There is something to be said for teaching youngsters. I pretty much assumed it would be a walk in the park. How wrong was I?! However, there are those times when they can just surprise you in the most incredible of ways, and then, you know it's worth it. Since I've been here (3 weeks today,) I have had a cold, pink eye!!, and now some sort of awful chest cold. This stint of illnesses has left me wondering, what can I possibly catch next from the little boogers?! ;) But waking up this morning, to the sun shining--mind you this is the first time it has shone in 3 straight days--my cough lessened...I felt pretty happy walking to school. I get in the building and I have several of my kindy kids coming up to me yelling, "Jacki Teacher, it's time for class! Come on!!" Even though we still have 15 minutes before class, they can't wait to see me. :D My first class is my Lavender kindy class to which we are doing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" as song and chant. Song and chant are my favorite classes as we all know I have an amazing voice and love singing. ;) However, what tickles me the most is the fact that the kids pronunciation is not quite right and they are actually singing "Tinkle Tinkle Little Star!" I mean, how presh!? I have to bite my lip in order not to laugh. The fact that they sing so sweetly and then draw their faces on the big yellow stars I have cut out for them is just awesome. Little Rosie turns to me and says, "Why Jacki Teacher not color?" Clearly, I must color too.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Changdeokgung Palace and Samcheongno
Plan A for Saturday: Go to Korea's DMZ. (Demilitarized Zone)
Plan B for Saturday once realizing you must have your Passport in order to go to the DMZ and Mallory's is at immigration waiting on her alien card: Go explore a royal palace.
So after being up and ready to go on Saturday morning around 9:30am, Mal and I head back to her apartment, get out her very touristy South Korea Lonely Planet book and do some research. We decide to take the metro to Changdeokgung Palace (yes that's for real) to see the living quarters of South Korea's last royal family. We sign up for the 11:30am English tour that costs 3,000 won (less than $3.)
The architecture is absolutely stunning and dates back to the year that is 1412. King and Queen had separate living quarters, although at night, the Queen was allowed to go to the King's chambers and stay with him, but only at night. On the way to the Secret Garden, my favorite part of the tour, we pass under an ancient limestone doorway that has 3 symbols above it which stand for: "Never Get Older." And, you better believe I'm walking under that, maybe even several times. The guide said that this symbolized vitality and the royals would walk under it often.
The Secret Garden was just as you can imagine it by its name. Gorgeous. Serene. A place of leisure and relaxation for the royal family.
After our tour we wander around looking for food. We stumble across this random place on some side street with a sign that says "English Menu," so we go in. Basically, unless I am with a person who speaks Korean, or unless there are pictures, I am screwed as far as ordering food goes. We are greeted by a very friendly man who speaks to us in Korean, to which we do not speak back, to which he laughs and says "ahhh ahhhh." (To me this feels like he is thinking, you silly Americans!) We all laugh. We take off our shoes and sit on the floor to eat. This is a common tradition in many Korean restaurants. There is a group of English speakers next to us, who also happen to speak Korean. Our waitress asks them in Korean to help us order. Clearly they are regulars and perhaps they are the so-called English menu?!
So we order Bibimbap and some other tofu soup dish. Before leaving we ask our neighbors for ideas of what to do in this area of Seoul. After following their directions, we find ourselves amongst in a darling part of the city with bunches of little coffee shops, ice cream shops, street vendors, small art galleries, and tons of restaurants! It is absolutely lovely. We sit outside and eat some ice cream. Then we get coffee. Then we look at clothes. Then art galleries.
We spend the afternoon walking around this area known as Samcheongno until we end up at the base of a beautiful mountain. Everything is in bloom here right now so it is just beautiful. We decide no mountain hiking as our feet may just fall off at this point. Seven hours of walking around a new city can exhaust you. I am not concerned as I have about 51 weeks left to hike some mountains. :) Now, it is time for a nap to rejuvenate before the festivities of the evening!
Plan B for Saturday once realizing you must have your Passport in order to go to the DMZ and Mallory's is at immigration waiting on her alien card: Go explore a royal palace.
