Well I have obviously not been keeping up with my blog. I think the reason is that I have finally come to accept this place as my home. When I was back in America I never really blogged much and I think the reason is because I was comfortable there. This isn't just some big adventure anymore, this is where I live. Things are still new and exciting but not in the way they were before.
My birthday was a few days ago, and let me tell you it was the best birthday I can remember. It was also my schools anniversary so all the teachers went out together. We ate traditional Korean food, then around 2am a group of about 8 of us went to a bar and stayed there until 5am. Lucky for me I didn't have to work until 3pm the next day. For the next 2 weeks I only have to work about 4 hours a day because our senior students are getting ready for finals.
Anyway, I don't know when I will get back into the habit of blogging. But for now it's time for a break.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Slacking
I'm obviously slacking on the blog. I will try to update tomorrow morning what I did this weekend. Tomorrow I am going to HomePlus (a shopping center) to find a better jacket. I almost bought an Xbox from a HUGE electronics market (black market) but I will probably hold off on that for a bit. Lots of stuff is going on and there is a lot I could write about. I'll try to get back in the habit soon.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Cell phone
So finally I have a cell phone. My Korean friend took me to Suwon Subway Station, which has a very big mall, and we found a good used phone. The area we went was actually underground and I kid you not it had more cell phone stores in one small area than I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s really amazing how they can all stay in business with all that competition. It’s strange how the simple act of buying a cell phone can turn into a really good day. Buying a cell phone in America would have just been a hassle, but here it’s almost like an adventure. We must have spent about 2 hrs walking around the area, talking etc. Finally when it was time to leave I took the subway to Hwaseo Station from Suwon Station and walked home. I wasn’t really sure where my home was from Hwaseo Station but I kind of knew the direction so I just walked in the correct direction. Eventually I found a small stream that looked familiar and followed it, which lead me to buildings I recognized and I found my way home.
While I was buying my cell phone with my friend, I tried to explain to him how I think most of the male foreign teachers here are a little odd. I can’t really put my finger on it but I’d say about 70% of the male foreign teachers here are just not right in the head. I’m not going to claim I’m any better, I mean something has to be not right if you want to move to another country for a year to teach English. He told me some of the foreign teachers told him that partying and drinking every night was part of the western culture. I told him it was part of University culture, but not everyone in the west drinks and parties every night. I tried to explain to him not to judge a culture by the westerners he meets here, as they are usually not good examples of western culture.
Last night (Saturday night) I went to a farewell party for 2 married foreigners in my building. They were selling there stuff and saying last goodbyes to everyone. Next Monday they are going to Thailand for 3 weeks, than Cambodia for 3(?) weeks, than Vietnam for 1 month, than back home to America. I bought a Korean/English dictionary and trash cans from them.
Also, it might seem strange that I’m calling westerners foreigners, but you have to remember I’m in South Korea. When I say foreigners I mean people not from South Korea.
Anyway,
I’m slowly starting to learn the Korean writing system. It’s not that difficult but I’m not a good student, too lazy. I’m trying to break that habit though.
Time to study my Korean…hmm gosh that Nintendo DS looks really interesting right now, I’m just going to play Super Mario Brothers for a little bit, THEN I’ll study.
While I was buying my cell phone with my friend, I tried to explain to him how I think most of the male foreign teachers here are a little odd. I can’t really put my finger on it but I’d say about 70% of the male foreign teachers here are just not right in the head. I’m not going to claim I’m any better, I mean something has to be not right if you want to move to another country for a year to teach English. He told me some of the foreign teachers told him that partying and drinking every night was part of the western culture. I told him it was part of University culture, but not everyone in the west drinks and parties every night. I tried to explain to him not to judge a culture by the westerners he meets here, as they are usually not good examples of western culture.
Last night (Saturday night) I went to a farewell party for 2 married foreigners in my building. They were selling there stuff and saying last goodbyes to everyone. Next Monday they are going to Thailand for 3 weeks, than Cambodia for 3(?) weeks, than Vietnam for 1 month, than back home to America. I bought a Korean/English dictionary and trash cans from them.
