Foreign/er

The White House at night

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Still have something to write up about my last days in Florida, but now I'm in Washington, D.C. with my mom and cousins. We checked into our hotel yesterday around 3pm and after resting for a while hit the streets to see what we could see.

It feels good to be back in an urban setting. Although Florida is very beautiful, warm and cozy I think I missed the concrete jungle that a city provides.

While heading to the White House we walked pass an Occupy camp location. There weren't that many folks there and I think the tents were empty. It has something to do with an eviction notice. But there was a small gathering of people.

So far I am liking this city, which seems to have a buzz to it of political-ness and East coast seriousness. The architecture is a great site to see, too.

Seeing the White House in person was an interesting experience. It looked a lot smaller than I had imagined, but still felt like a mighty symbol of this country. I also felt excited just standing there and thinking about the current people inside and all the folks who passed through it before.

We made our way around the White House, which you can't exactly do. I noticed a lot of street paths were blockaded and your walking path was more or less designed. We passed by the Dwight Eisenhower building which was an awesome sight.

As we came to an intersection the traffic was stopped all around us by police, even the sidewalk was guarded. A few minutes later a motorcade of SUVs with deep tinted black windows went by, and we all wondered if it was Obama inside. Certainly gave us all a great memorable experience.

Today I am going out and seeing it all in the sunshine. I am already impressed with this city, as it appears very clean and lovely. Of course I've just been in a small section of it so far. :)

Deerfield Beach

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:22:00 +0000

No trip to Florida would be complete with out a venture over to the beach. On both sides (the Gulf and the Atlantic) you have choices. On this day we decided to head to Deerfield beach, which brought back memories.

First we stopped at The Cove restaurant near the inter-coastal bridge. Although, it actually was renamed something I think we all considered it to be what it was called in the past. A long time ago, when I was still in Elementary school, my parents had separated. My father went and lived in a little cottage near Deerfield Beach, which was situated near this restaurant. I recall him taking us and having a great grilled cheese sandwich, while a solo steal-drum performer worked the crowd.

Everything you see again from your childhood appears smaller and less significant when your an adult. The affect was felt here, too.

A good old-fashioned cheeseburger was very scrumptious and filling. As we exited, to my surprise, I saw a cigarette-dispenser machine nearby. I recall as a kid playing with the knobs on these things and was amazed to see it was still operational.

The beach was a little breezy and the water really choppy, so there was no swimming involved in this trip. But fun was had in shell collecting and general horsing around on the shore.

When the sun came out the water turned a beautiful topaz shade of blue, which made you appreciate life.

Floridians have it made, living amongst such beauty. On our way out, there was a little street market going on with food and craft stalls.

I have been enjoying this slice of life in America, and at times really appreciative of how friendly people can be. Striking up general conversations with people in the store or outside, makes me miss living in America.

But so far my home is back in Korea, and I often think about my return. Maybe if I study more Korean I can make daily chit-chat with the folks out there. We'll see...for now I've got Florida.

Looking Over My Work While Away

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:12:00 +0000

I managed to have some free time today to look over my upcoming work for next semester. I recall how before the semester ended, a few weeks ago, my mind was blown by the team leader stuff coming my way.

I figured I needed to give myself some time and then I can approach it with a clearer mind. Looking at it today I definitely feel better about the new duties. Mostly I see I will need to be that person in the middle who communicates and negotiates requests. There are some major duties to take care of, but I think there will be time to understand it all.

Mostly I just hope I will have enough time to set up my new room, including rearranging the teacher's desks and putting away all my materials. That first day back is a full schedule of orientation meetings and greeting new students. I kind of wish they would give us more time to set up.

Even though I am still feeling somewhat nervous about the upcoming term, I know I just need to start out with a smile and not let it all get to me. The other teachers (both Korean and none) will be busy and hoping for a good year. In other words, I won't be the only one a bit nervous that first week back.

I wrote all this down in a neat list fashion in my notebook and hope to reference it now and then while I am still out here. Just to prep myself mentally. But how can I keep my focus with weather in the high 70's and palm trees everywhere?!

Haircut

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:12:00 +0000

Brunch and Nature Reserve with Mom

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:09:00 +0000

You know life is swell when you can have homemade brunch with your mother. A delicious fruit salad with eggs and an english muffin...yum!

