Sorry its been so long.
So I have been busy this last week getting on my feet after being really sick. I have been basically just working a lot. Some of the kids drive me crazy, but I am learning a lot. It is a great break from working for so long. I feel more my age. I felt like the grey cube of death was going to be my life. Now I am in SOUTH KOREA. HOLY EFF... who would have thought this a year ago!?!?!?
I am sad I will be missing my family trip to Florida this June. I miss my family and my niece and nephew so much. I really need their addresses: HINT HINT KATIE AND MICHELLE! It is going to be different being here.
So a little stuff about Korea. My boss took Karrin and I to a restaurant in a popular foreigner part of the city. We got to cook our own beef and pork. It was making our own soup in the middle of the table. We then went to this bar where they played basically only American Hip Hop and R&B. It was kind of interesting to watch all of these Koreans singing along to the words (well most of the words). A couple of local guys sat down and talked to Karrin and I for a bit. One of them told me, the lyrics are too fast, so they usually only know the chorus. :) They were really funny. It was great meeting people who weren't just teachers. So my boss took us to this club, which I was really excited to see a "real" club. Unfortunately, there are no fire code limits on people. You walk in and can't move. It was like swimming through people. We left within about 5-10minutes.
Sunday we went to a Lantern Festival for Buddha's birthday! It was really awesome, I really just wish it was warmer. I should have pictures up in a few days.
So send me emails, update me on what is going on with you... I miss you guys!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
the start of Week 3
So it's been about 16-17 days. I am really happy I came. My friend Karrin and I went to this huge mall on Sunday for dinner. It was great. We sat outside and talked for a while. We talked about a ton of things about life, family, friends, careers. We talked about how I travelled a lot and did a lot by the time I was 21, and how after that I planted myself for a few years in Cleveland. I am very happy I came back there. I met some people who have really changed my life. Some I realized are important family to me.
In that time, so much has happened with my family as well. My nephew is officially "chemo free" as I call it, since December 15th. Both my niece and nephew (Bella and Angelo) are doing well in school. My sisters are both going back to school and have really great families. My brother is living in Prague with my nephew Sammy.
This was a huge decision to come here. Who knows if I will continue this type of work for a few years, but it is a great way to see the world. I am so glad I have the support of my family and friends!
I am meeting some very interesting people. My co-foreign teachers are from all over the US, and the Native teachers are great and really cool people.
OHOHOH yeah---I made a potential new friend all on my own! :) He doesn't work at my school, nor is he another English teacher. He may only work at the bank down the block. Who knows, he may be able to show me around SK?!?!
I will write a more detailed blog with video's and such later in the week :)
Hope everyone is doing well. I miss you all. Big HUGS from far away!
In that time, so much has happened with my family as well. My nephew is officially "chemo free" as I call it, since December 15th. Both my niece and nephew (Bella and Angelo) are doing well in school. My sisters are both going back to school and have really great families. My brother is living in Prague with my nephew Sammy.
This was a huge decision to come here. Who knows if I will continue this type of work for a few years, but it is a great way to see the world. I am so glad I have the support of my family and friends!
I am meeting some very interesting people. My co-foreign teachers are from all over the US, and the Native teachers are great and really cool people.
OHOHOH yeah---I made a potential new friend all on my own! :) He doesn't work at my school, nor is he another English teacher. He may only work at the bank down the block. Who knows, he may be able to show me around SK?!?!
I will write a more detailed blog with video's and such later in the week :)
Hope everyone is doing well. I miss you all. Big HUGS from far away!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Week 2 SEOUL
SO.... its been almost 2 full weeks. It has gone by so fast, yet it feels like I have been here forever! It's not like a vacation, because you are thrown into living your life. Its new and exciting, but at the same time there is a calm about being here. It kind of feels like I am doing what I should be doing.
I really do like my job. Its not easy by any means, but the people are great and most of the kids are great. I found out today my apartment is one of the biggest. It actually is a huge studio. It comes with a washer and a full kitchen. I really actually like my bathroom or "wet room". It is actually really cool. You don't realize what a hassle curtains and whatnot can be sometimes. I do miss baths, but its just because the option is gone. I only took like 2 or 3 a year anyway.
