I start teaching classes tomorrow. I am so excited and have spent my day today planning, preparing and get ready for tomorrow. I will have Kindergarten age 6 during morning and early afternoon hours, then 1st and 2nd grade for a class, and then After Kinder which s ages 6 and 7.
In both my Kinder and After Kinder classes I will have only 2 students to start-think it will be much like the days when I was a Nanny for two, very sweet and smart little girls and we did ABC's, theme activites, arts and crafts.
I will get more students but currently those classes will be small-could have up to 10 or 12 students later. In my Level I which is 1st and 2nd grade I will have 8 kids to start.
I think it was good to have some time to get use to things a bit before I started teaching fulltime. I feel comfortable with my surroundings and getting myself to and from work. Yesterday I took the metro from school to home for the first time. I think the whole mess with the metro Friday actually has given me more confidence in myself and ability to cope as I did make it to KTX station and on time.
Hopefully I will be getting internet today or tomorrow so will be able to blog all about my day tomorrow night.
TTFN
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Weekend with my friend
This weekend I spent with my friend Trina in Cheohan which is only 20 minutes by the KTX train. Trina and I have been friends 23 years but have not seen eachother for about 10 years.
It was so good to see her and it feels as if it was only yesterday since the last time I saw her not 10 years.
We had so much fun this weekend.
Friday we went to lunch with two of her friends-Jolie and Lindsey. Then we went to a cute little place called Canmore that had Gliders to sit in and yummy Strawberry shakes. I then got to spend the afternoon with Trina at work-her school is very different from mine. Her school only teaches kids who also go to public school-there is no Kindergarten there.
After work we met up with Trina's friend Lindsey who is Canadian but speaks very good Korean and is very cool. They took me out for my first drink of Soju-the offical liquor of Korea-it is strong and I only drank a little. The Koreans always eat when they drink so we ate pork that you grill yourself-very yummy and you can wrap it up in lettuce. We also had lots of sides such as rice,tofu, egg, bean sprouts etc. They also educated me on Korean drinking ettiqutte-the youngest always pours and you never pour your own drink when drinking with others. Also you turn away from the oldest person at the table when drinking and don't look at them-this is a sign of respect. I was the oldest person at the table.
Then we went to this very coolplace that has Karoke Rooms and ofcourse I sang some New Kids on the Block Songs-Step by Step and Summertime. I also sang Stay the Same by JoeyMac.
It was so fun and I totally had a blast. We then went back to Trina's and stayed up very late talking about old times.
On Saturday I met a bunch more of Trina's friends and went shopping and at the Yowira and they all wanted me to try on a bunch of stuff. There were so many pretty things. I bought a very cute, girly light blue dress with white hearts.
I then had my first experience seeing a movie here in Korea. When you buy a ticket you get an assigned seat-there are lots and lots of seats-very big.They have typical movie snacks such as popcorn but I tried a new snack potato bites stuffed with cheese that you dip in a garlic sauce-very tasty. We went to see Transformers-The Revenge of the Fallen-very good.
After that we went to Outback for dinner and then for more singing and more Soju and then back to Trina's apartment.
On Sunday I went to church with Trina. She goes to an International Church at the University in Cheohan and services are in English and there are people from all over the world who go there-very cool. After church we went to lunch and then a Bible Study at one of the members apartments who is a Professor at the University. She was very nice and had made Lemon Merinque pie which is impossible to find here.Also she was giving away many pairs of nice shoes that she no longer wore and one very cute pair fit me so she let me have them.
After the Bible Study I headed to the KTX station and headed home to Daejeon.
I was dreading getting on the Metro again after Friday's expereince but everything went well and I safely and easily made it back to my apartment.
I had an amazing weekend full of lots of firsts and also got to reconnect with a very, special and wonderful Old friend. Trina really made me feel welcome and I am so glad she is here in Korea. Friends make evrything more special and wonderful .
TTFN
It was so good to see her and it feels as if it was only yesterday since the last time I saw her not 10 years.
We had so much fun this weekend.
Friday we went to lunch with two of her friends-Jolie and Lindsey. Then we went to a cute little place called Canmore that had Gliders to sit in and yummy Strawberry shakes. I then got to spend the afternoon with Trina at work-her school is very different from mine. Her school only teaches kids who also go to public school-there is no Kindergarten there.
After work we met up with Trina's friend Lindsey who is Canadian but speaks very good Korean and is very cool. They took me out for my first drink of Soju-the offical liquor of Korea-it is strong and I only drank a little. The Koreans always eat when they drink so we ate pork that you grill yourself-very yummy and you can wrap it up in lettuce. We also had lots of sides such as rice,tofu, egg, bean sprouts etc. They also educated me on Korean drinking ettiqutte-the youngest always pours and you never pour your own drink when drinking with others. Also you turn away from the oldest person at the table when drinking and don't look at them-this is a sign of respect. I was the oldest person at the table.
Then we went to this very coolplace that has Karoke Rooms and ofcourse I sang some New Kids on the Block Songs-Step by Step and Summertime. I also sang Stay the Same by JoeyMac.
It was so fun and I totally had a blast. We then went back to Trina's and stayed up very late talking about old times.
On Saturday I met a bunch more of Trina's friends and went shopping and at the Yowira and they all wanted me to try on a bunch of stuff. There were so many pretty things. I bought a very cute, girly light blue dress with white hearts.
I then had my first experience seeing a movie here in Korea. When you buy a ticket you get an assigned seat-there are lots and lots of seats-very big.They have typical movie snacks such as popcorn but I tried a new snack potato bites stuffed with cheese that you dip in a garlic sauce-very tasty. We went to see Transformers-The Revenge of the Fallen-very good.
After that we went to Outback for dinner and then for more singing and more Soju and then back to Trina's apartment.