My mom has a great companion dog that gives her lots of company.

We headed to the Boynton Beach Green Cay Nature Center to check out the wildlife. It was a great experience and I mostly enjoyed hearing all the animal sounds.

There were all sorts of animals to be seen, including water fowl and alligators. I only brought my new pancake lens so I wasn't able to get close ups, however there was enough scenery to photograph.

The Nature Center has a raised path you can take around the whole area, which use to be a farm. The previous land owner left it to the county and made sure they turned it into a reserve. The place is very well kept and doesn't look over planned.

While there we caught the sunset, which was beautiful as always.

Where I Stay For Now

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:37:00 +0000

First off a few shots of my pizza and salad dinner I had at the hotel near the SFO airport. Then a shot or two of my standard hotel room's view and interior.

But the real treat has been the view from my sister's house, where I am staying while in South Florida.

You can't beat weather in the 70's to 80's with this backdrop! People out here live in paradise...makes me so envious. I don't want to think about the view I have to go back to in Korea.

But that's life and I guess I can appreciate the way it all is by seeing this contrast. Today I did a lot of shopping and feel complete. Now to move on and enjoy time with family. I've already done a few things and took some pics, so hope to get that up.

More t-shirt weather to go!

Florida

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:48:00 +0000

I've been in Florida a little over 24 hours now. It's amazing here, as always. Most people here live amongst year long greenery and large houses. I don't have photos yet but those will come. Today I woke up tired, so rested some more. Then I headed to the mall to get that plug I needed, and after buying it felt like a fool for paying so much. Found out my brother might have an extra attachment that I need, and so if he finds it I will return this expensive gadget.

The rest of the day I did some shopping in the mall, and walked away with two new bags. Not sure if I will return one.

But it is great seeing Americans and their laid-backness. The casual feeling around me is soothing, and hearing English isn't making me nervous. I guess this time around I'm not really having "reverse culture-shock." Mostly I feel like I'm in a dream and know that I'll be going back to Korea eventually.

The weather here was surprisingly a little chilly when I got in yesterday, but thankfully things have warmed up a bit. When I walked outside, onto my sister's patio, I was astonished to feel warm air on my skin. It seems winter can make you forget what warm weather is like. I'm hoping when I get back to Korea it will be Spring-like.

It's great to be back here. :)

Landed

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:16:00 +0000

My flight to SFO was quickened down to 9hrs because of strong jet streams along the way. I managed to get some shut eye on the plane. What also made it great was the middle seat was empty and the aisle seat was taken by a nice Berkeley guy who shared in the wonders of that city.

I'm currently at my hotel and waking up out of a 4 hour nap in a cozy Queen size bed. Not much is nearby this place, except if I wanted to walk several blocks. I don't feel like doing that so I'm going to order salad and pizza. I fly out tomorrow to catch a plane to Florida. I can't wait! A huge reunion.

Usually when I come back to America from abroad I feel really nostalgic on the first day. I kind of felt this way at the airport and ride over to the hotel. I admired the license plates and variety of cars and colors.

But this time I just feel sleepy and hungry. I think things will perk up more as time passes. I mostly just feel strange. I love America and being here reminds me I'm not a part of it anymore. So I'm a little sad too.

Anyways, glad to be on my way.

First Team Leader Meeting

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:27:00 +0000

My mind is in a swirl and I am home cooking tofu stir-fry. But about an hour ago I learned about what it will be like being a team leader next term and the duties that are going to come my way. The school basically wants to overhaul the English Department. Make it more standardized, meaning tests and homework should have a set grading system. It all makes sense, with it showing that we should be more unified and organized. The main goal is to boost the English Department's reputation. For years now, as it has been observed, the attitude was "Here you go, you can figure it out." A very easy going attitude that showed the Korean teachers we were likely lazy and can't be motivated.

But it has me wanting to run for the hills. I knew I was going to be a team leader but now it is just about 3 weeks away! It's becoming a reality. I mostly feel insecure and that I will be a failure at communicating well with the K-teachers and also won't meet whatever standards my English teachers have. I will have to juggle two departments and be the intermediary. It looks like a big leadership position and I don't know if I'm ready. I'm in denial already and need to skip to the acceptance stage.

