Foreign/er

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.

source

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.

Winter Camp Week 2 Update

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:06:00 +0000

Things have been running smoothly in camp land. Although, I can already feel myself and the students starting to get tired of each other. But I have been trying to spice things up with extra games I have lying around and let them have extended free time. It makes me wonder as next year they will cut camp down to 2 weeks. Things will definitely fly by then!

There is one week left and on next Friday the parents come to see their presentations. Then I've got one week vacation for the Lunar New Year. I'll just close my eyes and soon it will be February and before you know it I'll be visiting my family in Florida.

Other than this there isn't much to report. Still working on my lesson plans but slowly, as I have been trying to get materials made.

Anyways, the weather has been not too freezing lately, which is nice.

A Fresh Reaction to K-Pop: From Kids

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:55:00 +0000

You have to watch this!

It interviews several young adults (elementary and middle school) about Kpop. What is awesome is that they have no clue what it is and come to see it as something strange.

Although, I have in the past enjoyed Kpop I can pretty much say my reaction to it is the same as these kids. Especially, when they start talking about how Kpop groups are manufactured from a company.

All in all, this was highly entertaining and pretty much expresses how it is hard for Kpop to cross over 100% beyond Korea.

My Fractions Study Guide

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Since the start of this recent semester I realized that these kids need extra study aids to get them through all the English math jargon. Also, it was starting to pester me that they kept on mistaking the word square for circle.

As I am planning for next year I am continuing on my path to make study guides. The above is the one I recently made for the fractions chapter. Now I must admit that I am actually a math dummy. However, I did very well during my math classes in college, mostly because I found algebraic formulas fascinating.

Thankfully, I teach 1st and soon to be 2nd grade math. The book we are using makes it not only simple for the student but also for the teacher. However, I wanted to make sure that when I get around to saying "one-fifth" that the students understand what I am sputtering. So I hope this study guide will help them put words to picture.

Usually they just shove the paper into their bags and I don't see them again. Next year they are going to have class note books and these guides will get permanently glued into them.

Whenever a student did hold onto their study guide and pulled it out during a spelling bee challenge, I felt pretty proud. I usually would praise these students and point out to the others that their ability to spell "rectangular prism" would be easier if they had their guide with them. ;)

Keep on Chugging Them Out

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:20:00 +0000

After three days into this year's Winter Camp I have finally found the time to come home after classes and get back to lesson plan creation. I have now started on the 2nd semester for next year. Given the first week of planning wasn't too bad as that will just be fluff stuff till we start the book again.

This Winter Camp I have the high level kids and on the one hand it is a relief they aren't as wacky as the low levels, but on the other they argue with me about everything. "Teacher, but I answered the question so give me a sticker!" "No, teacher you are wrong!" (That last one gets spit out quite often.)

But we are in the swing of things with the class song established and soon groups will get their role-plays. Also, I am trying to just have fun with them and let their irrational need to get up and dance like crazy when I play a song, slip by me. I am starting to realize that I shouldn't burn too many bridges with these kids as I will have them again next year.

Anyways, I am going to plan the 2nd semester for next year a bit slower as that is far off. The subjects to be covered include, fractions and 3D shapes...which I think can lend some creative activities! haha

Photos: Inside the Seoul Arts Center

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Entering the SAC you are greeted by a large lobby. To your left and right are restaurants and cafes, along with a "waiting area" place to rest. From here you choose your destination depending on what you want to see. A wintery photo-op was available.

A metallic sculpture hanging along a stairwell...

Along one of the hallways were artworks on display, which I assumed were made by a group of young people.

"Diorama" in theme with lights to kind of connect it all together.

2011 You Were...Well..

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Wow! It is the end of 2011 already. I'm 30, single and the battery to my wireless mouse just died. This past year was marked by mild discoveries and accomplishments. For one I finally found a school I am comfortable working at and also a neighborhood that is nice to live in.

I got out and saw some nice places, one of which was the beauty that can be found on Jeju Island.

But for the most part I feel like 2011 was full of hard work and toil as I got use to my new job and working with 1st graders. Yet, knowing I succeeded and impressed people makes it worth it, I guess.

For 2012, I can already see the hard work ahead as I will be a team leader next year. I am dreading the notion that one will have to be "friendly" with the Korean staff so that all communication runs well. I mostly like to keep my head low and out of the way from the Korean homeroom teachers. So already next year that will have to change. But I think if I see it all in a "business" light it might work for me. Looking at things now I am on good terms with my current Korean homeroom teachers, but not on a deep personal one.

Oh!

I forgot to mention ~ I finished planning all my lessons for the first semester next year! Yep I cranked out 4 months worth of lessons in about 2.5 weeks.