Also, it might seem strange that I’m calling westerners foreigners, but you have to remember I’m in South Korea. When I say foreigners I mean people not from South Korea.
Anyway,
I’m slowly starting to learn the Korean writing system. It’s not that difficult but I’m not a good student, too lazy. I’m trying to break that habit though.
Time to study my Korean…hmm gosh that Nintendo DS looks really interesting right now, I’m just going to play Super Mario Brothers for a little bit, THEN I’ll study.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The sea of apartment buildings, and stuff.
The area I live in is basically surrounded by huge apartment buildings. If you look in any direction you can’t help but notice them, they are everywhere. It makes sense though because there isn’t much room to build. The only direction you can build is up. The building I live in has several restaurants, a gym, a book store, my work, several shops, a grocery store, 2 other English schools, a Dunkin Donuts, and the top 2 floors are apartments. Theoretically you could just live in this one building and never leave. However, that wouldn’t be any fun at all. Here are some pictures of the sea of apartment buildings.
Anyway,
Today I decided to pick a direction and just start walking. I loaded my mp3 player, camera and some cash and started out. I was trying to find the slums I’ve heard about but I haven’t seen yet. I figured it would be a great place for pictures. I wasn’t that worried because if I got lost I would just hop in a cab and tell the driver to take me back home. I tried to pick the narrow streets as I find these more interesting then big roads. The first thing I noticed was the smells. Everything from seafood, to rotting seafood, to mystery meats, to garbage, to sewage filled my nostrils. I walked for about an hr in the same direction and eventually found Hwaseong Fortress. I walked around there for a while and decided to make my way back to get ready for work. Finding my way back was pretty easy as I took notice of landmarks on the way.
On a different note,
If you are reading my blog and contemplating a move over here let me give you some advice before you take the plunge. You really need to have multiple reasons for coming over here. If you come here just because you think the money is good you might end up regretting it. Money is not going to keep you happy, it doesn’t matter how much you are making. Eventually it will lose its value. It’s called the Theory of Abundance. If you have a lot of something eventually it loses its value. Once money isn’t important to you then you have nothing to fall back on when things get tough. You should have at least three reasons for coming here. My reasons are, learning a new language, experiencing the highs and lows of living internationally, and the opportunities for travel. If I find learning Korean is just too darn difficult and boring I have 2 other interests to fall back on. And please, for the sake of everyone here, don’t come here if you aren’t capable of finding a job in your own country. If you can’t find work in your own country there are probably things you need to work on before coming over. If you are American you are going to have to get used to the idea that people will not like you just because you come from America. And I’m not talking about the Koreans. I heard a story from another American when she was in training for her school (a rare thing). She said to a Canadian “I really can’t tell the different between an American and Canadian accent”. The Canadian woman replied, “That’s because you are American and think the world revolves around you”. Remember, the majority of the people who come here, come here because they can’t find work in there own country. Just be ready for some weird situations if you are brave enough to take the plunge.
Hopefully I haven’t scared you off, this is the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s certainly not for everyone though. This place chews foreigners up and spits them out on a regular basis. If you feel you can cope with these things then by all means come on over and you will experience things you can’t even begin to imagine.
One last thing, a new movie is in production about English teachers in Korea, here is a four page article about it. Movie about expats
Anyway,
Today I decided to pick a direction and just start walking. I loaded my mp3 player, camera and some cash and started out. I was trying to find the slums I’ve heard about but I haven’t seen yet. I figured it would be a great place for pictures. I wasn’t that worried because if I got lost I would just hop in a cab and tell the driver to take me back home. I tried to pick the narrow streets as I find these more interesting then big roads. The first thing I noticed was the smells. Everything from seafood, to rotting seafood, to mystery meats, to garbage, to sewage filled my nostrils. I walked for about an hr in the same direction and eventually found Hwaseong Fortress. I walked around there for a while and decided to make my way back to get ready for work. Finding my way back was pretty easy as I took notice of landmarks on the way.