On Sunday I went to church with Trina. She goes to an International Church at the University in Cheohan and services are in English and there are people from all over the world who go there-very cool. After church we went to lunch and then a Bible Study at one of the members apartments who is a Professor at the University. She was very nice and had made Lemon Merinque pie which is impossible to find here.Also she was giving away many pairs of nice shoes that she no longer wore and one very cute pair fit me so she let me have them.
After the Bible Study I headed to the KTX station and headed home to Daejeon.
I was dreading getting on the Metro again after Friday's expereince but everything went well and I safely and easily made it back to my apartment.
I had an amazing weekend full of lots of firsts and also got to reconnect with a very, special and wonderful Old friend. Trina really made me feel welcome and I am so glad she is here in Korea. Friends make evrything more special and wonderful .
TTFN
Saturday, June 27, 2009
More thoughts about Metro and trip on KTX
Ok just wrote a quick blog yesterday about my experience with riding Metro etc.
Thought I would share some more stuff/thoughts/information about it all.
Ok so at one point when I was at the wrong stop and decided to go find someone to ask for help/directions-I for just for a second started thinking in Spanish.
The words that were on the tip of my tongue but thank goodness I managed not to say were-Donde es KTX???? I had to share that tidbit as I knew many of you would get a laugh out of that.
At one point when I was at the wrong stop and not sure if I would find the KTX station in time for my train I thought of some wise words a friend said before I left to come to Korea. Those words of wisdom were-Don't take yourself too seriously. I thought if I am late it won't be the end of the world-I can always get a later train-at that point I really relaxed and within a few minutes of that actually was headed towards the right stop.
While I was waiting to board the KTX I suddenly felt like I was in the middle of a Harry Potter movie and then on the train they came through with a snack cart and again I felt like I was in a Harry Potter movie even though I was in Korea and not London.
The trip from Daejeon to Cheohan on the KTX takes about 20 minutes but in a car takes about 1hour and 30 minutes. I saw many beautiful sights out my window on the trip-green hillsides, water-a nice and welcome change from just tall buildings. It was a quick, but relaxing and peaceful journey.
TTFN
Thought I would share some more stuff/thoughts/information about it all.
Ok so at one point when I was at the wrong stop and decided to go find someone to ask for help/directions-I for just for a second started thinking in Spanish.
The words that were on the tip of my tongue but thank goodness I managed not to say were-Donde es KTX???? I had to share that tidbit as I knew many of you would get a laugh out of that.
At one point when I was at the wrong stop and not sure if I would find the KTX station in time for my train I thought of some wise words a friend said before I left to come to Korea. Those words of wisdom were-Don't take yourself too seriously. I thought if I am late it won't be the end of the world-I can always get a later train-at that point I really relaxed and within a few minutes of that actually was headed towards the right stop.
While I was waiting to board the KTX I suddenly felt like I was in the middle of a Harry Potter movie and then on the train they came through with a snack cart and again I felt like I was in a Harry Potter movie even though I was in Korea and not London.
The trip from Daejeon to Cheohan on the KTX takes about 20 minutes but in a car takes about 1hour and 30 minutes. I saw many beautiful sights out my window on the trip-green hillsides, water-a nice and welcome change from just tall buildings. It was a quick, but relaxing and peaceful journey.
TTFN
Friday, June 26, 2009
Adventure on the Metro
Yesterday I took the metro or subway for the first time in Korea and did so all by myself. I was going to the KTX train station to catch a train to visit my friend Trina.
The metro station was huge but easily figured out purschasing a ticket and finding a train. After looking at the list of stops-I assumed Daejeon Station would probably be where the KTX station was got on a metro train headed there. Well my boss called me while I was on the train and told where I should get off and I could not find the stop she was talking about so I got off the train.
Ofcourse I was not at the right stop so I called my boss back and again she told me the name for a stop I could not find so I got off again and asked someone who worked at the metro station for help. They told me a what stop to get off at so I got back on and again it was the wrong stop.
Meanwhile my other boss sent me a text but it was Korean and could not read it so a few minutes later she called and she said you need to get off at Daejeon Station.
So I got back on the train and got off at Daejeon Station and immediatley there were signs for KTX. I had left my apartment long before I needed to be at KTX but had lost alot of time and only had a few minutes until my train left. So I was running through the metro station to get to KTX and fell really hard and was embarrassed more than anything but immediately got up and ran to catch my KTX train to Cheohan.
I got on the train in time and had a nice,peaceful 20 minute ride to Cheohan.
I easily found my friend once I got there and it was so good to see her. It is so great to have a lifelong friend here faraway from home.
The fall I had earlier at the metro station resulted in lovely bruises all over my left knee, thigh,calf etc. and my left leg is currently very purple and a bit sore.
Lots of fun stuff this weekend with my friend and will blog about it all soon.
TTFN
The metro station was huge but easily figured out purschasing a ticket and finding a train. After looking at the list of stops-I assumed Daejeon Station would probably be where the KTX station was got on a metro train headed there. Well my boss called me while I was on the train and told where I should get off and I could not find the stop she was talking about so I got off the train.
Ofcourse I was not at the right stop so I called my boss back and again she told me the name for a stop I could not find so I got off again and asked someone who worked at the metro station for help. They told me a what stop to get off at so I got back on and again it was the wrong stop.
Meanwhile my other boss sent me a text but it was Korean and could not read it so a few minutes later she called and she said you need to get off at Daejeon Station.
So I got back on the train and got off at Daejeon Station and immediatley there were signs for KTX. I had left my apartment long before I needed to be at KTX but had lost alot of time and only had a few minutes until my train left. So I was running through the metro station to get to KTX and fell really hard and was embarrassed more than anything but immediately got up and ran to catch my KTX train to Cheohan.