I will return to work Monday for 3 weeks of Winter Camp, and thankfully will finish at 12pm. However, I plan to spend my free time there making new materials for next year and getting ready to move my stuff into the 2nd grade classroom. Time is quickly kicking down this final semester. There are just 2 weeks left in Feb for teaching and then I'm off on my American vacation.

Anyways, I hope to get started on the 2nd semester for next year, but will go a bit slower as that is definitely further away.

Allright! 2011 you weren't really a big happy splash of a year in my life, but glad you weren't a complete bomb.

2012...bring it on!

Photos: Nambu Bus Terminal Station

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:08:00 +0000

David LaChapelle @ SAC

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:57:00 +0000

There is an exceptional contemporary art show going on at the Seoul Arts Center featuring the photographic works of David LaChapelle. If you have ever seen the above photo at some time in your life than you might recognize other works such as:

(source) " Britney Spears: Portrait of a Young Pop Star on the Verge of Success" 1999

If not then let me reassure you that you likely have seen other works by him, as he was popular for a while creating over-the-top pop star shots.

But the show at the SAC is more like a retrospective than a showcase and through the weaving gallery path, you are taken through his most iconic works to ones that show his struggle with certain themes. Also there is a video screening room where you can see how he creates his photographs in a very artsy-video kind of way.

Overall, it is a must see show and I advise you to leave any conservative values you might have about full frontal nudity (both male and female) at home. Indeed, you are in store for some very blazon photography that is more satisfying to look at than just ordinary pictures of nudity. (Whatever those may be.. ;)

In fact, the most enjoyable part of the show is watching other people look at the works. When I first came in there was a group of highschoolers, on a tour. After their guided introduction, they were allowed to walk around. Mostly the first set of works to see are large prints of celebreties in full nude or partially nude spreads. There were sheepish grins by boys and bugged-eyes by girls to be seen on their young faces.

But the rest of the show starts to calm down a bit from the overtly sexual and gets more into a refection of our contemporary world.

(source) "The House at the End of the World" 2005

Clearly you start to get into his "world" and due to the large scale of each photograph start to see details and imagery that is definitely iconic and was not haphazardly placed. For the most part, his photographs, are stages that he created while using props and popular objects. Spotting a loaf of Wonder Bread or a Taco Bell cup, is just a few examples of hidden pop-cultural items in some of his works.

For the most part you get a sense of the world as one run by popular culture and at the same time trashed by it. You leave feeling a connection to something greater but also a little bit more twisted.

Again I highly recommend you get off your butt and get out to this show, as in my opinion, contemporary works such as these are not too often brought to Korea as they should be. Bring your date, wife or hubby and have a good thorough conversation afterwards.

The SAC is located in the Seocho area of Seoul near the Nambu Bus Terminal or Line #3.

Take exit 5 and turn left at the nearest street crossing. Follow this uphill and slighty jeering path. You then find yourself atop a large road and across from you is the structure known as the SAC. Turn right and head towards the major crosswalk.

The David LaChapelle show costs 13,000 won for regular adults and you buy tickets downstairs at the ticket kiosk area. Then you go upstairs to the Hangaram Design Museum, and proceed.

There are several cafes within the SAC, some offering expensive morsels to dine on and others coffee and small sandwiches. Across the street is a Starbucks and CoffineGaru...(whatever it is called). Also along that crooked path to the SAC was spotted a cutesy cafe with a sign promising "panninis". Maybe check that out as well.

Anyways, this cold season is good for warming up in a gallery or museum, so why not see this show? Certainly some of the more sensational photos might get you a little steamy. ;)

Vatos Urban Tacos: Yum!

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Spotted on my to Vatos Urban Tacos, in Itaewon, was this "Burger and Dog" place that promised comfort food. Well I will certainly have to come back and see if they make the cut.

Urban Dictionary tells me that the word "Vatos" is Mexican for "dude" or "homeboy." This sets you up for the kind of Mexican cuisine that is Vatos Urban Tacos. Already, gaining great hype for it's unique Korean-crossed-Mexican flavor, I knew I needed to give it a try.

I for one didn't spend much time around Korean-taco trucks back home, but did find myself in a fair share of as-close-as-you-can-get Mexican restaurants in the SF Bay Area. Also I have a friend back home who was married to a Mexican lad, who at that time made wonderful carne asada tacos.

So my palette for more "authentic" style Mexican food is well developed.

The space for Vatos is a remodeled Villa home, complete with the brownish brick exterior.

Once entering we were seated on the upper level, which is semi-outdoor. A nice clear-vinyl cover keeps one warm. Of course, the large heaters were helpful as well. The seating was quite interesting as our table was pretty high and the chairs quite off the ground.