On a different note,
If you are reading my blog and contemplating a move over here let me give you some advice before you take the plunge. You really need to have multiple reasons for coming over here. If you come here just because you think the money is good you might end up regretting it. Money is not going to keep you happy, it doesn’t matter how much you are making. Eventually it will lose its value. It’s called the Theory of Abundance. If you have a lot of something eventually it loses its value. Once money isn’t important to you then you have nothing to fall back on when things get tough. You should have at least three reasons for coming here. My reasons are, learning a new language, experiencing the highs and lows of living internationally, and the opportunities for travel. If I find learning Korean is just too darn difficult and boring I have 2 other interests to fall back on. And please, for the sake of everyone here, don’t come here if you aren’t capable of finding a job in your own country. If you can’t find work in your own country there are probably things you need to work on before coming over. If you are American you are going to have to get used to the idea that people will not like you just because you come from America. And I’m not talking about the Koreans. I heard a story from another American when she was in training for her school (a rare thing). She said to a Canadian “I really can’t tell the different between an American and Canadian accent”. The Canadian woman replied, “That’s because you are American and think the world revolves around you”. Remember, the majority of the people who come here, come here because they can’t find work in there own country. Just be ready for some weird situations if you are brave enough to take the plunge.
Hopefully I haven’t scared you off, this is the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s certainly not for everyone though. This place chews foreigners up and spits them out on a regular basis. If you feel you can cope with these things then by all means come on over and you will experience things you can’t even begin to imagine.
One last thing, a new movie is in production about English teachers in Korea, here is a four page article about it. Movie about expats
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Music, books, jetlag?
Sorry no pictures this post, anyway…
Earlier this afternoon I went to the park again and this time I brought my mp3 player. Its kind of strange but listening to my music is somehow different here. For instance I can’t ever seem to decide on what to listen too. Back home when I went for walks (a nightly occurrence) I never had trouble on deciding what to listen too, Radiohead, U2, Chili peppers, etc. Its almost as if my mind and body are just so messed up from this move I can’t even enjoy my music. Or maybe my music is what I listen to when I’m home, and I’m definitely not home so I don’t really enjoy it.
It’s the same with reading. I’m currently trying to read a book called “A Game of Thrones” and when I start to read I quickly lose interest. The book is very good and I was really into it when I was home. Maybe I’m just so far out of my comfort zone I just can’t really enjoy it.
Maybe this has to do with jetlag. I still feel really tired, my sleeping habits are a little weird. I can’t seem to settle into a good sleeping pattern. I keep waking up at night, or really early in the morning it’s pretty annoying. Or maybe, my mind and body just haven’t accepted that this is now my home. Once I do that I think I’ll be able to enjoy music and books again.
Anyway, my English has gotten TERRIBLE. I read my last post and some parts are just awkward. I apologize in advance its probably a combination of jetlag and having to drop words out of sentences or trying to use English with Korean grammar so people can understand.
My ARC should be ready Nov. 1. Oh that reminds me. At the immigration office I saw an Asian woman (probably Korean) who was obviously pregnant with a sweat shirt on that read and I quote “White Trash”. And that sweat shirt reminds me, one of my students yesterday who is 10 or 11 years old had a shirt on that said “Tease, Tease, Tease”. Gotta love it.
There is a lot that has happened and that is happening that I really can’t talk about on this blog. It’s too bad too, because what I have talked about so far is only about 10% of the stories I have. I’ll probably have to save it for the book. Ok now I’m going.
Earlier this afternoon I went to the park again and this time I brought my mp3 player. Its kind of strange but listening to my music is somehow different here. For instance I can’t ever seem to decide on what to listen too. Back home when I went for walks (a nightly occurrence) I never had trouble on deciding what to listen too, Radiohead, U2, Chili peppers, etc. Its almost as if my mind and body are just so messed up from this move I can’t even enjoy my music. Or maybe my music is what I listen to when I’m home, and I’m definitely not home so I don’t really enjoy it.
It’s the same with reading. I’m currently trying to read a book called “A Game of Thrones” and when I start to read I quickly lose interest. The book is very good and I was really into it when I was home. Maybe I’m just so far out of my comfort zone I just can’t really enjoy it.