Thankfully, we had the meeting and it outlined what to prepare for and ways to get everyone ready that first day. But first impressions are important and I will be jet lagged and tired that first day back. I am mostly thinking to just be, "nice" and "sweet." Don't let the stress of it all show and go with the flow.

I'm going to slowly look back at the handout I received with all the information on it over the next few days. And over my time in America spend some time familiarizing it at a pace comfortable. Right now I just need to accept this is going to happen, and see it is an opportunity.

My Thoughts on the "Korean Wave"

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:37:00 +0000

There has been a lot of chatter around the Kblogosphere about how The Girl's Generation went on David Letterman and possibly spoofed themselves. Some say it is not helping the "Korean Wave" advance itself across the ocean, and others give them props for trying. I for one say that this stunt isn't going to help Americans get to know Korea in the way that I know Korea. To me Korea is a place full of unique pop culture and historical trademarks. The food is amazing and you can't go wrong with a country that eats live octopus.

But Americans don't know much about Korea beyond whatever they have in their mind. Without any scientific background to prove this, I bet most Americans (off the street) will associate S. Korea with North Korea and all that hoopla.

source

More often than I can count, I have seen spoofs of North Korea appear on The Simpsons and other T.V. shows. If South Korea wants to get itself really out there, it needs to start pushing something big enough to outshine their political lime-light with North Korea.

Most of all South Korea needs to consider how China and Japan made their way into the hearts of good old regular pie-eating Americans. Take for example, Japan and their Anime and Manga genre of culture. When I was starting off in college in 2001, Anime was still taking root. Who would have thought that imagery like the following would have taken Japan to a more iconic level amongst Americans.

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Even shows like Neon Genesis Evengelion, which made no material sense were highly popular.

source

Sure, not everyone was bitten by the Anime bug and many found it outright ridiculous. But it opened up a door to other genres of Japanese pop-culture that allowed Japan to be taken as this place of creativity and wonder. Soon people wanted to learn Japanese and study their culture. Despite that most fans became obsessed this fueled what is now likely a multi-billion dollar industry.

Besides Samsung gadgets what does Korea have that reaches the minds and hearts of Americans? Maybe it is K-pop, but that show on Letterman isn't going to do it. If anything, Eat Your Kimchi has proven that there is a cult of people around the world willing to learn more and follow videos about K-pop. Because of the diversity to which bands they review and the extent to which fans comment and share ideas, this shows that K-pop is growing amongst the masses. Of course we know that shows for Big Bang and other idol groups sell out across the world.

But what Koreans want is for Korea to be as familiar to Americans as their neighbors have been for so long. They want a piece of the world's heart, and I don't blame them. Korea has worked really hard to become the country it is today, and I am sure they want to be recognized as a place more than just that country "fighting with the North."

From what I know it is the big old guys at executive positions who push what "culture" they deem the world should taste from Korea. And more often than not this has flopped. But thanks to more pushing by insiders and outsiders, things are starting to change.

I also feel it is our job as expats and those who repatriate to promote and educate the people in our lives about Korea. I am sure we do that already, but don't let it fade out once you have returned home.

I do hope Korea's culture catches on in the rest of the world and when I say to people back home, "I have been living in Korea for the past 4 years." They don't ask me, "Which one, North or South?" They ask me, "Hey do you know that Kpop band....?" or "Hey I heard about Old Boy, is it really scary?"

Girls Generation might not be doing the trick but it might just help someone want to find out more and see that there are slices of Korea worth biting into. At least I hope so.

The Last Week

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:50:00 +0000

I made it! The last week of my first year at S* school is coming to it's end. I am amazed I made it this far considering how difficult it was at the beginning. Also I am impressed at how much my students have advanced and grown. Now I get to see them continue to grow in the 2nd grade.

This week seems sort of laid back. Instead of doing the level testing next semester, they changed it to now. So tomorrow and Weds we will be busy prompting tests and doing interviews. This means grading and imputing scores into the computer. Although, I won't be able to distribute the kids into their respective levels till next semester. I will need to do that with my new homeroom teachers. Classes are still being held, but a bit broken up. Wednesday is a "6-day" but some of that is having the kids watching a movie while I give a interview test. Then Thursday it is a true "6-day", but I have casual things planned. They will make a "Shape-book" and play a PPT Bomb game, which they love doing. Finally, on Friday things have been shortened and cut back to 4 periods. During that time of 30 minutes each, we will play another PPT Bomb game and they will get word search worksheets. I don't want to stress out and work too hard, due to needing to pack and travel Saturday.