So after being up and ready to go on Saturday morning around 9:30am, Mal and I head back to her apartment, get out her very touristy South Korea Lonely Planet book and do some research. We decide to take the metro to Changdeokgung Palace (yes that's for real) to see the living quarters of South Korea's last royal family. We sign up for the 11:30am English tour that costs 3,000 won (less than $3.)
The architecture is absolutely stunning and dates back to the year that is 1412. King and Queen had separate living quarters, although at night, the Queen was allowed to go to the King's chambers and stay with him, but only at night. On the way to the Secret Garden, my favorite part of the tour, we pass under an ancient limestone doorway that has 3 symbols above it which stand for: "Never Get Older." And, you better believe I'm walking under that, maybe even several times. The guide said that this symbolized vitality and the royals would walk under it often.
The Secret Garden was just as you can imagine it by its name. Gorgeous. Serene. A place of leisure and relaxation for the royal family.
After our tour we wander around looking for food. We stumble across this random place on some side street with a sign that says "English Menu," so we go in. Basically, unless I am with a person who speaks Korean, or unless there are pictures, I am screwed as far as ordering food goes. We are greeted by a very friendly man who speaks to us in Korean, to which we do not speak back, to which he laughs and says "ahhh ahhhh." (To me this feels like he is thinking, you silly Americans!) We all laugh. We take off our shoes and sit on the floor to eat. This is a common tradition in many Korean restaurants. There is a group of English speakers next to us, who also happen to speak Korean. Our waitress asks them in Korean to help us order. Clearly they are regulars and perhaps they are the so-called English menu?!
So we order Bibimbap and some other tofu soup dish. Before leaving we ask our neighbors for ideas of what to do in this area of Seoul. After following their directions, we find ourselves amongst in a darling part of the city with bunches of little coffee shops, ice cream shops, street vendors, small art galleries, and tons of restaurants! It is absolutely lovely. We sit outside and eat some ice cream. Then we get coffee. Then we look at clothes. Then art galleries.
We spend the afternoon walking around this area known as Samcheongno until we end up at the base of a beautiful mountain. Everything is in bloom here right now so it is just beautiful. We decide no mountain hiking as our feet may just fall off at this point. Seven hours of walking around a new city can exhaust you. I am not concerned as I have about 51 weeks left to hike some mountains. :) Now, it is time for a nap to rejuvenate before the festivities of the evening!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
STUFF and Going to the Bathroom
I'm pretty sure that Chicago is a pretty large city, with much to see and do. However, I have to admit I don't know if I've ever seen so much STUFF. Seoul is very densely populated with people, buildings, restaurants, bars, apartment buildings, etc. At first glance, certain areas of the city appeared dirty to me, however, after seeing more, my opinion has changed. As we know, things aren't always what they seem. :) I have realized it's not so much dirty as it is just cluttered. Many times I go to a restaurant that is on the side of some random alley, and I wonder, just how is the food going to be? And yet every single dish and every single table I have ever seen is spotless. I have noticed the employees of these establishments working very hard to make sure everything is super clean.
Mal and I took the subway to Konkuk University area two Saturdays ago. I don't know if I have ever seen so much stimuli. Buildings on top of other buildings with bright flashing signs telling you (in Korean of course) to come to this place.
This is where we discovered hole in the floor bathrooms. In Seoul, many restaurants and bars do not have their own bathrooms. The bathrooms are in the hallways and the stairways of the buildings. Therefore, when going out to eat, you often find yourself having to use a public restroom, rather than a private one within the eatery. And apparently, they decided to stop making actual toilets and instead just place a small porcelain drain in the floor. Classy!
Mal and I took the subway to Konkuk University area two Saturdays ago. I don't know if I have ever seen so much stimuli. Buildings on top of other buildings with bright flashing signs telling you (in Korean of course) to come to this place.
This is where we discovered hole in the floor bathrooms. In Seoul, many restaurants and bars do not have their own bathrooms. The bathrooms are in the hallways and the stairways of the buildings. Therefore, when going out to eat, you often find yourself having to use a public restroom, rather than a private one within the eatery. And apparently, they decided to stop making actual toilets and instead just place a small porcelain drain in the floor. Classy!