Maybe this has to do with jetlag. I still feel really tired, my sleeping habits are a little weird. I can’t seem to settle into a good sleeping pattern. I keep waking up at night, or really early in the morning it’s pretty annoying. Or maybe, my mind and body just haven’t accepted that this is now my home. Once I do that I think I’ll be able to enjoy music and books again.
Anyway, my English has gotten TERRIBLE. I read my last post and some parts are just awkward. I apologize in advance its probably a combination of jetlag and having to drop words out of sentences or trying to use English with Korean grammar so people can understand.
My ARC should be ready Nov. 1. Oh that reminds me. At the immigration office I saw an Asian woman (probably Korean) who was obviously pregnant with a sweat shirt on that read and I quote “White Trash”. And that sweat shirt reminds me, one of my students yesterday who is 10 or 11 years old had a shirt on that said “Tease, Tease, Tease”. Gotta love it.
There is a lot that has happened and that is happening that I really can’t talk about on this blog. It’s too bad too, because what I have talked about so far is only about 10% of the stories I have. I’ll probably have to save it for the book. Ok now I’m going.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Park near my house
There is a little park near my apartment I went to the other day. It has a little path around a pond, a soccer field, a basketball court, and a skate park. I decided to get some exercise and walked around the park a couple times before work.
Anyway, this place is so different. At 10 or 11 at night you can see little kids running around the streets unsupervised. I'm not talking about street kids I'm talking about school kids. Its a very safe place to be in and people just let there kids roam around. I'm not used to seeing kids out at 10pm. Students go to school pretty much all day until 9 or 10 around here, pretty crazy. I heard a story of a little toddler just crawling around on a pool table at a pool hall. Food is everywhere, almost every other store around here is either food or a bar or both. The shops are all really small though, its kinda strange. Come to think of it everything around here is smaller, the cups, the stores, the cars everything. Driving is pretty dangerous, my first taxi ride the driver was going 100 mph on a normal street, needless to say I found my seat belt pretty damn fast.
I might be going to Seoul this Saturday with a Korean friend his sister (hopefully) and a waygookin (foreigner from Canada) friend. Should be interesting.
Anyway, today I'm going to get my ARC (alien registration card) this will allow me to get internet in my room and a cellphone. That's it for now, bye bye.
Anyway, this place is so different. At 10 or 11 at night you can see little kids running around the streets unsupervised. I'm not talking about street kids I'm talking about school kids. Its a very safe place to be in and people just let there kids roam around. I'm not used to seeing kids out at 10pm. Students go to school pretty much all day until 9 or 10 around here, pretty crazy. I heard a story of a little toddler just crawling around on a pool table at a pool hall. Food is everywhere, almost every other store around here is either food or a bar or both. The shops are all really small though, its kinda strange. Come to think of it everything around here is smaller, the cups, the stores, the cars everything. Driving is pretty dangerous, my first taxi ride the driver was going 100 mph on a normal street, needless to say I found my seat belt pretty damn fast.
I might be going to Seoul this Saturday with a Korean friend his sister (hopefully) and a waygookin (foreigner from Canada) friend. Should be interesting.
Anyway, today I'm going to get my ARC (alien registration card) this will allow me to get internet in my room and a cellphone. That's it for now, bye bye.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
It feels like I've been here a lot longer than 5 days
Well to continue my story.
My 2nd day here was my first day of work. The students were watching a movie so I thought I wouldn't have to teach. The last class (15 year olds in Korean) I did have to teach. My boss walked me into the room, introduced me and then left much to my surprise. I did ok but towards the end ran out of things to say. I knew this would happen but not on the 2nd day. I've heard stories of people being put in the class the first day after the long flight, luckily that didn't happen to me.
---------
Anyway,
To explain about ages, when Koreans are born they are 1 years old. It gets confusing with birthdays, the way it was explained to me is new years they age up a year. So they could be 2 years old before they are 1.
One thing I've already noticed is my english is getting much worse. I'm dropping words that are unnecessary and using lots of hand gestures. I can only imagine what it will be like after living here a long time.
The western community here is pretty cool. Everyone is pretty close and its almost like you belong to a club if you are a waygookin. I've learned a couple words in Korean and find myself automatically using them instead of english words. I'm hopefully going to be getting formal lessons from a Korean friend and his sister who teachers at a university.