The food is awesome. I really like Korean food. I know my family is probably shocked by that, considering I was so picky growing up. They the only thing I don't like about the food is when they throw in squid, the tentacles freak me out!
When I got here, I had to walk up 4 flights to my apartment. When I got to the top I was so out of breath. And up until the last month I was in Ohio, I ran about 2 miles every day. I was apparently still really lazy. I would circle parking lots to find the closest spot, instead of parking far away, because I always felt in a hurry in the USA. Its busy here, but I never feel rushed. I walk 5-8 minutes to work every day. Its really a pretty nice walk. Its so easy. There aren't super huge hills like in Akron, but its not as flat as Tampa. I feel so much better having to walk everywhere. It just helps when you have an awesome transportation system.
I have to say I thought more things would be in English, i.e. street names and such. Yeah that's not the case at all. I still only know 2 frases in Korean. I can say thank you and ask how much.
This last week I have been severely sick. I had some sort of flu or something, it was kind of miserable. But I came home every night drank some tea and went to sleep. I started losing my voice Wednesday. Still it's now Saturday at 6pm and I have no voice at all. My roommates and AmTrust people remember when I lost my voice in the fall last year. It only lasts like 3-4 days, but it still sucks, especially when you teach kids and can't talk over them. But, I do feel better, regardless of the loss of voice.
Well, If you want to skype or IM let me know. My skype is Rosieh714 and my AIM is Nekorosie :) I am either 13 or 14 hours ahead depending on where you live. For my Cali people its 16 hours ahead.
K- I love you all, miss you! You are in my thoughts always.
I really do like my job. Its not easy by any means, but the people are great and most of the kids are great. I found out today my apartment is one of the biggest. It actually is a huge studio. It comes with a washer and a full kitchen. I really actually like my bathroom or "wet room". It is actually really cool. You don't realize what a hassle curtains and whatnot can be sometimes. I do miss baths, but its just because the option is gone. I only took like 2 or 3 a year anyway.
The food is awesome. I really like Korean food. I know my family is probably shocked by that, considering I was so picky growing up. They the only thing I don't like about the food is when they throw in squid, the tentacles freak me out!
When I got here, I had to walk up 4 flights to my apartment. When I got to the top I was so out of breath. And up until the last month I was in Ohio, I ran about 2 miles every day. I was apparently still really lazy. I would circle parking lots to find the closest spot, instead of parking far away, because I always felt in a hurry in the USA. Its busy here, but I never feel rushed. I walk 5-8 minutes to work every day. Its really a pretty nice walk. Its so easy. There aren't super huge hills like in Akron, but its not as flat as Tampa. I feel so much better having to walk everywhere. It just helps when you have an awesome transportation system.
I have to say I thought more things would be in English, i.e. street names and such. Yeah that's not the case at all. I still only know 2 frases in Korean. I can say thank you and ask how much.
This last week I have been severely sick. I had some sort of flu or something, it was kind of miserable. But I came home every night drank some tea and went to sleep. I started losing my voice Wednesday. Still it's now Saturday at 6pm and I have no voice at all. My roommates and AmTrust people remember when I lost my voice in the fall last year. It only lasts like 3-4 days, but it still sucks, especially when you teach kids and can't talk over them. But, I do feel better, regardless of the loss of voice.
Well, If you want to skype or IM let me know. My skype is Rosieh714 and my AIM is Nekorosie :) I am either 13 or 14 hours ahead depending on where you live. For my Cali people its 16 hours ahead.
K- I love you all, miss you! You are in my thoughts always.
The kids saying their chant
They say this everytime they walk somewhere. "Are you READY? Yes we are! Hands on hips. Ok. Lets go. Ok." So cute, at least right now. :)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
WEEK ONE in SK
Well, sorry for the delay. It has been really hectic. I stayed in last night to sleep, because it has been so overwhelming. In a really good way though.