If you have noticed I don't blog too much, so just consider this. I haven't been out much visiting places to save money for my trip. However, I plan to get back in the swing of things after my vacation. Of course I will post about the fun times I will have in Florida and D.C., for you guys. I never feel the need to apologize for not blogging enough and I'm not going to start now.

Thanks for all your support during this school year, I definitely had a better time at this school than at any before it. :)

Upcoming DC Trip

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

As part of my home vacation this month I am going to visit Washington, D.C. with my mother. I have never been here and am excited to see a slice of America I haven't been to. So far I am using Google Maps to pinpoint places of interest and also restaurants and general areas to find oneself at a nice cafe. Here is the map:

View DC trip in a larger map

The "volcano" is our hotel! haha I hope the weather will be favorable for viewing the monuments. I am especially looking forward to seeing the White House, as I think in person it will give you a really awesome feeling. It is going to be interesting figuring out the bus and metro system, but I think with all my experience here in Seoul, Japan, and San Francisco I can manage.

Have you ever been there? Or perhaps you are from there. Then give me some tips and hints for great places or restaurants to visit!

Icicles

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:31:00 +0000

It is so cold outside that I noticed little icicles on my eyelashes. The condensation from my breath seems to make moisture build up in beads and then the cold air crystalizes them. An interesting phenomenon indeed, however isn't doing much to make me like winter more.

Spring, come to the land of Korea!

Patiently

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:09:00 +0000

Back at work here doing the normal thing of classes and then break time. I would be lesson planning right now, but the current 2nd grade teacher asked for her books back. I think I have a copy of the Volume 2 book back at my house, so that can help me later. Just won't have the teacher's guide, however I didn't rely on it too much.

All I have left are November, December and bits of February for next year. I suppose I can get to those in time, as they are far away. Still there is the need in me to keep punching them out, however ridiculous that sounds.

Because I booked my vacation tickets through Hanatour I have to wait 48 hours before my flight to select my seats. I can't sleep without the window seat and so am trying my best to be patient. Hopefully, my flight will have a lot of, "I hate the window seat" type folks.

Things to do before heading off on my vacation:
- Get Tom to his brother's house for cat sitting.
- Visit the Doc to refill meds
- Transfer more money to my American bank account.
- Organize my packing of (warm and cold clothes). Would like to make it so I have enough room to fill them up with new finds.
- Get the seats.

All right, I suppose I could go clean up my desk here and do more house cleaning in my classroom. ㅋㅋ

Gallery Golmok Show: Homo-Sapiens

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:31:00 +0000

Gallery Golmok, in Itaewon has put together another compelling show. This one being their first for the 2012 year, and so got off to a start with a buzz of artists and voyeurs. This show titled, "Homo-Sapiens" is going on till February 15th. Features several artists all wrapping their talents around the theme of a species that has changed throughout time and also a touch on what it means to live in a world heavily populated (as to what I have gathered).

First a few pictures of walking down the new cafe-shopping street on my way to the gallery.

Already, the opening show attracted many viewers and most folks were hanging around to see the performance art piece by Fraise Vinyl, that was very interesting.

The glowing works on the wall are by Martyn Thompson who took his composite photographs and transformed them by having layers printed on plastic squares. The effect, with a fluorescent light illuminating from behind, gives you a very different feeling toward a photograph. When inspecting the pictures you notice they are of ordinary places such as the interior of a bar. The pieces I enjoyed from this series were the smaller scale ones that used less color and more muted tones.

But the overall effect is very nice and you enjoy moving your head around to see how this was made and inspect it on various levels.

The other works in the show included paintings with ceramic cups adhered to them, and photography. The photo works fell sort of flat for me, but I think that is because I've become immune to this kind of work. However, with close contemplation you get how it all connects to the theme.

The performance by Fraise Vinyl was pretty unique. In the back-center of the main gallery was set up this red tent like structure. At the beginning, you aren't really sure what it is all about. When the performance started I couldn't see behind everyone's heads, but when I got closer I realized what was going. The performance was being held inside the "tent" and you were ushered in by an assistant.

