Ah I can't wait to be paid! This is a very slow weekend as I am so close to being broke! Not much to tell... Did some cleaning and washing this morning and then headed out to find some cheap lunch. Found a little street shop slling dumplings, yum! I only paid around R18 for 10 huge veggy dumplings served with some Kimchi (a Korean favourite: see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchi) and a glass of warm water :) I am seriously considering living off dumplings for the next year. I then headed to a Confucian shrine and academy across from where I stay. I wondered around but dissapointly it was not a great discovery. Perhaps it was just that everything was locked up so I am yet to find out what one can do there. I think it may be a place where one could study Chineese writing...
Think I will head back to my t.v with some donuts now...
Love & Sunshine!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Suwon and Teaching... Happiness!
Finally, I am happy, somewhat settled, but smiling with sureity that this was the best decision I could have made...
My Korean co-teachers seem to be warming up to me which is nice. I finally started teaching today!!! It was super awesome although I felt a bit like an idiot with the little ones. They are super energetic after lunch. My elementaries gave me some choccies and sweets for V-day, aww!! I am sure time will
speed up a little more and I feel more at ease being busy.
This weekend was the BEST ever! I got to see Suwon's fortress wall and palace and also entered a Buddist temple, totally my vibe ;)see this site: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/South_Korea/Soul_tukpyolsi/Seoul-1058426/Things_To_Do-Seoul-Suwon_Fortress-BR-1.html
My dear SAFFA friend took some awesome pics for me (yes, camera still broken need to buy another one), will upload pics some time soon.
I uploaded some pics from my trip to Hongdae in Seoul last friday.
Peace and Sunshine :)
My Korean co-teachers seem to be warming up to me which is nice. I finally started teaching today!!! It was super awesome although I felt a bit like an idiot with the little ones. They are super energetic after lunch. My elementaries gave me some choccies and sweets for V-day, aww!! I am sure time will
speed up a little more and I feel more at ease being busy.
This weekend was the BEST ever! I got to see Suwon's fortress wall and palace and also entered a Buddist temple, totally my vibe ;)see this site: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/South_Korea/Soul_tukpyolsi/Seoul-1058426/Things_To_Do-Seoul-Suwon_Fortress-BR-1.html
My dear SAFFA friend took some awesome pics for me (yes, camera still broken need to buy another one), will upload pics some time soon.
I uploaded some pics from my trip to Hongdae in Seoul last friday.
Peace and Sunshine :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
This and that...
I sincerely apologise for my lack of effort on this blog. It is such a curse that I am not able to upload any photos as my camera is STILL broken! I will see what I can do the weekend... For now I shall have to bore you with my essays...
I am glad to say that at least I did manage to keep myself somewhat occupied over the long weekend. Thursday night involved much drinking with another Saffa (South African) friend at a, um, Hop (Korean pub). I would most definately reccommend makgeolli, rice wine, served in a bowl from which you drink and really not all that strong. I can't say I am a huge fan of soju (watered down vodka-like drink) however with powerade it's not too bad...
I must also tell you how much I LOVE SEOUL! I spent Friday night, and a good deal of Saturday morning, in a student part of Seoul. The streets are lined with markets selling food, many foreigners and the shops are open till late. There are tons of awesome clubs and bars and its so easy to meet other foreigners. I must have looked like an idiot from this huge smile stuck on my face the whole night.
Sunday I went on a pretty neat shopping spree at Seols subway where there are TONS of shops and everything is SO cheap. ARG and now I am nearly broke...
Otherwise, I have to be honest I am still struggling to adapt and I am still missing home so much! The nights are the worst... I can't wait till I finally get my alien card so that I can join Yoga and go on some tours. At least I have been for my medical test... and praying I pass, haha!
Okay, so this is pretty much IT for this entry. I am struggling to write honestly and am not feeling myself at all. I think I am going to lay low for a bit until I can figure this all out...
Peace and Sunshine :)
I am glad to say that at least I did manage to keep myself somewhat occupied over the long weekend. Thursday night involved much drinking with another Saffa (South African) friend at a, um, Hop (Korean pub). I would most definately reccommend makgeolli, rice wine, served in a bowl from which you drink and really not all that strong. I can't say I am a huge fan of soju (watered down vodka-like drink) however with powerade it's not too bad...