I got on the train in time and had a nice,peaceful 20 minute ride to Cheohan.
I easily found my friend once I got there and it was so good to see her. It is so great to have a lifelong friend here faraway from home.
The fall I had earlier at the metro station resulted in lovely bruises all over my left knee, thigh,calf etc. and my left leg is currently very purple and a bit sore.
Lots of fun stuff this weekend with my friend and will blog about it all soon.
TTFN
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday
I was given Thursday and Friday off as I am done with my observations etc. and have had my physical. Will go back to school on Monday to take care of some paper work etc. and then will start teaching fulltime on Wednesday July 1st.
Today-Thursday-I have rested and relaxed in my apartment-watched CSI NY and some good movies like The Matrix that were on Korean tv.
I made some yummy Bulgogi flavored sausages-these are very much like little smokies in the US except they are Bulgogi flavor and they are really good with dijon mustard and the perfect size for fine tuning chopsticks skills.
The chopsticks I use in my apartment are very thin and light weight and made of metal-these are very popular in Korea. I really like them and find them much easier to use.
I also spent some time at the park and exploring and packing my things for the weekend. Tomorrow I am going to take the KTX train which travels at a rate of 300 km per hour to visit my friend Trina in Cheohan which is only about 20 minutes by KTX train.
I am so excited about getting to see my friend and can't wait for tomorrow.
TTFN
Today-Thursday-I have rested and relaxed in my apartment-watched CSI NY and some good movies like The Matrix that were on Korean tv.
I made some yummy Bulgogi flavored sausages-these are very much like little smokies in the US except they are Bulgogi flavor and they are really good with dijon mustard and the perfect size for fine tuning chopsticks skills.
The chopsticks I use in my apartment are very thin and light weight and made of metal-these are very popular in Korea. I really like them and find them much easier to use.
I also spent some time at the park and exploring and packing my things for the weekend. Tomorrow I am going to take the KTX train which travels at a rate of 300 km per hour to visit my friend Trina in Cheohan which is only about 20 minutes by KTX train.
I am so excited about getting to see my friend and can't wait for tomorrow.
TTFN
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Physical Exam
Yesterday I finally got to go for my Physical Exam at the local Sun General Hospital. As they say third time is a charm. My principal's sister who lives in Seoul took me for my exam.
I was kind of worried about the exam but not sure why-maybe because it had been rescheduled several times but I was so clumsy and flakey yesterday-couldn't find part of my seat belt on the car ride there, was dropping things etc.
The exam was very easy and nothing to be worried about and most of the workers at the hospital spoke medium to very good English so that was helpful as well.
I had to go to several different stations to have different things done. At the first station height,weight and blood pressure were taken. At the second station your chest was measured and hearing and vision test were taken. At the third station you have a chest x-ray. At the last station you have blood drawn(3 large viles worth) and give a urine sample.
I have had alot of blood drawn in my time and this nurse was awesome-no pain, very little bleeding and there is no bruising which with me and getting that much blood drawn is quite common.
This next part might be TMI or Too Much Information for some so I am apologizing ahead of time. Why does it seem when you have to give a urine sample to a doctor or hospital that is almost impossible to get yourself to go to the bathroom even if it has been hours since you have been? So they give me a cup and tell me to fill it half way and ofcourse this takes me what feels like forever. I am surprised that they did not send someone to come to the door and check and make sure I was still in the bathroom as the bathroom door was not visible from that station.
Everything was pretty quick and easy and only took about 15 minutes or so and then I got to go back to my apartment.
In the afternoon I went exploring again and finally took a few pictures and uploaded them to my computer but have been unable to get them uploaded to the blog but will as soon as I can.
Take Care Everyone,Big E-HUGS and TTFN!!!!!
I was kind of worried about the exam but not sure why-maybe because it had been rescheduled several times but I was so clumsy and flakey yesterday-couldn't find part of my seat belt on the car ride there, was dropping things etc.
The exam was very easy and nothing to be worried about and most of the workers at the hospital spoke medium to very good English so that was helpful as well.
I had to go to several different stations to have different things done. At the first station height,weight and blood pressure were taken. At the second station your chest was measured and hearing and vision test were taken. At the third station you have a chest x-ray. At the last station you have blood drawn(3 large viles worth) and give a urine sample.
I have had alot of blood drawn in my time and this nurse was awesome-no pain, very little bleeding and there is no bruising which with me and getting that much blood drawn is quite common.
This next part might be TMI or Too Much Information for some so I am apologizing ahead of time. Why does it seem when you have to give a urine sample to a doctor or hospital that is almost impossible to get yourself to go to the bathroom even if it has been hours since you have been? So they give me a cup and tell me to fill it half way and ofcourse this takes me what feels like forever. I am surprised that they did not send someone to come to the door and check and make sure I was still in the bathroom as the bathroom door was not visible from that station.
Everything was pretty quick and easy and only took about 15 minutes or so and then I got to go back to my apartment.
In the afternoon I went exploring again and finally took a few pictures and uploaded them to my computer but have been unable to get them uploaded to the blog but will as soon as I can.
Take Care Everyone,Big E-HUGS and TTFN!!!!!
Internet Connection
I wrote a blog yesterday about my Physical Exam 4 differemt times and each time was not able to publish it and would loose the connection. I still do not have internet wired into my apartment. With it being the end of the month the school has testing etc. going on and are preparing things for my new classes as well as Intenstive Language Summer Camps so my boss is really busy.
I ofcourse pick up wireless at school and there are lots of coffee houses near by where I can get wi-fi so will probably being trying those if don't get my internet hooked up soon.
This weekend I will be staying with my friend Trina in Cheohan for the whole weekend and she ofcourse has internet.