Seoul National University and Medical Checkup
So, in order to have health insurance through my school, I have to get an alien card (ID card.) In order to get an alien card, I have to have a medical checkup. This checkup was the most efficient one I've ever experienced.
The subway drops me off in the heart of Seoul National University Hospital where I spend some time wandering around looking for the letters IHC (International Healthcare Center) to appear before me. Finally,there she blows.I walk into a building filled with doctors and patients alike. Some patients have a broken bone, others look as though they've just finished up their chemo treatment. I ask around trying to find the IHC and finally speak to two doctors who speak a bit of English and tell me where to head. I get to the IHC office and am greeted by an English speaking assistant who has me fill out some paperwork. Once completed she takes me into this little room within the office and takes my vitals. Everything looks good so we move on to step two: blood work. :( She leads me to an area where there are about 50+ people waiting to get their blood taken. We go up to the front of the line, she speaks to one of the 9 nurses sitting in a row taking blood from everyone waiting. Somehow I sit down next. Apparently as an American I get first dibs. Or maybe it's the fact that I had to pay 90,000 won (a bit less than $90) to get this checkup. Either way, needless to say, I am less than thrilled to be getting my blood taken as I think most people are. However, the nurse that takes my blood is so good that I don't even notice she started or finished. Next step: chest X-Ray. Once again we arrive in an area filled with people waiting to get an X-Ray, and I again cut the line. X-Ray: complete. We walk back to the IHC office where I wait to be evaluated by a doctor. The doctor speaks a little English, asks me a couple questions, and we are finished. I step out of the hospital, checkup complete, and head to school. End result: I'm as healthy as they come. :)
The subway drops me off in the heart of Seoul National University Hospital where I spend some time wandering around looking for the letters IHC (International Healthcare Center) to appear before me. Finally,there she blows.I walk into a building filled with doctors and patients alike. Some patients have a broken bone, others look as though they've just finished up their chemo treatment. I ask around trying to find the IHC and finally speak to two doctors who speak a bit of English and tell me where to head. I get to the IHC office and am greeted by an English speaking assistant who has me fill out some paperwork. Once completed she takes me into this little room within the office and takes my vitals. Everything looks good so we move on to step two: blood work. :( She leads me to an area where there are about 50+ people waiting to get their blood taken. We go up to the front of the line, she speaks to one of the 9 nurses sitting in a row taking blood from everyone waiting. Somehow I sit down next. Apparently as an American I get first dibs. Or maybe it's the fact that I had to pay 90,000 won (a bit less than $90) to get this checkup. Either way, needless to say, I am less than thrilled to be getting my blood taken as I think most people are. However, the nurse that takes my blood is so good that I don't even notice she started or finished. Next step: chest X-Ray. Once again we arrive in an area filled with people waiting to get an X-Ray, and I again cut the line. X-Ray: complete. We walk back to the IHC office where I wait to be evaluated by a doctor. The doctor speaks a little English, asks me a couple questions, and we are finished. I step out of the hospital, checkup complete, and head to school. End result: I'm as healthy as they come. :)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Bonghwasan - My hood and the Subway
Seoul is a LARGE city, not so much in size, rather in population. There are over 10 million people here. And South Korea, is merely the size of Indiana. You get the idea. Seoul is then broken into districts known as "gu's" and then even smaller wards known as "dong's." (That's what she said.) The only thing I know is which subway station I am near. I don't even know my own address. Bonghwasan is the mountain in my backyard and the name of the closest subway.
The cherry trees just started to blossom!
That was my attempt at a "flower"picture. (Shall we say, nice try?) This picture was pre Mallory's directions showing me how to set my camera to actually take pictures like this. There is actually a setting for this type of picture. Who knew?! Stay tuned.