SO My first day teaching was Thursday. I was really exhausted, but it went well. I found out I had to teach my Kindergarden(ish) class about Easter. Well, they are very advanced in English and reading and writing, but they are still 5 years old. I am their Main foreign teacher, meaning I have them for both of their full English classes. So when I walked in, I was told to tell them like I would explain it to them like they were American 5 year olds, i.e. explaining the Easter Bunny and eggs. SO I basically told them the Easter Bunny lays eggs!! HAHA they didn't get it any way I told them. They just wanted to paint their eggs! But afterwards my one student, Si Jun said, "Rosemary Teacher, this is my first Easter ever!" They are able to have conversations, it is really mind blowing! Then while the eggs were drying, the teacher put on a few songs for the kids to sing along. Their favorite is "HOME ON THE RANGE!" HAHA When I was a kid, I didn't even like that song. My theory is that it is a slow enough song for them to sing along.
As the day went on, I had 6 more classes. One class couldn't speak any english. I was teaching them about feelings, ie happy, sad, mad, sick etc. They are so cute, but I feel like I am talking to a brick wall :) Apparently as the year goes on they get better. Hopefully, that isn't solely on how I teach! But, I am awesome, haha!
Afterwards, my co-teachers took me out for dinner. My co-worker Jamie and I went browsing at the shops by our school. I wanted to try on a dress (yes a dress people). They wouldn't let me. They started waving their hands in front of my boobs, and were saying, "no no no no." I felt like the prostitute walking into the fancy clothing store. Oh, yeah that was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman! So Jamie grabbed my arm to leave, and all I was thinking was, "You work on commission right? Big mistake! Huge! I have to go shopping now." :)
Then I ended up on a 3 hour scavenger hunt to drop off an art piece for a show. It was pretty fun, although, this out of shape American running up and down subway stairs. I must admit it was probably funny to watch.
Friday, I didn't have to teach, but we had a seminar at work. It was a few hours, then the staff went out for lunch. We then went to a Cherry Blossom festival. It was absolutely beautiful. I took pictures. There was so much art everywhere. People made amazing art with flowers.
Then we all went to dinner and out to a club called HO bar. It played American music. They had RED BULL on the menu. SO I asked for a Red Bull and vodka, and it was this neon green color from a little brown bottle. Tasted so funny. Oh well I am not in OHIO anymore. We ended up at this punk rock club, which had really cool graffiti.
Saturday, Karrin and I went to the E-Mart. It was like 3 or 4 floors. HUGE! And there are hundreds of workers. It was such an adventure. HAHA. So I stayed in that night. I woke up and went to this shopping area with my boss. It was really fun. We went through this traditional Korean shopping area, then to the major shopping area. It was so different. It reminds me of New York, but completely different. If that makes any sense at all.
I am going to try to post pictures tonight.
Please email me your addresses so I can send post cards and such.
Hope everything is going well there in the USA~ :)
BIG HUGS AND KISSES!
SO My first day teaching was Thursday. I was really exhausted, but it went well. I found out I had to teach my Kindergarden(ish) class about Easter. Well, they are very advanced in English and reading and writing, but they are still 5 years old. I am their Main foreign teacher, meaning I have them for both of their full English classes. So when I walked in, I was told to tell them like I would explain it to them like they were American 5 year olds, i.e. explaining the Easter Bunny and eggs. SO I basically told them the Easter Bunny lays eggs!! HAHA they didn't get it any way I told them. They just wanted to paint their eggs! But afterwards my one student, Si Jun said, "Rosemary Teacher, this is my first Easter ever!" They are able to have conversations, it is really mind blowing! Then while the eggs were drying, the teacher put on a few songs for the kids to sing along. Their favorite is "HOME ON THE RANGE!" HAHA When I was a kid, I didn't even like that song. My theory is that it is a slow enough song for them to sing along.
As the day went on, I had 6 more classes. One class couldn't speak any english. I was teaching them about feelings, ie happy, sad, mad, sick etc. They are so cute, but I feel like I am talking to a brick wall :) Apparently as the year goes on they get better. Hopefully, that isn't solely on how I teach! But, I am awesome, haha!