I am most looking forward to have a solid internet connection in my apartment so I can use Skype to communicate with friends and family back in the states and hopefully that will all be taken care of soon.
I ofcourse pick up wireless at school and there are lots of coffee houses near by where I can get wi-fi so will probably being trying those if don't get my internet hooked up soon.
This weekend I will be staying with my friend Trina in Cheohan for the whole weekend and she ofcourse has internet.
I am most looking forward to have a solid internet connection in my apartment so I can use Skype to communicate with friends and family back in the states and hopefully that will all be taken care of soon.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
First Run in Korea
So I brought 2 work-out dvds with me from home and have been using them every morning since I got here but this am decided to head to the park across the street from my apartment for a run.
Put on my ipod and running shoes and was on my way. There is a hill like incline going up to the park and man I was totally out of breath by the time I reached the top.
No one else was up there so it was a nice peaceful spot right in the middle of the city to run-very zen like. I will defintely be going there more often.
There are lots of benches up there as well-so it will be a great place to read a book etc.
On the way back down I decided to go down the steps and those were steep, stone steps with no railing.
It is funny that I lived directly across the street from a park in the states and now I am far, far away from there and am living across from a park.
I really enjoyed the park this am and very peaceful run I had-a nice quiet spot in a busy city is a very rare but welcome sight!!!!
TTFN
Put on my ipod and running shoes and was on my way. There is a hill like incline going up to the park and man I was totally out of breath by the time I reached the top.
No one else was up there so it was a nice peaceful spot right in the middle of the city to run-very zen like. I will defintely be going there more often.
There are lots of benches up there as well-so it will be a great place to read a book etc.
On the way back down I decided to go down the steps and those were steep, stone steps with no railing.
It is funny that I lived directly across the street from a park in the states and now I am far, far away from there and am living across from a park.
I really enjoyed the park this am and very peaceful run I had-a nice quiet spot in a busy city is a very rare but welcome sight!!!!
TTFN
Second day of Observations
Yesterday I got to observe a 6year old kindergarten class. OMG-they were so sweet and so smart and most had only been speaking English for like 5 months-WOW!!!
6 years old here in Korea translates to like 4 1/2 to 5 in the states. The kids can recogonize all the months of the year and days of the week and pick them out. They were making words on the board with magnets yesterday like ant, frog, gorilla and hat.
The little girls in the class were very fascinated with my red hair and thought it was very pretty-it was too cute.
I got lots and lots and lots of hugs and one of the students even made me a paper airplane as a gift and gave it to me-it was so sweet of here.
The kids made chicken mask and then we went to the gym and instead of playing Duck,Duck, Goose we played Duck,Duck,Chicken and it was so fun.
Then the kids played Simon Says as it is a great way for them to learn left, right etc.
Then I got to observe a lower level 1 class than the day before-most kids were 7 or 8 and they are doing lots of phonics and reading-working with a great reading series that includes a cd that reads the story. Most of these kids also spoke little or no English 5 months ago-so again totally Amazing!!!!
I was to go to the hospital yesterday afternoon for my physical but it was again rescheduled and am to have it this am.
TTFN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 years old here in Korea translates to like 4 1/2 to 5 in the states. The kids can recogonize all the months of the year and days of the week and pick them out. They were making words on the board with magnets yesterday like ant, frog, gorilla and hat.
The little girls in the class were very fascinated with my red hair and thought it was very pretty-it was too cute.
I got lots and lots and lots of hugs and one of the students even made me a paper airplane as a gift and gave it to me-it was so sweet of here.
The kids made chicken mask and then we went to the gym and instead of playing Duck,Duck, Goose we played Duck,Duck,Chicken and it was so fun.
Then the kids played Simon Says as it is a great way for them to learn left, right etc.
Then I got to observe a lower level 1 class than the day before-most kids were 7 or 8 and they are doing lots of phonics and reading-working with a great reading series that includes a cd that reads the story. Most of these kids also spoke little or no English 5 months ago-so again totally Amazing!!!!
I was to go to the hospital yesterday afternoon for my physical but it was again rescheduled and am to have it this am.
TTFN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Well today I observed the 7 year old kindergarten class and a Level I English class.
Can I just saw how sweet, adorable and lovable the kids are -just want to hug them all-especially the kindergarten kids.
The kindergarten I observed today-the kids are 7+ in Korean terms which works out to be around 6 in American terms. The school just opened in February and most of the kids knew none or only one or two words of English when they started but WOW-they are doing AMAZING.
They can speak English, read it, write it and most can as well or if not better than most 6year old Americans and it is not their native language. It really blows me away how fast these kids are learning-it is amazing!!!!
The school day is broken up into 40 minute periods and every 40 minutes there is a ten minute break and the kids get to go into the gym and play for a few minutes and get to get out some energy. From 11:50 to 12:50 is lunch break-during this time the kids eat lunch,get some playtime, have a little bit of Disney Movietime . Then they do two more 40 minute periods and their day is over.
I think it it is a great way to break up the day.
Then in the afternoon each teacher teaches 2 Elementary Classes for two 40 minute periods-4
periods total.
After observing from 9:30am to 4pm today I was to go to the hospital to get my checkup which is a requirement for all foreign teachers-this includes ear exam,eye exam, blood test and urine test. My appointment was cancelled and rescheduled for tomorrow at the same time-so one of the Korean teachers took me downstairs to catch a cab-she gave the driver instructions and money from the principal. Man the traffic here is wild and crazy but in a few minutes I was home and had been on my first Korean cab ride.
A few hours later I went with Mandi one of the teachers at my school to Home Plus-ofcourse it is in a totally different direction than walked yesterday but now I know where it is-YAY!!!!