But I digress. I don't really need to know my address. I can get everywhere I need to go by subway, and if I take a cab home I just tell the driver "Bonghwasan yok" which means take me to Bonghwasan station. The subway in Seoul is like an underground world. It is extremely clean, very efficient, and simply unlike any public transportation system I have ever encountered. All of the directions and stations are in English. The train seems more like a tram and rides very smooth. None of those corners you take in Chicago when you fly into the person across from you at 8 in the morning with their morning breath in your face. Nope, just smooth sailing. You don't even have to hold on actually. Yet somehow, you still get everywhere fast. They even play classical music in the cars. The seats are heated. I've never seen a seat that I was afraid might have some disease on it so I didn't sit on it. In fact, I don't even think I have seen ONE piece of garbage in the subway, ever! No gum, nothing. It's pristine. After this everlasting ramble, I am sure you can tell that I am impressed. YAY Korea!
The cherry trees just started to blossom!
That was my attempt at a "flower"picture. (Shall we say, nice try?) This picture was pre Mallory's directions showing me how to set my camera to actually take pictures like this. There is actually a setting for this type of picture. Who knew?! Stay tuned.
But I digress. I don't really need to know my address. I can get everywhere I need to go by subway, and if I take a cab home I just tell the driver "Bonghwasan yok" which means take me to Bonghwasan station. The subway in Seoul is like an underground world. It is extremely clean, very efficient, and simply unlike any public transportation system I have ever encountered. All of the directions and stations are in English. The train seems more like a tram and rides very smooth. None of those corners you take in Chicago when you fly into the person across from you at 8 in the morning with their morning breath in your face. Nope, just smooth sailing. You don't even have to hold on actually. Yet somehow, you still get everywhere fast. They even play classical music in the cars. The seats are heated. I've never seen a seat that I was afraid might have some disease on it so I didn't sit on it. In fact, I don't even think I have seen ONE piece of garbage in the subway, ever! No gum, nothing. It's pristine. After this everlasting ramble, I am sure you can tell that I am impressed. YAY Korea!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
My trip over
My journey to Seoul began with a daunting 13 hour, 30 minute flight. Some of you may know that I do NOT particularly enjoy flying, so naturally I was nervous. That combined with the fact that I was going to be saying goodbye to my family for possibly a year, left me overwhelmed. Mom and dad pull up to curbside drop-off where we cry, we laugh, and then finally I waive at them longingly as I walk into international departures. My soul is heavy as I talk with Jared (Brosis) while sitting in the row of seats, prior to entering the ticket gate. After talking a bit we smile and decide, it is time for me to get my ticket. There is no crying, actually, only smiling and I believe a mutual feeling of complete and utter joy, which leaves me feeling very at peace. Korean Airlines began with a pleasant experience as the man at the kiosk weighed my suitcase, which was over 50lbs obvi, and said, "I'll let it go this time," as if I was going to be flying back soon. Getting through security was extremely painless and soon I am sitting staring at the very large robin-egg-blue Korean Air plane that is going to take me halfway across the world. Just then approximately 12 smiling stewardesses, wearing skirts, suit coats, scarves, with hair in perfect buns, walk over and enter the plane. On this beast of a plane, there are two first classes, one is for cash $$ millionaires, the second is for ballers, and then there is coach, which is where I will sit. Spacious and clean seating, friendly staff--I am quite content. I sit next to two girls, med students from Northwestern who are taking their 5 week break to travel to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Uh-mazing.
I am here, I am on the plane, I AM doing it. It is finally really happening. So ready and excited to learn this new culture and new people. Oh yeah, did I mention??--there is FREE wine on the flight. I don't know what else could make me quite as happy. ;) 1st meal on plane: Bipimbap. Contains: rice, cabbage, beef, bean sprouts, hot pepper paste, and sesame oil. Basically, pure deliciousness. :)
This 13 hour flight actually feels similar to a four hour flight, and soon enough, I land.
I pick up my luggage to find this older Korean man holding a sign that says "Jacelyn Melnyk" so I go up to him and ask him questions to which he has no idea what I'm saying. Ahh yes, he speaks only Korean, as do majority of people in this country--my first bout with the language barrier. So he drives me to where we meet my recruiter, pick up the director of my school, and drive to my apartment. It is a bit small, but is quite cozy. I feel very safe and at home in my humble abode. Take a gander!
I am here, I am safe, and I am happy.