There were two entrances, and when you go in the feeling becomes distinct. The tent was glowing from black-fluorescent lighting and laser fireworks, which made it all feel very ethereal. Alongside this was a tempo playing that made you want to go in and check things out. Sorry..blurry..

Inside you move around till you realize you found a peep-hole. From here you take a "peep" and end up seeing the artist inside moving about as she is dressed in an interesting arrangement of lingerie. I mostly just saw her face that was covered by a mask. I felt kind of bashful taking a peep and so didn't linger long.

Also enjoyable was watching people go in and out and marking the expressions on their face. Including, seeing who stuck around longer inside the tent.

Overall, a great opening and a good exhibition with thoughtful work. All of which, is next to The Alley Cafe where you can get a bite to eat or something warm to drink.

Extending or Renewing Your Visa Experience 2012

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:19:00 +0000

I had the fun and pleasure today of making it to the Anguk Immigration Office to renew / extend my visa. Since I am staying at my school it was necessary for me to go to immigration and get this done on my own.

The documents I needed were pretty basic, compared to getting a new visa. This time all I needed was a copy of my contract, school's registration, passport..alien card...and other ones. Hehe you can check the immigration website.

Out of exit 6 you go up to the SK Hub building and take the stairs to the 2nd floor. Find your way to the big room with all the chairs and people sitting in them. Find the ticket machine and press the green button hard enough to make a ticket come out.

I didn't wait too long, and soon was sitting behind an English speaking assistant. I did have to run around for a few things to complete the process. Like buying the stamps from a different room and also making copies of my passport pages. In addition, I was made to scan my fingerprints. Finally, after all that I received my alien card back with a new date entered on the back. It was quite easy and probably would have went even faster had I made an appointment. Overall, I'm pretty happy and satisfied with my experience at immigration today. Hope all future immigration trips will be just as easy.

Video as a Tool For English Education in Korea

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:50:00 +0000

I noticed something the other day while teaching my winter camp classes, and that is Korean kids love Youtube just as much as kids back home. Of course, this should come as no surprise as Korea is a very wired country. But I think seeing videos in the classroom has been a part of their lives since they started school. I for one have used a multitude of math-song videos and for fun, played those cutesy and catchy ones that get their attention.

An excellent evolution has occurred with the use of video in the classroom, and that is teachers making educational videos with their students. The forum waygook.org has already shown areas where teachers are integrating a video-creating lesson into their classes. Also, you catch teacher made videos on youtube with some that are awesome and others quite simple. Here for you are an example of teachers taking the video camera in the classroom and making it a fun tool for English education.

1. Mike Karlan's "Bandit" Videos:

The following is called, "The Color Bandit":

A quirky and fun video with a great example of kids using English in a fun and enthusiastic way, you see the theme of an evil bandit who stole colors. The kids must think of a plan to destroy him so they can use colors again. At least, that is my interpretation. Nicely edited and it shows that the kids were involved and had a good time.

2. Daft Punk's Harder...Faster Song:

I recently was creating a lesson about comparatives and found that other teacher's out there used the Daft Punk Song, "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" with their students.

This one from "miathetraveler"

First off let me congratulate these teachers for getting their middle school students to participate in something like this. From what I understand teaching Middle school is challenging in that the students are hard to motivate.

This one from "danitravels"

I like this one better as you can tell they were really into it and I like the way they organized their signs. This would make a great project for a camp session or an after school group. I think with some patience I might even be able to do this with a group of my first graders.

3. Make a Movie Camp:

Sometimes it is best to just let the kids figure out what to make, and you can do this with a themed "movie camp." Found on waygook.org, are lesson plans and worksheets to use for the camp. The following are video examples of what came out of the project.

What are the benefits?

In my opinion this gets students excited for learning English and the result is something definitely different from the usual hum-drum lesson. However, I am sure if you tell your students, "We are going to make videos!" That there will be a group that sighs and says, "No, I don't want to." Like all lessons it is all about getting them motivated, and this should be no different.

Also, they get to see what their English looks like and sounds like in the final product. This is a great tool for them to understand where they need to improve. Throughout the project, students work on plot, character design and story therefore getting to use their English skills in a productive way.

Some pitfalls might be that you don't have enough equipment for the students, like cameras and computers to edit with. Also, students will work in groups and as you may already know this is sometimes a hard thing for them. I recall one group I had during a camp where they argued over everything the whole time.