The weather was so nice tonight and to see the city as it went from day into night was just magical.
Oh mopeds don't have any rules and so they can go on sidewalks or whereever and that is pretty wild so watch out for them if you ever come to South Korea.
HomePlus is huge and awesome and has anything you can possibly think of including really cute clothes and shoes.
I had another big day full of adventure and am looking forward to more tomorrow-TTFN!!
Can I just saw how sweet, adorable and lovable the kids are -just want to hug them all-especially the kindergarten kids.
The kindergarten I observed today-the kids are 7+ in Korean terms which works out to be around 6 in American terms. The school just opened in February and most of the kids knew none or only one or two words of English when they started but WOW-they are doing AMAZING.
They can speak English, read it, write it and most can as well or if not better than most 6year old Americans and it is not their native language. It really blows me away how fast these kids are learning-it is amazing!!!!
The school day is broken up into 40 minute periods and every 40 minutes there is a ten minute break and the kids get to go into the gym and play for a few minutes and get to get out some energy. From 11:50 to 12:50 is lunch break-during this time the kids eat lunch,get some playtime, have a little bit of Disney Movietime . Then they do two more 40 minute periods and their day is over.
I think it it is a great way to break up the day.
Then in the afternoon each teacher teaches 2 Elementary Classes for two 40 minute periods-4
periods total.
After observing from 9:30am to 4pm today I was to go to the hospital to get my checkup which is a requirement for all foreign teachers-this includes ear exam,eye exam, blood test and urine test. My appointment was cancelled and rescheduled for tomorrow at the same time-so one of the Korean teachers took me downstairs to catch a cab-she gave the driver instructions and money from the principal. Man the traffic here is wild and crazy but in a few minutes I was home and had been on my first Korean cab ride.
A few hours later I went with Mandi one of the teachers at my school to Home Plus-ofcourse it is in a totally different direction than walked yesterday but now I know where it is-YAY!!!!
The weather was so nice tonight and to see the city as it went from day into night was just magical.
Oh mopeds don't have any rules and so they can go on sidewalks or whereever and that is pretty wild so watch out for them if you ever come to South Korea.
HomePlus is huge and awesome and has anything you can possibly think of including really cute clothes and shoes.
I had another big day full of adventure and am looking forward to more tomorrow-TTFN!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sunday Explorations
On Saturday it rained most of the day so chose to stay in my apartment and watch movies, rest, cook up and freeze some meat etc.
On Sunday it was hot but sunny and no sign of rain so I decided to do a little exploring and was hoping I might be able to find the store-Home Plus that my principal took me to the other day. I had forgot to buy hangers and papertowels. There is a very large, bright green gas station right on the corner of my street where my apartment is so that is like the landmark to find my way home.
So alot of the side streets especially those near apartments have cars parked on both sides so there is barely enough room for a car to pass on some of them.Cars can pull up and park right infront of many stores and eateries-so the crazy American-me- who was busy looking at the buildings etc. was almost hit by several cars-but being American and having red hair and light skin I kind of stand out.
There are cars literally everyhwere and I mean everywhere. Some streets do not have crosswalks but most streets do and there is a red sign for don't walk and green person for walk-so very much like the states.
I walked along for quite awhile and saw lots of other people walking-some holding umbrellas over their heads to protect them from the sun, saw lots of people riding bikes and scooters and motorcycles. One thing I noticed is since I came to Korea I have seen noone except myself wearing sunglasses-seen many people-but so far only women carrying umbrellas to protect them from the sun.
I saw lots of stores some with names just in Korean-some with Korean and English-even saw a lingerie store that by the window display would say is much like Victoria Secret-will have to go back and check it out sometime. I saw a Pizza Hut and some coffee shops.
I walked in the same direction for about 15 or so and decided to turn and go a side street and walked that way for about 5 minutes when I saw a sign that said Home Plus Express-so the big huge store that has everything that my principal took me to also has a smaller version and I found it all by myself-YAY!!!!
So once I found it I wondered if they would have hangers-well they did and papertowels too and I also found some brie and goodua cheese which are my two favorite cheeses-so the exploration was a totally score.
Had no problem finding my way back home but was really glad to get home as it was super hot outisde. Plan to try to go and take some pics of the nearby area later and try to post.
I am starting to feel more comfortable in my surroundings and actually know where some things are now so that helps alot.
On Sunday it was hot but sunny and no sign of rain so I decided to do a little exploring and was hoping I might be able to find the store-Home Plus that my principal took me to the other day. I had forgot to buy hangers and papertowels. There is a very large, bright green gas station right on the corner of my street where my apartment is so that is like the landmark to find my way home.
So alot of the side streets especially those near apartments have cars parked on both sides so there is barely enough room for a car to pass on some of them.Cars can pull up and park right infront of many stores and eateries-so the crazy American-me- who was busy looking at the buildings etc. was almost hit by several cars-but being American and having red hair and light skin I kind of stand out.
There are cars literally everyhwere and I mean everywhere. Some streets do not have crosswalks but most streets do and there is a red sign for don't walk and green person for walk-so very much like the states.
I walked along for quite awhile and saw lots of other people walking-some holding umbrellas over their heads to protect them from the sun, saw lots of people riding bikes and scooters and motorcycles. One thing I noticed is since I came to Korea I have seen noone except myself wearing sunglasses-seen many people-but so far only women carrying umbrellas to protect them from the sun.
I saw lots of stores some with names just in Korean-some with Korean and English-even saw a lingerie store that by the window display would say is much like Victoria Secret-will have to go back and check it out sometime. I saw a Pizza Hut and some coffee shops.
I walked in the same direction for about 15 or so and decided to turn and go a side street and walked that way for about 5 minutes when I saw a sign that said Home Plus Express-so the big huge store that has everything that my principal took me to also has a smaller version and I found it all by myself-YAY!!!!