I am here, I am on the plane, I AM doing it. It is finally really happening. So ready and excited to learn this new culture and new people. Oh yeah, did I mention??--there is FREE wine on the flight. I don't know what else could make me quite as happy. ;) 1st meal on plane: Bipimbap. Contains: rice, cabbage, beef, bean sprouts, hot pepper paste, and sesame oil. Basically, pure deliciousness. :)
This 13 hour flight actually feels similar to a four hour flight, and soon enough, I land.
I pick up my luggage to find this older Korean man holding a sign that says "Jacelyn Melnyk" so I go up to him and ask him questions to which he has no idea what I'm saying. Ahh yes, he speaks only Korean, as do majority of people in this country--my first bout with the language barrier. So he drives me to where we meet my recruiter, pick up the director of my school, and drive to my apartment. It is a bit small, but is quite cozy. I feel very safe and at home in my humble abode. Take a gander!
I am here, I am safe, and I am happy.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
School, Day One
First day of school is grood! (definition here) I am at a hogwon (private English school) called DOCS: Debating Openly Composing Skillfully.
The kids are just DARLING. Cuter than I could have imagined. The kindergartners are age 4-7 and have so much energy. They are so happy to meet me! I am introduced as Jacki Teacher to which some of the kids have translated to Jacket Teacher--they find this hilarious. My school is well-organized, bright, and clean. It is covered in lime green walls with little yellow tables and chairs in each classroom. I take my shoes off everyday before entering the school and wear "inside shoes" or slippers. All of the kids do the same. My fellow "foreign" teachers are great...there is Robert, Laura, Matt, Matthew, Amber, and Nate. The Korean teachers are also awesome. Everyone is very willing to lend a hand to help me get situated and answer the many questions I have. I teach kindergarten in the mornings from about 10am-2pm and elementary in the afternoon from about 3pm-7pm. I have multiple breaks throughout the day. Each class is only 35 minutes which allows for a nice breakup of the day. First day in, field trip! Off to the local fire station.
On my way home from school, I stop at Home Plus to grab some things. Think Super Walmart. I get to my apartment, put together my bed, attempt to use the internet to no avail, pour myself a glass of red, and before I can take a sip, I am in lala land. Day 1 in Korea: success!
The kids are just DARLING. Cuter than I could have imagined. The kindergartners are age 4-7 and have so much energy. They are so happy to meet me! I am introduced as Jacki Teacher to which some of the kids have translated to Jacket Teacher--they find this hilarious. My school is well-organized, bright, and clean. It is covered in lime green walls with little yellow tables and chairs in each classroom. I take my shoes off everyday before entering the school and wear "inside shoes" or slippers. All of the kids do the same. My fellow "foreign" teachers are great...there is Robert, Laura, Matt, Matthew, Amber, and Nate. The Korean teachers are also awesome. Everyone is very willing to lend a hand to help me get situated and answer the many questions I have. I teach kindergarten in the mornings from about 10am-2pm and elementary in the afternoon from about 3pm-7pm. I have multiple breaks throughout the day. Each class is only 35 minutes which allows for a nice breakup of the day. First day in, field trip! Off to the local fire station.
On my way home from school, I stop at Home Plus to grab some things. Think Super Walmart. I get to my apartment, put together my bed, attempt to use the internet to no avail, pour myself a glass of red, and before I can take a sip, I am in lala land. Day 1 in Korea: success!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Well hello!
Welcome to my blog! For those of you that know me, I told you I was going to keep a blog of my experiences whilst away from the glorious city of Chicago. I am starting a bit (a bit!) later than previously planned, nevertheless, here I am! First and foremost, Chicago, please know that you are missed. Friends and family, likewise. However, I am having a grand time learning the world that is Seoul, South Korea.
I hope that if you decide to read this, you will enjoy. And please, feel free to add comments, concerns, snide remarks, etc! And I hope that if you stumble upon this blog and have any advice for me while living my life in Seoul, you will share!
I hope that if you decide to read this, you will enjoy. And please, feel free to add comments, concerns, snide remarks, etc! And I hope that if you stumble upon this blog and have any advice for me while living my life in Seoul, you will share!
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