I went to a Korean wedding today. It was pretty cool, a little different from ours but very nice. Then we ate, S. (my western co-worker and friend) and a Korean co-worker/friend went to Suwon Station (train and subway) to the shopping mall there. We met his Father and sister and did some shopping then ate at burger king. Hopefully I'll go to Seoul with them next saturday.
This place is so amazing words can't even come close to describing how utterly fantastic this place is. I'm currently in the honey moon phase of culture shock if you haven't guessed and I just love it. I've been to so many parties and bars and restaurants and met so many people and learned so much in such a short time. It really feels like I've been here much longer. I will start writing much more often as soon as I get a reliable internet connection in my room.
Sorry no pictures this time. I keep forgetting to bring my camera but will try to post some new pictures next time.
My 2nd day here was my first day of work. The students were watching a movie so I thought I wouldn't have to teach. The last class (15 year olds in Korean) I did have to teach. My boss walked me into the room, introduced me and then left much to my surprise. I did ok but towards the end ran out of things to say. I knew this would happen but not on the 2nd day. I've heard stories of people being put in the class the first day after the long flight, luckily that didn't happen to me.
---------
Anyway,
To explain about ages, when Koreans are born they are 1 years old. It gets confusing with birthdays, the way it was explained to me is new years they age up a year. So they could be 2 years old before they are 1.
One thing I've already noticed is my english is getting much worse. I'm dropping words that are unnecessary and using lots of hand gestures. I can only imagine what it will be like after living here a long time.
The western community here is pretty cool. Everyone is pretty close and its almost like you belong to a club if you are a waygookin. I've learned a couple words in Korean and find myself automatically using them instead of english words. I'm hopefully going to be getting formal lessons from a Korean friend and his sister who teachers at a university.
I went to a Korean wedding today. It was pretty cool, a little different from ours but very nice. Then we ate, S. (my western co-worker and friend) and a Korean co-worker/friend went to Suwon Station (train and subway) to the shopping mall there. We met his Father and sister and did some shopping then ate at burger king. Hopefully I'll go to Seoul with them next saturday.
This place is so amazing words can't even come close to describing how utterly fantastic this place is. I'm currently in the honey moon phase of culture shock if you haven't guessed and I just love it. I've been to so many parties and bars and restaurants and met so many people and learned so much in such a short time. It really feels like I've been here much longer. I will start writing much more often as soon as I get a reliable internet connection in my room.
Sorry no pictures this time. I keep forgetting to bring my camera but will try to post some new pictures next time.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
My first day in Korea
My journey began at Tucson International Airport. I had to board a flight to Las Vegas where I would catch another flight on Korean Air to the Seoul Airport. The flight to Las Vegas was a little rough but luckily I took some air sickness pills before the flight. Unfortunately I thought they were chew tablets, and boy did I learn my lesson. Never try to chew tablets that you are supposed to swallow, they taste absolutely disgusting. When I got to the Las Vegas airport I had to pick up my bags, and then find the international terminal. I was actually getting a little worried while I waited for my bags, that place was a mad house. I think I packed way too much, one of my bags weights 50 lbs, the other 28lbs, plus a backpack and laptop and I was coming pretty close to my own body weight. I had to ask directions to the international terminal because I was completely lost in that airport. Once I found the right shuttle I passed through security and waited for my flight.
My first taste of Korea was when I boarded the plane. As soon as I stepped on, I knew I wasn’t in America anymore. A handful of beautiful Korean Stewardesses were busy pouring drinks and preparing snacks for the coming flight. I found my seat right next to an ajumma (old lady) and sat down. We talked for a bit and I offered to trade seats with one of her relatives so they could sit next to each other. The flight itself wasn’t too bad, I slept on and off so it didn’t seem that long. Dinner consisted of Bibimbap. Being a waygook (foreigner) the Stewardess gave me a little card explaining how to enjoy Bibimap.
Breakfast consisted of an omelet which was surprisingly very tasty. When I finally landed in Seoul 13 hours later, I was very tired and sore. I passed through Immigration with no problems, then picked up my bags and headed for Customs. They put my bags through an x-ray machine and sent me on my way. After that I changed some American dollars into Korean Won and went to find a payphone to call my boss.
