan of Lady Gaga. I was also terribly wrong on that one, too. I also didn't know that I knew all of the lyrics to "Poker Face" (I was just as surprised as everyone else reading this..).
After our assigned hour and a half, I had hopes of surviving the night with my vocal cords still intact....but then I guess the owner decided that he really liked us (the "half" previously mentioned was free), and gave us another free twenty minutes. Instead of being a good, logical person and thinking, "Okay, save the voice...need to be able to talk next week", my fun side kicked in and went, "Heck yes all of us singing 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' at the top of our lungs is a fantastic idea!!!" Probably still could've made it had we not also decided to do some Jimmy Eat World, No Doubt, Boyz II Men (don't ask - I never question the genius that is Jennifer..), and finished it all off with N'Sync's "Bye Bye Bye" (I will admit to knowing all of the lyrics to that song).
For those who have heard the story, we saw the Scottish guy!! He was not at noriban, nor at Underground - he was with this elusive girlfriend that one of you mentioned and very not all-in-our-faces. Fortunately, Jen and I are such fantastic actors that Josh and Tony now understand exactly what our last encounter was like. I have more evidence supporting the theory that he lives in my building: he and his girlfriend walked up there (which caused me to run back to Jen and Kevin because although he's probably not that creeper of a guy, I'm having a hard time getting past that first awful impression).
But since I did reference that awesome Chicago Trib article about the advice that I'm not all that qualified to give but am anyway (you know that whole month of experience really speaks volumes =p), here it goes..
Eat the kimchi. Okay, maybe it won't cure AIDS or male pattern baldness, but it's some good stuff. Eat the radishes, too. If your braver friends order intestines, take a bite - you don't have to join them in finishing all of it, but you look like less of a hoser American if you at least try some.
Learn hangul. Knowing what your'e ordering in restaurants is much easier.
Listen to what your friends say about Korean fashion advice, but pack your suitcase with *your* clothes. Seoul women do walk around like they're on a runway, but they won't deny your ARC if you show up in flare jeans or opt out of purchasing Uggs. Actually, if you do stray from the Ugg trend, drop me a line - I'm trying to start a non-ugly boot group.
Stay away from buildings with barber poles.
Embrace the cuteness. Just because Americans feel like everything has to Be Serious doesn't mean it always has to be in other parts of the world. Police officers who come out of a building with a cartoon on the front are just as respectable as the ones who come out of the white institutional buildings. Also, since we have to listen to PSA's, why not make them animated? This also applies when you purchase your first cell phone.
Learn how to use metal chopsticks. Don't feel like a failure when you're told that it's okay to eat your rice with a spoon. I'm still working on that one.
Don't eat alone. Meals are a community event and everything is set up to make it about sharing. It's so freaking cheap here that you don't really have an excuse, either.
Children will stare. Old people will glare. Smile at both.
"Thank you" is pronounced "kahm-sahm-nee-daa". Be sure to bow a lot, too. Even if you make the worst cultural mishaps (like throwing your trash away completely incorrectly right in front of the garbage men), bowing makes everything better.
You may already know some of these. Others just may not work for you. But I'm serious about the laryngitis and noriban - not a good idea. I'm sure my nurse practitioner mom agrees..
Noriban is not a cure for laryngitis.
For those unfamiliar (i.e., my family at home - hi!!!), noriban is the Korean version of karaoke. Instead of singing in front of a large crowd, you and your friends rent this little room (not soundproof, of course - this is Korea, after all), and have at your disposal every pop song ever created in the American and Korean cultures (I'm sure there's also some J-Pop in there - I didn't get a chance to really look through the book). I like it better than our perception of karaoke because there's no crowd involved. Yes, I know that I <3 attention, but not when singing is involved.
Before noriban, I thought that "I Believe I can Fly" was a syrupy sweet song that was too cavity-threatening to make it even onto my iTunes list (and for everyone who's seen that thing, you know that there's too much Miley and High School Musical for me to deny my love for pop). Tony, however, corrected that misbelief. Just like "Boyz in the Hood" can be turned into a soft alternative song, "I Believe I can Fly" can become a rough, screaming jam.
Also, before noriban, I thought that I was _not_ a fan of Lady Gaga. I was also terribly wrong on that one, too. I also didn't know that I knew all of the lyrics to "Poker Face" (I was just as surprised as everyone else reading this..).
After our assigned hour and a half, I had hopes of surviving the night with my vocal cords still intact....but then I guess the owner decided that he really liked us (the "half" previously mentioned was free), and gave us another free twenty minutes. Instead of being a good, logical person and thinking, "Okay, save the voice...need to be able to talk next week", my fun side kicked in and went, "Heck yes all of us singing 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' at the top of our lungs is a fantastic idea!!!" Probably still could've made it had we not also decided to do some Jimmy Eat World, No Doubt, Boyz II Men (don't ask - I never question the genius that is Jennifer..), and finished it all off with N'Sync's "Bye Bye Bye" (I will admit to knowing all of the lyrics to that song).
For those who have heard the story, we saw the Scottish guy!! He was not at noriban, nor at Underground - he was with this elusive girlfriend that one of you mentioned and very not all-in-our-faces. Fortunately, Jen and I are such fantastic actors that Josh and Tony now understand exactly what our last encounter was like. I have more evidence supporting the theory that he lives in my building: he and his girlfriend walked up there (which caused me to run back to Jen and Kevin because although he's probably not that creeper of a guy, I'm having a hard time getting past that first awful impression).
But since I did reference that awesome Chicago Trib article about the advice that I'm not all that qualified to give but am anyway (you know that whole month of experience really speaks volumes =p), here it goes..
Eat the kimchi. Okay, maybe it won't cure AIDS or male pattern baldness, but it's some good stuff. Eat the radishes, too. If your braver friends order intestines, take a bite - you don't have to join them in finishing all of it, but you look like less of a hoser American if you at least try some.
Learn hangul. Knowing what your'e ordering in restaurants is much easier.
Listen to what your friends say about Korean fashion advice, but pack your suitcase with *your* clothes. Seoul women do walk around like they're on a runway, but they won't deny your ARC if you show up in flare jeans or opt out of purchasing Uggs. Actually, if you do stray from the Ugg trend, drop me a line - I'm trying to start a non-ugly boot group.
Stay away from buildings with barber poles.
Embrace the cuteness. Just because Americans feel like everything has to Be Serious doesn't mean it always has to be in other parts of the world. Police officers who come out of a building with a cartoon on the front are just as respectable as the ones who come out of the white institutional buildings. Also, since we have to listen to PSA's, why not make them animated? This also applies when you purchase your first cell phone.
Learn how to use metal chopsticks. Don't feel like a failure when you're told that it's okay to eat your rice with a spoon. I'm still working on that one.
Don't eat alone. Meals are a community event and everything is set up to make it about sharing. It's so freaking cheap here that you don't really have an excuse, either.
Children will stare. Old people will glare. Smile at both.
"Thank you" is pronounced "kahm-sahm-nee-daa". Be sure to bow a lot, too. Even if you make the worst cultural mishaps (like throwing your trash away completely incorrectly right in front of the garbage men), bowing makes everything better.
You may already know some of these. Others just may not work for you. But I'm serious about the laryngitis and noriban - not a good idea. I'm sure my nurse practitioner mom agrees..
Monday, March 1, 2010
I'm Surrounded by Self Confidence..
I love how Korean kids shout "Genius!!" when they get something right. I wish that were popular in America. Actually, I wish this whole desire to do well in school were popular there. When did we start heading down the bad path? I blame the invention of MP3 players. And better television. And the Internet. Definitely the Internet..
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