I imagine a sultry Summer evening will be enjoyable up here or even Spring afternoons. However, this winter evening was quite pleasant on their roof-top dining area. The menu is simple and easy to read, along with being well designed.

We ordered Carnitas Taquitos and chips and salsa for starters. The taquitos were unfortunately overcooked, but otherwise had a spicy meaty interior that was delicious. The chips came as a few large tortillas fried. So you end up breaking off pieces.

For our main meal we both ordered the Classic Carne Asada, which were very tasty. The meat was plump and scrumptious with a good grilled flavor. The red sauce was at first a bit to get use to, but I warmed up to it later.

Prices were reasonable and there are more items to explore on the menu. For more check out Seoul Eats' write up.

Located in the new trending Alley way, I have discussed before, you can get here by going down the road from the Wolfhound Pub.

I can't wait to get back and try something new, maybe I'll see you there!

Current Show at Gallery Golmok

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 23:33:00 +0000

"Welcome to Itaewon" But really I like to veer off the main road and go down the alleys. As you know Gallery Golmok has become a nice nook of a corner to go to in Itaewon. Recently they had an opening for the show, "Warmth."

There were featured an array of artists in several themes. But mostly what tied things together was the whimsical and cutesy-color palette. I liked the following works because of the way they were framed. If you look closely the corners were sort of tied in there.

Cookies and hot tea were available, and while we were moving on to the other gallery space they were setting up chestnuts to be roasted.

Across from the main gallery is The Alley cafe, and if you go a little past this is attached Golmok's adjacent gallery.

Fun was had in the alley.

I enjoyed the glistening of Christmas balls hung up in the outdoor space.

Next time your in Itaewon why not stroll over to the gallery and cafe? Just veer down an alley near Suji's and you should find it.

Ho Ho the Snow

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:37:00 +0000

As far as snow goes, this isn't much. I've seen it way more piled up in Korea. So this Christmas Eve's Day snow is nice but nothing to rave on about. Checking the weather forecast it looks like it might not snow till January. If this winter is going to be a mild one, well then I welcome it.

Soon it will melt and become slush, ah the joys of snow in Seoul.

Tom's Brother in for the Holidays

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:44:00 +0000

Tom's brother, Kaiju, is visiting for the holidays. His mommy is off on her own vacation. All is good, as Tom will need a place to stay come February when I go off on my adventure.

Kaiju is a well-behaved guest and certainly keeps Tom company.

Since I am spending more time at home these days, I get to see their patterns. For the most part they sleep during the day to occasionally get up to eat or play. They move to various spots, sometimes Tom taking the cat carrier and Kaiju the soft bowl.

When their not play-fighting they seem to share a sweet bond.

But I make sure they don't play too rough and it seems they are okay. I'm actually happy they play together, because it means less time Tom has to chew my legs.

Although they keep the end of my bed occupied at night, I did enjoy their wake up call this morning. Both sat on top of my chest and waited for needed petting. haha

:) Happy Meowolidays.

Have a Jolly Golly Christmas It's the ...

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:52:00 +0000

I'm currently on my Christmas vacation that will last till the New Year. To give the kids something special we (the English teachers) dressed up in a Santa outfit, played songs and handed out presents. The kids had a splendid time, except for a few that were displeased with their presents. Hey! It's not my fault kid! The presents were brought in by other students and randomly put into a bag.

To be honest, this year I'm not too much of a fan of this holiday. For one, I am reminded of my recent break up with Korean boyfriend #2 and the good times we had last year. You can see in these posts (here and here) that he visited me in San Francisco. As you can imagine, I am little beside myself this season just wondering why such a difference.

But life moves on and lesson plans need to get made, which is mostly what I am doing this Xmas vacation.

I think having this stable job and even just the promotion of going to 2nd grade and being a team leader, has me grounded. The work is keeping me busy and the good times had with the children are helping me feel the holiday spirit. But I'm hoping next year's holiday season will be a festive and warm one with someone to share it with.

Happy Holidays~

Keep it at 20C

joybot_0@hotmail.com (Foreign/er Joy) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:23:00 +0000

A message came to our school that we have to keep our room heaters at 20C. If it is -3C outside then it isn't too warm in here.

This morning I saw the homeroom teachers blasting their rooms at 30C and so figured all is okay. But I don't really know. The official word is if you are caught twice doing it you will pay a huge ass fine. It is some kind of new mandate from the government. But really 20C...are you kidding me? Now I am going to think of buying a space heater for the room or somehow mask over the thermostat so it looks like I'm not using it.

I don't really plan on freezing this coming Winter camp, so you can suck an egg...government!