So once I found it I wondered if they would have hangers-well they did and papertowels too and I also found some brie and goodua cheese which are my two favorite cheeses-so the exploration was a totally score.
Had no problem finding my way back home but was really glad to get home as it was super hot outisde. Plan to try to go and take some pics of the nearby area later and try to post.
I am starting to feel more comfortable in my surroundings and actually know where some things are now so that helps alot.
First full day in Korea
Friday was my first, full day in Korea. The principal of my school told me Friday could be a day for me to rest and catch up on sleep and ofcourse there was construction or something going on in my building and I woke up at 6am and could not go back to sleep.
Finally around 9am I called the school to let them know I was up and was available to do paperwork or whatever if needed.
They said they would send the school van for me around 11am so I could come get a tour of the school etc.
It had been about 17 hours at this point since I had eaten and was really hungry and found out there was a convient store only about half a block away.
It was very easy to find and super close-found Post Cranberry Granola which is like one of my fave cereals in the States and some lowfat milk.
I went back to my place ate breakfast and use my Principal's cell to call the states since it was now evening time there so I could talk to my nephew.
It was so good to hear his voice and for a few minutes I felt as if I were in the same room with him even though I am on the other side of the planet.
A little while later I went for my tour of the school. It is in an office building in the middle of the
city-there is a computer lab,library, gym, area to watch movies, classrooms, teachers lounge and each teacher has their own area in the lounge to do lesson planning etc. , kitchen etc. It is very nice and new.
I was also able to meet rest of the staff which was great too.
I went and had a type of Bi bim bap for lunch and it was very yummy and then one of the Korean teachers took me to a Cell phone store to help me pick out a cell phone.
Cell Phone stores are literally everywhere here and the amount of cell phones they have are literally endless.
The phone I got-a white OZ-Sky has a the time,menu etc. on it in English as well as Korean which is awesome for me.
We then took the contract back to the school for the Principal to fill out and a little while later I had my new cell phone-all set up and ready to go.
They decided to send me back to my apartment via cab and one of the Korean teachers took me down to the corner and waited for the cab with me so she could give the cab driver instructions-we waited for about 10 minutes and a cab never came so we called the Vice Principal and she took me back home by the school van.
The Principal and Vice Principal are sisters and they both lived in Miami,Fl for about 10 years or so and speak perfect English and are very nice and friendly and I feel very blessed and lucky to be working for such wonderful employers.
I brought the Principal and Vice Principal a gift from the states-a Derby glass and a bottle of Commerative Mint Juliep(the bottle is simply beautiful with horses all over it). They loved it and asked me if it is strong and I had to admit that yes I am from Kentucky but have never ever had Mint Juliep. They loved the gift and thanked me several times-thanks Kevin for all your help in picking it out-it really was the perfect gift.
I then came back to my apartment and took a little nap and was later picked up by the Principal to go Grocery Shopping.
The place we went to is not too far from my apartment. It would probably take me 10 minutes or so to walk there and it is huge-it is two floors and it has everything-food, clothes, pots,pans, literally everything.
They were giving a lot of samples away so I got to try several Korean items-such as some yummy spicy beef with cabbage and green onions -which I bought a package of. My principal asked if it was too spicy for me and I said no-it was so yummy. She then asked are you sure one of your parents was not Korean???
My parents had taken me to an Authentic Korean Restuarnt since I was very little and my Dad's favorite game was a Korean strategy game also known as Go(there is even a tv show that shows how to play it on tv here).
I brought some reusable grocery bags with me from the states and you get money off if you bring your own and they charge you for the bags if you don't bring your own-so go me for being prepared and thinking ahead and bring my own bags.
The Principal paid for my groceries-I was totally surprised and shocked and would have bought much less stuff than I did if I had known they were going to pay for it.
I told her thank you so much for paying for my groceries and for making me feel so welcome.
She said Thank you for coming here to teach-this is the least we could do for you-WoW!!!
She explained to me that they have interviewed many people for my job but just could not find the right person until they found me and when they saw my resume and talked to me on the phone for my interview they knew I was the devoted, caring, teacher they were looking for-Wow.
That made me feel so good and like I am exactly where I belong.
What an Amazing way to end my first full day in Daejeon,South Korea.
Finally around 9am I called the school to let them know I was up and was available to do paperwork or whatever if needed.
They said they would send the school van for me around 11am so I could come get a tour of the school etc.
It had been about 17 hours at this point since I had eaten and was really hungry and found out there was a convient store only about half a block away.
It was very easy to find and super close-found Post Cranberry Granola which is like one of my fave cereals in the States and some lowfat milk.
I went back to my place ate breakfast and use my Principal's cell to call the states since it was now evening time there so I could talk to my nephew.
It was so good to hear his voice and for a few minutes I felt as if I were in the same room with him even though I am on the other side of the planet.
A little while later I went for my tour of the school. It is in an office building in the middle of the
city-there is a computer lab,library, gym, area to watch movies, classrooms, teachers lounge and each teacher has their own area in the lounge to do lesson planning etc. , kitchen etc. It is very nice and new.
I was also able to meet rest of the staff which was great too.
I went and had a type of Bi bim bap for lunch and it was very yummy and then one of the Korean teachers took me to a Cell phone store to help me pick out a cell phone.
Cell Phone stores are literally everywhere here and the amount of cell phones they have are literally endless.
The phone I got-a white OZ-Sky has a the time,menu etc. on it in English as well as Korean which is awesome for me.
We then took the contract back to the school for the Principal to fill out and a little while later I had my new cell phone-all set up and ready to go.