I must also tell you how much I LOVE SEOUL! I spent Friday night, and a good deal of Saturday morning, in a student part of Seoul. The streets are lined with markets selling food, many foreigners and the shops are open till late. There are tons of awesome clubs and bars and its so easy to meet other foreigners. I must have looked like an idiot from this huge smile stuck on my face the whole night.
Sunday I went on a pretty neat shopping spree at Seols subway where there are TONS of shops and everything is SO cheap. ARG and now I am nearly broke...
Otherwise, I have to be honest I am still struggling to adapt and I am still missing home so much! The nights are the worst... I can't wait till I finally get my alien card so that I can join Yoga and go on some tours. At least I have been for my medical test... and praying I pass, haha!
Okay, so this is pretty much IT for this entry. I am struggling to write honestly and am not feeling myself at all. I think I am going to lay low for a bit until I can figure this all out...
Peace and Sunshine :)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Homesick
Hm I did not expect this to happen, already I do find myself quite homesick... So, I am writing this post hoping it may help clear my mind.
I think I may have made the slight mistake of expecting a little bit too much from my trip to Korea. I had imagined that my fellow Korean teachers would have greeted me with a warm welcome and that they would perhaps have gone a bit out of their way to make me feel at ease. Simple things, like perhaps providing me with some sort of temporary phone until I can rent one, showing me around town, asking me a bit about myself. I had hoped that I would not find myself sitting at lunch with them having to indulge in their personal Korean conversations and completely excluding me and taking no interest in my life. I had hoped that when I asked where I could get my camera fixed that they would go a bit out of their way to find out, instead of telling me to wait until the director gets back on Monday. I had hoped that they would have informed me earlier that I was welcome to come in earlier to school to use the interent and phone, and not after I had on Tuesday asked them if their was no way I could get a temporary phone. I had hoped that anyone and everyone would insist on showing me around and that I would not have to figure everything out on my own. I had hoped that the people in the street would greet me a smile everytime I smiled at them, instead of looking me up and down as if I actually were an alien.
I hope now, that I will not regret laying my negativity out here in the open. I do apologise for that, but this is after all supposed to be a recording of my own personal journey which right now seems to be a somewhat dire situation.
My homesickness began this morning when I had hoped that my mom's friend would have been able to come through and spend some time with me taking me to explore and showing me the ropes of living in Korea. Don't get me wrong, it is not her fault at all that circumstances prevented her from coming to my rescue. I had given her the Korean teachers cellphone number so that her Korean student could get proper directions, but as she had not answeared the phone they decided it was best not to come through as they had already tried to meet me yesterday but could not find my address. I was quite dissapointed as I had cleaned up my flat, bought extra mugs for my guests and even a few croissants and other yummy treats from this great bakery I found. I was very excited to see her. I managed to give her a call from one of the ESL teacher's skype and we decided that on Sunday I would meet her at Suwon station as she was eager to show me a nice market there (I forgot the name). I suppose I had just been very excited to spend the day with someone eager to show me around and bring some comfort. As it is new year most of the shops are closed and I have no idea what to do the next few days.
So instead I sat on my bed and cried my heart out and played the "What If" game in my head. What if I had just stayed at home and studied again? Or what if I passed up an opportunity for someone special, to sit in an apartment in a strange country? What if I should have just stayed at home, got married, had babies and try to be a good housewife and take cooking lessons? (Okay, I admit that last 'What If' was a bit dramatic, not going to happen, I assure you) But then, what if this feeling is only temporary?
I then stood in my black and white tiled bathroom, looking at my red teary-eyed face in the mirror and decided that this is exactly what I need right now. For once in my life I need to be alone and deal with myself instead of always running away from life's unpleaasant situations. For once I need to see something through.
So I decided to go for a walk around town. Well, I watched a movie on the tv first. It was the first time the thought of switching on the tv had occurred to me. And then, of course, I needed to wash my hair as the front door still seemed a bit intimidating. But, eventually I got the courage to leave my apartment.