I called him and here’s how the conversation went.
Me: David, I’m at the Incheon airport
David: Hi Kevin, that was fast
Me; I will get on the bus to Suwon, will you be there to meet me?
David: Yes, get on bus I will be there a little later
Me: Ok bye
David: Bye
I had to ask someone for help to find the correct bus. I stepped outside and the first thing that I noticed was all the fog. You can’t really see it in this picture but it was VERY foggy.
The bus ride took longer than it was supposed to, traffic was pretty bad. It should have taken 40 minutes but actually took about an hr and a half. A female voice came over the speakers (we had a male driver) and she announced we were at Suwon. At this point almost everyone got up and handed the bus driver the bus ticket. What a weird thing to do, why hand the bus driver your ticket when the bus ride is over??? Anyway, the bus driver helped me get my bags and left. I looked around in the middle of a very busy street and realized David was no where to be found. The first thoughts of “what the heck am I doing here” started to creep into my mind. Here I am in a COMPETELY different country with no friends or family on a busy street I have absolutely NO idea where I am and I’m starting to get a little worried here. This is what I saw.
I called David again at a payphone and said I was at the correct bus stop. He had a hard time hearing me and for some reason the payphone kept hanging up in the middle of our conversation. David finally asked me if he could talk to someone who spoke Korean. I saw a man sitting at a table and asked him for help. He obviously had no idea what I was saying but picked up the phone said a couple things to me in Korean and handed it back. All I heard on the other line was a dial tone. At this point I was starting to get pissed. I called back David and told him to come pick me up, he heard the panic in my voice and said “I will be there in a little bit”. I hung up and waited. Five minutes later he showed up and drove me to the school. I was dropped off in my apartment, introduced to the other waygook (foreign) teacher named S. (name deleted just going to use first initial). We then left the apartment building to grab some food, and David left S. and myself alone to get to know each other. He than began to teach me about Korean culture and the foreign teacher I was replacing…
S. informed me that when a Korean guy says “I kicked my girlfriend” it really means “I broke up with my girlfriend”. He also taught me about hair cuts. “When you go to a barber shop, and it seems really really expensive it might not actually be a barber shop. The guy you are replacing told me he went to one and the lady kept saying ‘lets go to special room’ and the guy had no idea what she was talking about”. Yikes.
Anyway I went home after we were done eating and went to bed. I woke up during the night and decided to grab some food and take a walk around my neighborhood. This is what I saw.
Anyway, that was my first day in Korea. You think that was cool, weird, odd, totally bizarre? Wait till you hear about my 2nd day.
Anway, I'm very tired and will try to write about my second day in the morning.
My first taste of Korea was when I boarded the plane. As soon as I stepped on, I knew I wasn’t in America anymore. A handful of beautiful Korean Stewardesses were busy pouring drinks and preparing snacks for the coming flight. I found my seat right next to an ajumma (old lady) and sat down. We talked for a bit and I offered to trade seats with one of her relatives so they could sit next to each other. The flight itself wasn’t too bad, I slept on and off so it didn’t seem that long. Dinner consisted of Bibimbap. Being a waygook (foreigner) the Stewardess gave me a little card explaining how to enjoy Bibimap.
Breakfast consisted of an omelet which was surprisingly very tasty. When I finally landed in Seoul 13 hours later, I was very tired and sore. I passed through Immigration with no problems, then picked up my bags and headed for Customs. They put my bags through an x-ray machine and sent me on my way. After that I changed some American dollars into Korean Won and went to find a payphone to call my boss.
I called him and here’s how the conversation went.
Me: David, I’m at the Incheon airport
David: Hi Kevin, that was fast
Me; I will get on the bus to Suwon, will you be there to meet me?
David: Yes, get on bus I will be there a little later
Me: Ok bye
David: Bye
I had to ask someone for help to find the correct bus. I stepped outside and the first thing that I noticed was all the fog. You can’t really see it in this picture but it was VERY foggy.