They decided to send me back to my apartment via cab and one of the Korean teachers took me down to the corner and waited for the cab with me so she could give the cab driver instructions-we waited for about 10 minutes and a cab never came so we called the Vice Principal and she took me back home by the school van.
The Principal and Vice Principal are sisters and they both lived in Miami,Fl for about 10 years or so and speak perfect English and are very nice and friendly and I feel very blessed and lucky to be working for such wonderful employers.
I brought the Principal and Vice Principal a gift from the states-a Derby glass and a bottle of Commerative Mint Juliep(the bottle is simply beautiful with horses all over it). They loved it and asked me if it is strong and I had to admit that yes I am from Kentucky but have never ever had Mint Juliep. They loved the gift and thanked me several times-thanks Kevin for all your help in picking it out-it really was the perfect gift.
I then came back to my apartment and took a little nap and was later picked up by the Principal to go Grocery Shopping.
The place we went to is not too far from my apartment. It would probably take me 10 minutes or so to walk there and it is huge-it is two floors and it has everything-food, clothes, pots,pans, literally everything.
They were giving a lot of samples away so I got to try several Korean items-such as some yummy spicy beef with cabbage and green onions -which I bought a package of. My principal asked if it was too spicy for me and I said no-it was so yummy. She then asked are you sure one of your parents was not Korean???
My parents had taken me to an Authentic Korean Restuarnt since I was very little and my Dad's favorite game was a Korean strategy game also known as Go(there is even a tv show that shows how to play it on tv here).
I brought some reusable grocery bags with me from the states and you get money off if you bring your own and they charge you for the bags if you don't bring your own-so go me for being prepared and thinking ahead and bring my own bags.
The Principal paid for my groceries-I was totally surprised and shocked and would have bought much less stuff than I did if I had known they were going to pay for it.
I told her thank you so much for paying for my groceries and for making me feel so welcome.
She said Thank you for coming here to teach-this is the least we could do for you-WoW!!!
She explained to me that they have interviewed many people for my job but just could not find the right person until they found me and when they saw my resume and talked to me on the phone for my interview they knew I was the devoted, caring, teacher they were looking for-Wow.
That made me feel so good and like I am exactly where I belong.
What an Amazing way to end my first full day in Daejeon,South Korea.
Arriving in South Korea
As soon as you get off the plane in South Korea you find Quarantne workers with masks on who look at your health questionaire and take your temperature-they are taking every precaution to avoid spread of Swine flu.
Then after you pass through there you get in line to get your passport and arrival card checked-the only question they had for me was Are you getting yourself to Daejeon or is someone to meet you. Me-someone is to meet me-I hope.
You then go and get your luggage. My luggage was brand new and never been used before this-you should see it now-but amazingly everything was in tack and no worse for wear.
Then you go to the customs agent if you have something declare-I had a 1 litter bottle of Mint Juliep as a welcome gift for my Principal and Vice Principal of my school.
I was passed through with no trouble and then went out the doors where people were holding name posters and found someone from any escort service holding one with my name.
He took my luggage, bought me a bus ticket, waited 30 minutes with me until the bus got there, loaded my luggage on the bus and told me where I needed to get off in Daejeon.
It was amazing to see Seoul all lit up at night-it is huge-think New York-huge-and the 3 hour bus ride was good-slept some.
Was met at the busstop by my School Principal and she took me to my apartment-gave me some bottled water, some Korean money,let me borrow her cell phone overnight so I could call my family and got me settled in my apartment.
I had a good but long journey to Korea and was glad to finally be in my apartment and finally have a bed instead of an airplne seat to sleep in.
I called my sister who was thrilled to hear from me, unpacked a few things and headed to bed.
Then after you pass through there you get in line to get your passport and arrival card checked-the only question they had for me was Are you getting yourself to Daejeon or is someone to meet you. Me-someone is to meet me-I hope.
You then go and get your luggage. My luggage was brand new and never been used before this-you should see it now-but amazingly everything was in tack and no worse for wear.
Then you go to the customs agent if you have something declare-I had a 1 litter bottle of Mint Juliep as a welcome gift for my Principal and Vice Principal of my school.
I was passed through with no trouble and then went out the doors where people were holding name posters and found someone from any escort service holding one with my name.
He took my luggage, bought me a bus ticket, waited 30 minutes with me until the bus got there, loaded my luggage on the bus and told me where I needed to get off in Daejeon.
It was amazing to see Seoul all lit up at night-it is huge-think New York-huge-and the 3 hour bus ride was good-slept some.
Was met at the busstop by my School Principal and she took me to my apartment-gave me some bottled water, some Korean money,let me borrow her cell phone overnight so I could call my family and got me settled in my apartment.
I had a good but long journey to Korea and was glad to finally be in my apartment and finally have a bed instead of an airplne seat to sleep in.
I called my sister who was thrilled to hear from me, unpacked a few things and headed to bed.
Flight to Seoul
Well-I have never been on one plane longer than 4 hours before and the flight from LA to Seoul,South Korea was almost 13 hours.
Asiana Airlines is amazing-the seats are very comfortable-everyone has their own personal tv and can watch a selection of about 25 or so movies, play games such as Bejewled and BlackJack-that really help pass the time.
The flight attendants are wonderful-very helpful and courteous.
They fed us very well-about an hour or so out of LA they served Bi Bim Bap(a popular Korean dish) or Western Style Steak-ofcourse I chose the Bi Bim Bap-so yummy!!! They came aroundand offered waterand juice through out the whole flight. They gave us a snack of Turkey and cheese sandwich and then lunch again-this time shrimp with pasta or chicken with rice about an hour before we got off the plane.
I would defintely reccomend Asiana and would fly with them again.
Asiana Airlines is amazing-the seats are very comfortable-everyone has their own personal tv and can watch a selection of about 25 or so movies, play games such as Bejewled and BlackJack-that really help pass the time.