I found a post office, a polie station and someone called Sir Ming Yeong's tomb (I think that was his name). The tomb was a bit boring. A simple tomb surrounded by grass and a fence. Not very exciting. And then I headed of to Dunkin's Donough for a hotdog and coffee. I pointed to the hotdog picture. The lady replied, "blah blah blah cream hotdog" I said, "No, just hotdog and coffee." She then said, "blah blah blah Espresso blah blah Americano?" I answeared, " Americano". I then received a hot dog with gerkins and onions. Quite tasty actually.
And now I am at my usual spot at the internet cafe typing a lot of useless information. At least I feel better. Maybe I will go and try find another english movie on the t.v. The ESL girls invited me to dinner in Seoul. But I think I want to be alone for a bit and then maybe Sunday I will go to the market with my mom's friend. And next week I hope to explore Seoul with a friend who is also teaching in Korea.
I hope I am not dissapointing my dear friends and family for being so unadventurous at the moment. I am sure this feeling of being stranded and alone and longing for home will pass...
Love, sunshine and peace
I think I may have made the slight mistake of expecting a little bit too much from my trip to Korea. I had imagined that my fellow Korean teachers would have greeted me with a warm welcome and that they would perhaps have gone a bit out of their way to make me feel at ease. Simple things, like perhaps providing me with some sort of temporary phone until I can rent one, showing me around town, asking me a bit about myself. I had hoped that I would not find myself sitting at lunch with them having to indulge in their personal Korean conversations and completely excluding me and taking no interest in my life. I had hoped that when I asked where I could get my camera fixed that they would go a bit out of their way to find out, instead of telling me to wait until the director gets back on Monday. I had hoped that they would have informed me earlier that I was welcome to come in earlier to school to use the interent and phone, and not after I had on Tuesday asked them if their was no way I could get a temporary phone. I had hoped that anyone and everyone would insist on showing me around and that I would not have to figure everything out on my own. I had hoped that the people in the street would greet me a smile everytime I smiled at them, instead of looking me up and down as if I actually were an alien.
I hope now, that I will not regret laying my negativity out here in the open. I do apologise for that, but this is after all supposed to be a recording of my own personal journey which right now seems to be a somewhat dire situation.
My homesickness began this morning when I had hoped that my mom's friend would have been able to come through and spend some time with me taking me to explore and showing me the ropes of living in Korea. Don't get me wrong, it is not her fault at all that circumstances prevented her from coming to my rescue. I had given her the Korean teachers cellphone number so that her Korean student could get proper directions, but as she had not answeared the phone they decided it was best not to come through as they had already tried to meet me yesterday but could not find my address. I was quite dissapointed as I had cleaned up my flat, bought extra mugs for my guests and even a few croissants and other yummy treats from this great bakery I found. I was very excited to see her. I managed to give her a call from one of the ESL teacher's skype and we decided that on Sunday I would meet her at Suwon station as she was eager to show me a nice market there (I forgot the name). I suppose I had just been very excited to spend the day with someone eager to show me around and bring some comfort. As it is new year most of the shops are closed and I have no idea what to do the next few days.
So instead I sat on my bed and cried my heart out and played the "What If" game in my head. What if I had just stayed at home and studied again? Or what if I passed up an opportunity for someone special, to sit in an apartment in a strange country? What if I should have just stayed at home, got married, had babies and try to be a good housewife and take cooking lessons? (Okay, I admit that last 'What If' was a bit dramatic, not going to happen, I assure you) But then, what if this feeling is only temporary?
I then stood in my black and white tiled bathroom, looking at my red teary-eyed face in the mirror and decided that this is exactly what I need right now. For once in my life I need to be alone and deal with myself instead of always running away from life's unpleaasant situations. For once I need to see something through.
So I decided to go for a walk around town. Well, I watched a movie on the tv first. It was the first time the thought of switching on the tv had occurred to me. And then, of course, I needed to wash my hair as the front door still seemed a bit intimidating. But, eventually I got the courage to leave my apartment.