In the end, I think making videos with your students is an overall beneficial part of the English classroom here in Korea. Why not add this to your curriculum?

Do you have any teacher-student made videos you would like to share?

People Return

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:10:00 +0000

It feels like an extra Sunday around here. The roar of cars from the nearby traffic lanes have picked up their buzz. When I went out for bread at my local mart I was happy to see it open and saw people walking around with coffee.

The upstairs neighbor has been playing the piano, which they usually do on the weekend. And the cry of children and teenagers can be heard in the distant park. All signs that Seollnal is coming to its end as people make their way back to Seoul.

As for me, I'm busily working away at my lesson plans. Already into next October, and know that I should just slow down. But if I get to my upcoming American vacation with a lot done, I think I'll be even more relaxed. Anyways, hope you had a good Lunar New Year's time and wasn't stuck behind another car on the long stretch of freeway.

Pyongyang Restaurant...in Cambodia

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:31:00 +0000

The meal can run up to $100 dollars and the dances elaborate, but if you want a taste of North Korea you might have to go to Cambodia to get it. That is what some South Korean tourists have been doing when they visit the country. In the video and article you get a sense of people getting into the back secret room of some high-society club and seeing something only the privileged would dream of. However, these people stepped off a tourist bus.

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The point of this restaurant, as it has been stated, is to bring in revenue for the North Korean country. This is being done by a pricey menu with attractive dancing.

North Korean performers, dressed in hanbok, a billowing, traditional Korean dress, wear permanent smiles as they play a Western-style drum set, electric guitars and accordion — and demurely shuffle across the stage.

Even the waitresses (who also double as performers) are from North Korea. So in that sense you are getting the real-deal. But one wonders what this experience must be like for these people, as they evidently see what the rest of the world is like. Yet, inside the restaurant it is more about "business-as-usual" and the politics are left outside.

What one most can take from this is the unsettling reminder that the people of North Korea are still starving while tourists in Cambodia at the Pyongyang restaurant are happily filling their stomachs.

A meal at a Pyongyang restaurant is one of the more expensive in town. In a country where a bowl of noodles costs $1.50, a hungry customer can easily pay $100 for a simple meal of kimchi, beef shoulder, stir-fried squid and a bottle of wine.

However, I feel this is a unique cultural artifact to be found in the world during these times, and perhaps beneficial to go and take a look. If you were visiting Cambodia, would you head to this restaurant?

One odd part of the article is when a South Korean visitor is quoted as saying, “Back in South Korea, we don’t have any opportunities to meet North Korean people.”

None at all?! I know folks who tutor North Koreans in English and others who have taken them out to dinner. I'm pretty sure there are opportunities.

Anyways, an interesting article and something to think about as North Korea keeps on tinkering with itself.

The Freeze Comith

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

If for some reason you notice that my blog is lacking in photos of fun places in Korea, you can blame the above scenario. The freezing-temps of winter are back again. Granted, this isn't as cold as it could be, but still is cold.

Sorry if I sound like I'm whining, but I'm not much of a fan of winter and yet to be converted.

Quiet Out There

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:04:00 +0000

It's the Sunday before the Lunar New Year's holiday here in Korea. Already I can tell most people in my area (Nowon) have packed up and gone to wherever they need to go for family duties. However, it is usually quiet on a Sunday here anyways.

Not much happening for me this holiday season in Korea. I am meeting a friend for a good meaty dinner and some nice chatting. I have the whole week off next week and in that time I need to withdraw cash for my American vacation and also go to immigration to renew my visa.

I hope your Korean holiday is filled with fun or relaxation. :) Happy Year of the Black Dragon!

Winter Camp 2012 Wraps Up

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:42:00 +0000

Wow! Camp has come and gone in what feels like the blink of an eye. However, I can say I'm pleased with that reality. Camp this time around (compared to last summer) was a bit easier. I think it is because I had the higher level class, although at times they started to test me.

I found that it was good to get the book done and play review games and other silly activities with them. They seemed to like it most when I was less serious about things and delved into their creativity. I recall on the lesson about "The Emergency Room" I got into a thing about the number, "119". I told them that Korea copied America because we have "911". From here on one student started to boldly lecture me about how America copied Korea. I then proceeded to tell him how Korean people wouldn't even have a telephone to use that number with, if it weren't for Americans inventing it. This led to one student telling me that Steve Jobs is Korean and that he invented the phone. I corrected him that Steve Jobs is not Korean but did invent the iPhone.