The flight attendants are wonderful-very helpful and courteous.
They fed us very well-about an hour or so out of LA they served Bi Bim Bap(a popular Korean dish) or Western Style Steak-ofcourse I chose the Bi Bim Bap-so yummy!!! They came aroundand offered waterand juice through out the whole flight. They gave us a snack of Turkey and cheese sandwich and then lunch again-this time shrimp with pasta or chicken with rice about an hour before we got off the plane.
I would defintely reccomend Asiana and would fly with them again.
Top Ten Reasons I don't like LAX airport in LA
10.It is huge and I do mean huge!
9. It is very confusing!!
8.Construction everywhere!!!
7. People who work there are terribly rude!!!
6. People who work there will tell you anything just so you leave them alone and go on your merry way.
5. It is so big that people who work there don't even know where everything is.
4. I asked TSA security people for directions to where I needed to go several times and they all said-I don't know or sorry can't help you.
3.People who work there are rude!!!
2. It is the most complicated,confusing airport I have ever seen!!!
1. People who work there have the worst customer service skills of any place I have ever seen.
Let's just say LAX was huge and confusing and the people were so mean and rude who work there-was so happy to get on my flight to Seoul with Asiana Airlines.
9. It is very confusing!!
8.Construction everywhere!!!
7. People who work there are terribly rude!!!
6. People who work there will tell you anything just so you leave them alone and go on your merry way.
5. It is so big that people who work there don't even know where everything is.
4. I asked TSA security people for directions to where I needed to go several times and they all said-I don't know or sorry can't help you.
3.People who work there are rude!!!
2. It is the most complicated,confusing airport I have ever seen!!!
1. People who work there have the worst customer service skills of any place I have ever seen.
Let's just say LAX was huge and confusing and the people were so mean and rude who work there-was so happy to get on my flight to Seoul with Asiana Airlines.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
On my way
Well all I am currently in the Houston Airport and will be getting on a plane to LA soon. Fly to Houston was good and quick-about 2 hours and talked to the lady next to me whose son is a missionary that was in Cambodia but now in Costa Rica.
When the plane pulled away I started to cry-and thinking about it and saying goodbye to my sister, my nephew and my niece is making me misty-eyed.
It is so hard to say goodbye to those we treasure mostand will miss greatly.
As the plane starting soaring in the air a memory popped in my head-my first day of kindergarten-I can remember tugging on my Mom's pants leg and crying and not wanting to go and still remember what dress I was wearing.
I was excited, nervous, scared-glad to be starting a new adventure but also uncertain.
I fill like that today-very excited about all the new things but uncertain about them as well.
Lots of new experiences are coming and will be ready to embrace them with open arms and share them with you all as well.
When the plane pulled away I started to cry-and thinking about it and saying goodbye to my sister, my nephew and my niece is making me misty-eyed.
It is so hard to say goodbye to those we treasure mostand will miss greatly.
As the plane starting soaring in the air a memory popped in my head-my first day of kindergarten-I can remember tugging on my Mom's pants leg and crying and not wanting to go and still remember what dress I was wearing.
I was excited, nervous, scared-glad to be starting a new adventure but also uncertain.
I fill like that today-very excited about all the new things but uncertain about them as well.
Lots of new experiences are coming and will be ready to embrace them with open arms and share them with you all as well.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Leaving on June 17th
Well I was to be headed on my way to South Korea on June 5th but am now leaving on June 17th. I have my flight info etc.-YAY. I am leaving at like 6:30am and will need to be at airport by 5am so my sister and nephew will be able to drop me off-sure there will be lots of crying and hugging.
I have everthing ready to go, have had all shots, bought all items needed, packed up stuff for storage, packed up and boxed wintr clothes my sistr will need to send me later.
So I actually have time to just enjoy spending time with my family and friends and not having to worry about this detail or that-it is very nice.
I am loving getting some more time to spend with my nephew-we have had several fun adventures the last few days including discovering the Middle School down the street has a Public Library in it and reading a ton of books.
So I am feeling a mix of emotions right now-Sad,Happy, nervous, uncertain, excited!!!!
I have everthing ready to go, have had all shots, bought all items needed, packed up stuff for storage, packed up and boxed wintr clothes my sistr will need to send me later.
So I actually have time to just enjoy spending time with my family and friends and not having to worry about this detail or that-it is very nice.
I am loving getting some more time to spend with my nephew-we have had several fun adventures the last few days including discovering the Middle School down the street has a Public Library in it and reading a ton of books.
So I am feeling a mix of emotions right now-Sad,Happy, nervous, uncertain, excited!!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Just a few more days in the states
Well just a few more days until I am on my way to teach in South Korea. So many things to do the next few days, so many special friends and family members I will be trying to spend time with. Ofcourse-my heart-my 6 year old nephew graduates Kindergarten tomorrow-which will be both very happy and sad for me all at the sametime.
Happy because my nephew has learned so much and has shown signs of a love and gift in Math and Science and grown so much mentally, emotionally and physically this year.
Sad because I will miss him so much.
Today I have a busy day with getting haiorcut, meeting friends for lunch, still selling stuff on craigslist, spending time with my nephew, packing, dinner with friends, errands and more packing!!!!!
Thanks to my wonderful, smart sister for suggesting the name for the blog.
Happy because my nephew has learned so much and has shown signs of a love and gift in Math and Science and grown so much mentally, emotionally and physically this year.
Sad because I will miss him so much.
Today I have a busy day with getting haiorcut, meeting friends for lunch, still selling stuff on craigslist, spending time with my nephew, packing, dinner with friends, errands and more packing!!!!!
Thanks to my wonderful, smart sister for suggesting the name for the blog.
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