I found a post office, a polie station and someone called Sir Ming Yeong's tomb (I think that was his name). The tomb was a bit boring. A simple tomb surrounded by grass and a fence. Not very exciting. And then I headed of to Dunkin's Donough for a hotdog and coffee. I pointed to the hotdog picture. The lady replied, "blah blah blah cream hotdog" I said, "No, just hotdog and coffee." She then said, "blah blah blah Espresso blah blah Americano?" I answeared, " Americano". I then received a hot dog with gerkins and onions. Quite tasty actually.
And now I am at my usual spot at the internet cafe typing a lot of useless information. At least I feel better. Maybe I will go and try find another english movie on the t.v. The ESL girls invited me to dinner in Seoul. But I think I want to be alone for a bit and then maybe Sunday I will go to the market with my mom's friend. And next week I hope to explore Seoul with a friend who is also teaching in Korea.
I hope I am not dissapointing my dear friends and family for being so unadventurous at the moment. I am sure this feeling of being stranded and alone and longing for home will pass...
Love, sunshine and peace
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Leaving, Dubai Adventure and Hello Korea!
Hello my dear bloggers, I apologise that it has been a while. I am safely in Korea but will only have my own internet and mobile once I receive my alien registration card which could take up to a month to get. For now, I am making use of a Internet Cafe whcih works out to about R7 an hour, nice!
This will be an abnormally long post as I am very excited to relate to you my experience in much detail! The following posts will probably not be as long. So brace yourself...
As most of you who know me would expect that my trip would not commence without some drama. Yes, my suitcase was overloaded which caused it to break down the escalator. However, a very nice salesman sold me a nice Celini suitcase and even repacked my suitcase for me! I was so close to giving him a hug. I then was left with only a few minutes to say a few sad goodbyes to my loved ones.
On landing in Dubai, I was tired (I had not had any sleep on the flight) and also quite scared as the airport is huge and there are not great signs. No offense any arabs reading this, but the airport staff were not the most helpful. It also did not calm my nerves to see some medics attend to a woman who seemed to be dying and rushed her off somewhere to get further help.
After about an hour and a half, and with the help of a friendly local man, I finally made it to the airport hotel where the staff were much friendlier. It was now around 07:30 and I decided to have a hot bath and just over three hours sleep. I then headed down for lunch which included the most yellow and tasty banana I have ever had (this is of no relevance, I am aware). I then booked a tour through Dubai from 17:00-21:00.
I was happy to make a very nice Indian-American friend who later handed me his business card so that we could stay in touch through facebook. Aw. We saw the tallest building in Dubai and passed someone's palace (I do apologise for not paying closer attention to the bad english accent of the guide). We also stopped at a beach and I could not help staring at some of the arabs dressed in their white cloaks. They look quite intimidating, seriously. We then went to a mall in Dubai where an Arab salesman seemed quite intrigued in tying silk scarves around my neck. "Look, look mirror, you like? Come I show you 'nother place!" He took my picture, begged me to ivite him on facebook on handing me his business card, and the proceeded to kiss me on my cheek which I tried hard to duck. I then decided it would be a good time to make a run for it!
We then headed off to see the singing fountains. The fountains do not sing, people on loudspeakers do. But the fountains are breathtaking and kind of dance in the water and jump in the sky. Yes, this is quite tough to explain. I will try to upload the video as soon as, um (Mom, do not read this part) I get my camera fixed which I dropped and broke, but I am sure I can get it fixed!!!
Next was a viewing of gold jewelry in some shops which did not excite me much. Instead I befriended three very nice Koreans and a very lovely Indian-American lady, more Indian than American really, who told me in her lovely singsong accent how lovely it was to meet me.
All in all I think I would prefer to spend a weekend partying it up in Dubai than staying for a longer period. Dubai has an exciting nightlife (80% of Dubai are foreigners) which I am sad I did not get to experience.
Back at the hotel I had dinner with my three new Korean friends who promised that they would wait at the exit of the plane at Seoul and make sure I get to arrivals safely. How sweet!
I then headed off for a hot bath (I think I may have broken the shower, oops) and then tried to sleep for an hour, but to no avail. Instead I got ready and got an earlier bus back to the airport where I met a so-called African-American who has never been to Africa, but insisted on calling me his African siesta! I would not call myself European-African just because I have European decent, but hey! Whatever floats your boat! He also insisted on handing me his business card so that he has a South African friend when he comes to visit. Well, I hope I can return the favour of playing tour guide after all the help and support I have received!