Afterwards, my co-teachers took me out for dinner. My co-worker Jamie and I went browsing at the shops by our school. I wanted to try on a dress (yes a dress people). They wouldn't let me. They started waving their hands in front of my boobs, and were saying, "no no no no." I felt like the prostitute walking into the fancy clothing store. Oh, yeah that was Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman! So Jamie grabbed my arm to leave, and all I was thinking was, "You work on commission right? Big mistake! Huge! I have to go shopping now." :)
Then I ended up on a 3 hour scavenger hunt to drop off an art piece for a show. It was pretty fun, although, this out of shape American running up and down subway stairs. I must admit it was probably funny to watch.
Friday, I didn't have to teach, but we had a seminar at work. It was a few hours, then the staff went out for lunch. We then went to a Cherry Blossom festival. It was absolutely beautiful. I took pictures. There was so much art everywhere. People made amazing art with flowers.
Then we all went to dinner and out to a club called HO bar. It played American music. They had RED BULL on the menu. SO I asked for a Red Bull and vodka, and it was this neon green color from a little brown bottle. Tasted so funny. Oh well I am not in OHIO anymore. We ended up at this punk rock club, which had really cool graffiti.
Saturday, Karrin and I went to the E-Mart. It was like 3 or 4 floors. HUGE! And there are hundreds of workers. It was such an adventure. HAHA. So I stayed in that night. I woke up and went to this shopping area with my boss. It was really fun. We went through this traditional Korean shopping area, then to the major shopping area. It was so different. It reminds me of New York, but completely different. If that makes any sense at all.
I am going to try to post pictures tonight.
Please email me your addresses so I can send post cards and such.
Hope everything is going well there in the USA~ :)
BIG HUGS AND KISSES!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
FIRST BLOG FROM SEOUL
Hi everyone, I am just making this basic to get it started. I will post pictures soon.
1. I need to learn how to use chopsticks.
2. I used my first Korean word on my own today.
3. My back hurts from either the bed, the plane, or the 8 hours of observation in kiddie chairs.
4. The public transportation puts Cleveland to shame completely!
5. My co-workers and boss are so effin great, I really couldn't have asked for better.
6. I forgot how much it sucks to do my make-up properly every day.
7. I had my first "attempt" at using a toilet in the floor. Needless to say, I chickened out and we found another restroom for me to take my pee test. Believe me I have squatted a few times in my life, and that is just impossible to pee into a cup while squatting.
8. My kids are adorable and so smart. They kind of put American children to shame a little bit... :( 5 years old and can read and write and speak English after 1 year of classes. I thought I was a smart child (yeah no). Also, they call me Rosemary Teacher and stare at me all through class to make sure I watch how much they know.
9. The drivers are either crazy, reckless, or just amazing drivers, and yet the pedestrians are just ridiculously walking out in the middle of it.
10. Food: Korean food is kind of awesome! I went to an "Italian" restaurant, and the food is better than the ones in Cleveland. WTF.
1. I need to learn how to use chopsticks.
2. I used my first Korean word on my own today.
3. My back hurts from either the bed, the plane, or the 8 hours of observation in kiddie chairs.
4. The public transportation puts Cleveland to shame completely!
5. My co-workers and boss are so effin great, I really couldn't have asked for better.
6. I forgot how much it sucks to do my make-up properly every day.
7. I had my first "attempt" at using a toilet in the floor. Needless to say, I chickened out and we found another restroom for me to take my pee test. Believe me I have squatted a few times in my life, and that is just impossible to pee into a cup while squatting.
8. My kids are adorable and so smart. They kind of put American children to shame a little bit... :( 5 years old and can read and write and speak English after 1 year of classes. I thought I was a smart child (yeah no). Also, they call me Rosemary Teacher and stare at me all through class to make sure I watch how much they know.
9. The drivers are either crazy, reckless, or just amazing drivers, and yet the pedestrians are just ridiculously walking out in the middle of it.
10. Food: Korean food is kind of awesome! I went to an "Italian" restaurant, and the food is better than the ones in Cleveland. WTF.
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