That was a fun moment.

Otherwise, the open class went pretty smoothly. At my school parents come to view the students give presentations. Throughout camp the kids work on a role-play and make crafts. So I had them present their role-plays and crafts to the parents. Some kids were ultra shy and at the golden time refused to come up. It was a little strange as in class they were very energetic.

During the open class I didn't make much eye-contact with the parents. To be honest these folks still scare me a little and I know they are judging me, even if they don't officially have to do it. But I compensated this by speaking and asking the presenting students a lot of questions.

These kids have truly grown up a lot since the first day they arrived, and I am really proud of them. After the open class the kids go down for a closing ceremony in the auditorium. Here each group shouts a chant that has been designed by their camp teacher. One of the low-level groups did a really good job giving a great chant. I watched as one of the very lowest of the kids stood up enthusiastically and shouted out English with a huge smile. I think this school does a good job with teaching English, in this respect.

Well that's camp! Now I have one week off for the Lunar New Year. What am I going to do? Oh yes....lesson plan. ><

SK Honeymoon Couple on Ill Fated Cruise Ship

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:42:00 +0000

Finally found an article detailing why these two didn't escape when things went bad. Apparently, they were "napping" and woke up when things started tilting. I gathered that they became trapped or didn't really know what to do so went back to their cabin to be safe.

When I first saw the news on Korean TV I thought perhaps they couldn't figure out what to do because their English was poor. Of course, that isn't really fair and in a disaster situation anything can happen.

I'm glad to hear that they just were scared and trapped and couldn't ask for help or something in English or whatever language was primarily used on the ship (Italian?). But it makes me think of whether students in Korea ever get an English lesson on how to survive in a disaster. I think this would be very important and they should learn words beyond, "Help!" Also consider how emergency lights and other reading materials are often in just a few languages around the world. Then this makes me think about the emergency procedures propaganda I see while riding the subway here. I think most of it has helped me grasp what to do if anything were to happen.

Anyways, glad to see the couple is safe and sound.

Insadong Again and Again

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:03:00 +0000

There are many reasons you can head to Insadong. One for a taste of traditional food or tea. Another for the historical sites nearby or art galleries, and mostly because it is a one-stop place for souvenir shopping.

I went to Insadong recently because I needed some gifts to take with me next month when I visit my family in Florida. I arrived on a mildly cool morning when the bustle of folks weren't as heavy.

I headed to the Ssamzie market where you can find artsy trinkets and jewelry. The place doesn't change much over the years, except for seasonal decorations.

Here you can find "ddung bread" shaped like poo...yum?!

Walking around the several levels I ran into some interesting shadow patterns.

On top it was great to get a feel of the sunshine on my face and so I lounged around a while soaking up the rays and also did some people watching.

One of the other interesting parts of this market is the graffiti of both hand scrawls and artist made.

At the top I noticed a new cafe where you can order drinks but also get "couple tags" and put them up on a fence. A similarly popular thing to do at the North Seoul Tower.

I got most of my present shopping done and headed towards Gwanghwamun station for lunch and to check out the Kyobo bookstore.

However, I would say it is very tough to shop inside the Kyobo Bookstore as it is usually crowded, and this day was no different.

I hope to get back to the Insadong area but next time for gallery viewing and perhaps get some traditional tea. All in all, you can't go wrong with heading to Insadong for souvenirs, but be ready for elbow-bumping crowds.

For Class: Omok Board Game

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:38:00 +0000

I picked up this game from working at public Elementary schools. One of my Korean coteachers introduced me to this board game called, "Omok". The game is similar to tic-tac-toe or 5-in-a-row. Basically the students take turns picking squares. They practice whatever they see in the square by speaking or working out a problem. If correct they get to claim that square and their goal is to get 5 in a row.

As you can see I have been using these for teaching math, and the students really like the game. I have an earlier version of "Doubles" where they roll the dice and double that number. This then becomes the number they can claim in the board game. So you can see, you can manipulate it any way you want to depending on what you need to practice.

I like to laminate (coat) the boards and have students use board markers and erasers. This way I can reuse them over and over, and students too can start new games if they like. It's a good way to break up the flow of the class and get kids working together.