And guess what! On landing in beautiful snowy Seoul (capital of Korea) my three loyal Korean friends were waiting patiently for me and stuck by my side until I met Mr. Kang who stood holding a big sign with my name. And yes, I then got three more business cards, you know, just in case I need any further help!
Mr Kang then proceeded to chuck me on a bus, hand me a piece of paper with a telephone number of the teacher to fetch me at the bus station in Yeongin (my new hometown. He stood and waved goodbye with a big grin. Ah, dear Mr. Kang. Lucky me, after laying out my paper with my bus station destination written in Korean by Mr. Kang and a confused look I strategically placed on my face, it turned out the girl next to me could talk english. It might have been easier to ask her instead of putting on a stupid facial expression. Anyhow, an hour and a half later I was waiting (as patiently as I could whilst almost reaching freeze point in the bitter cold snow) next to a highway waiting for my teacher to pick me up. Strangely, I did not feel one bit scared and only moments later I was greeted by my heated apartment which happens to be right opposite my school!
My apartment is very old! And my toilet and basin area is my shower all in one! At least it has a microwave and stove and fridge and a bed with a duvet and pillow. Also, I have some basic cutlery. My kettle is awesome. It is old and sings when the water reaches boiling point. This makes me smile every time! After unpacking, the other ESL teachers came to greet me. The one is from New Zeland, one from U.S.A and three from Canada. However, I was too tired to join them on a night out in town as I had only three hours sleep the past three days.
School is great so far! A lot to take in but hey, the kiindergartens are SO adorable I might just bring one home! I only had school Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week I am off due to Lunar year (Korean New Year). This week and next I am merely observing. From the 14th I will begin to teach. In the mornings I will teach Kindergartens and afternoons elementary.
Teaching the kindergartens is so awesome. I get paid to play! We sing songs, read stories and teach words using flash cards! It is all too cute! I wish I was able to post pictures of my students and apartment and the snow, I will try to get my camera fixed tomorrow! Sigh.
I did get to teach a bit today, well, play with the kiddies. I tried to play hangman, um, I don't think it went to well. I never thought I would say this, but I need to practice playing!
I am really excited, my mom's friend who also teaches will visit me tomorrow. I have never met her but she has been an angel of support and is bringing me a phone!!!! I will upload my new pone number on my info page on facebook a.s.a.p!
My fingers need rest,and I need to go and drink wine with my new english friends (who all live in the same block!), also my internet time is almost up...
Goodbye for now, much love!
This will be an abnormally long post as I am very excited to relate to you my experience in much detail! The following posts will probably not be as long. So brace yourself...
As most of you who know me would expect that my trip would not commence without some drama. Yes, my suitcase was overloaded which caused it to break down the escalator. However, a very nice salesman sold me a nice Celini suitcase and even repacked my suitcase for me! I was so close to giving him a hug. I then was left with only a few minutes to say a few sad goodbyes to my loved ones.
On landing in Dubai, I was tired (I had not had any sleep on the flight) and also quite scared as the airport is huge and there are not great signs. No offense any arabs reading this, but the airport staff were not the most helpful. It also did not calm my nerves to see some medics attend to a woman who seemed to be dying and rushed her off somewhere to get further help.
After about an hour and a half, and with the help of a friendly local man, I finally made it to the airport hotel where the staff were much friendlier. It was now around 07:30 and I decided to have a hot bath and just over three hours sleep. I then headed down for lunch which included the most yellow and tasty banana I have ever had (this is of no relevance, I am aware). I then booked a tour through Dubai from 17:00-21:00.
I was happy to make a very nice Indian-American friend who later handed me his business card so that we could stay in touch through facebook. Aw. We saw the tallest building in Dubai and passed someone's palace (I do apologise for not paying closer attention to the bad english accent of the guide). We also stopped at a beach and I could not help staring at some of the arabs dressed in their white cloaks. They look quite intimidating, seriously. We then went to a mall in Dubai where an Arab salesman seemed quite intrigued in tying silk scarves around my neck. "Look, look mirror, you like? Come I show you 'nother place!" He took my picture, begged me to ivite him on facebook on handing me his business card, and the proceeded to kiss me on my cheek which I tried hard to duck. I then decided it would be a good time to make a run for it!
We then headed off to see the singing fountains. The fountains do not sing, people on loudspeakers do. But the fountains are breathtaking and kind of dance in the water and jump in the sky. Yes, this is quite tough to explain. I will try to upload the video as soon as, um (Mom, do not read this part) I get my camera fixed which I dropped and broke, but I am sure I can get it fixed!!!
Next was a viewing of gold jewelry in some shops which did not excite me much. Instead I befriended three very nice Koreans and a very lovely Indian-American lady, more Indian than American really, who told me in her lovely singsong accent how lovely it was to meet me.
All in all I think I would prefer to spend a weekend partying it up in Dubai than staying for a longer period. Dubai has an exciting nightlife (80% of Dubai are foreigners) which I am sad I did not get to experience.
Back at the hotel I had dinner with my three new Korean friends who promised that they would wait at the exit of the plane at Seoul and make sure I get to arrivals safely. How sweet!
I then headed off for a hot bath (I think I may have broken the shower, oops) and then tried to sleep for an hour, but to no avail. Instead I got ready and got an earlier bus back to the airport where I met a so-called African-American who has never been to Africa, but insisted on calling me his African siesta! I would not call myself European-African just because I have European decent, but hey! Whatever floats your boat! He also insisted on handing me his business card so that he has a South African friend when he comes to visit. Well, I hope I can return the favour of playing tour guide after all the help and support I have received!
And guess what! On landing in beautiful snowy Seoul (capital of Korea) my three loyal Korean friends were waiting patiently for me and stuck by my side until I met Mr. Kang who stood holding a big sign with my name. And yes, I then got three more business cards, you know, just in case I need any further help!
Mr Kang then proceeded to chuck me on a bus, hand me a piece of paper with a telephone number of the teacher to fetch me at the bus station in Yeongin (my new hometown. He stood and waved goodbye with a big grin. Ah, dear Mr. Kang. Lucky me, after laying out my paper with my bus station destination written in Korean by Mr. Kang and a confused look I strategically placed on my face, it turned out the girl next to me could talk english. It might have been easier to ask her instead of putting on a stupid facial expression. Anyhow, an hour and a half later I was waiting (as patiently as I could whilst almost reaching freeze point in the bitter cold snow) next to a highway waiting for my teacher to pick me up. Strangely, I did not feel one bit scared and only moments later I was greeted by my heated apartment which happens to be right opposite my school!
My apartment is very old! And my toilet and basin area is my shower all in one! At least it has a microwave and stove and fridge and a bed with a duvet and pillow. Also, I have some basic cutlery. My kettle is awesome. It is old and sings when the water reaches boiling point. This makes me smile every time! After unpacking, the other ESL teachers came to greet me. The one is from New Zeland, one from U.S.A and three from Canada. However, I was too tired to join them on a night out in town as I had only three hours sleep the past three days.
School is great so far! A lot to take in but hey, the kiindergartens are SO adorable I might just bring one home! I only had school Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week I am off due to Lunar year (Korean New Year). This week and next I am merely observing. From the 14th I will begin to teach. In the mornings I will teach Kindergartens and afternoons elementary.
Teaching the kindergartens is so awesome. I get paid to play! We sing songs, read stories and teach words using flash cards! It is all too cute! I wish I was able to post pictures of my students and apartment and the snow, I will try to get my camera fixed tomorrow! Sigh.
I did get to teach a bit today, well, play with the kiddies. I tried to play hangman, um, I don't think it went to well. I never thought I would say this, but I need to practice playing!
I am really excited, my mom's friend who also teaches will visit me tomorrow. I have never met her but she has been an angel of support and is bringing me a phone!!!! I will upload my new pone number on my info page on facebook a.s.a.p!
My fingers need rest,and I need to go and drink wine with my new english friends (who all live in the same block!), also my internet time is almost up...
Goodbye for now, much love!
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