The bus ride took longer than it was supposed to, traffic was pretty bad. It should have taken 40 minutes but actually took about an hr and a half. A female voice came over the speakers (we had a male driver) and she announced we were at Suwon. At this point almost everyone got up and handed the bus driver the bus ticket. What a weird thing to do, why hand the bus driver your ticket when the bus ride is over??? Anyway, the bus driver helped me get my bags and left. I looked around in the middle of a very busy street and realized David was no where to be found. The first thoughts of “what the heck am I doing here” started to creep into my mind. Here I am in a COMPETELY different country with no friends or family on a busy street I have absolutely NO idea where I am and I’m starting to get a little worried here. This is what I saw.
I called David again at a payphone and said I was at the correct bus stop. He had a hard time hearing me and for some reason the payphone kept hanging up in the middle of our conversation. David finally asked me if he could talk to someone who spoke Korean. I saw a man sitting at a table and asked him for help. He obviously had no idea what I was saying but picked up the phone said a couple things to me in Korean and handed it back. All I heard on the other line was a dial tone. At this point I was starting to get pissed. I called back David and told him to come pick me up, he heard the panic in my voice and said “I will be there in a little bit”. I hung up and waited. Five minutes later he showed up and drove me to the school. I was dropped off in my apartment, introduced to the other waygook (foreign) teacher named S. (name deleted just going to use first initial). We then left the apartment building to grab some food, and David left S. and myself alone to get to know each other. He than began to teach me about Korean culture and the foreign teacher I was replacing…
S. informed me that when a Korean guy says “I kicked my girlfriend” it really means “I broke up with my girlfriend”. He also taught me about hair cuts. “When you go to a barber shop, and it seems really really expensive it might not actually be a barber shop. The guy you are replacing told me he went to one and the lady kept saying ‘lets go to special room’ and the guy had no idea what she was talking about”. Yikes.
Anyway I went home after we were done eating and went to bed. I woke up during the night and decided to grab some food and take a walk around my neighborhood. This is what I saw.
Anyway, that was my first day in Korea. You think that was cool, weird, odd, totally bizarre? Wait till you hear about my 2nd day.
Anway, I'm very tired and will try to write about my second day in the morning.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Sunday, Life, and North Korea
Sunday is the day I leave for South Korea. Everything is set, I have my e-ticket, I've moved out of my apartment, my mom has my car, most of my shopping is done. My itinerary has me leaving Tucson in the evening, and flying to Las Vegas where I will catch a flight on Korean Air to South Korea. I leave Oct. 15 and get there Oct. 17. Korea is 16 hours ahead of my current time zone, gonna take a while to get used to that. The flight from Las Vegas to South Korea is about 12 hours long. After I get to the airport I need to change some money into the local currency, give my director a phone call, and catch a shuttle to Suwon which is about 40 minutes away. The director will be waiting at my shuttle stop to pick me up from there and take me to my apartment on the 12th floor of some really tall building. After that, the real adventure begins.
Friday has been a good day. I spent the afternoon running some last minute errands. I had to go to the post office and see why my mail isn't being forwarded to my moms address. I got that all sorted out and went shopping. I needed some new shoes and other things, then I went to the bank to withdrawal some money for the trip and ask what my bank's swift code is for international money transfers. I plan on transferring money to my bank account here in the states to pay off my student loans and credit card bill (only have one left) which shouldn't take me too long.
The evening I spent with some close friends. We went out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant, very good food. Then we went bowling. My first two games I did terrible, but my very last game was the best I've ever played in my life. I had a blast. Went home and played clue with my mom, step dad and my eldest niece, then decided to end the night watching one of my favorite anime series, Cowboy Bebop. It has a strange name, but its such a good show. Anyway it really brought back memories of college when my friend Josh introduced me to it. Cowboy Bebop really opened the flood gates and I fell in love with anime.
Anyway...
I'm sure everyone has heard by now that North Korea tested a nuclear bomb. Am I worried? A little bit yeah. But here's the thing, I'm not going to let someone else dictate my future. I want to teach and live in South Korea, and that's what I'm going to do. If I really felt my life was in danger of course I wouldn't go, but this thing will probably just blow over sooner or later. You can live in a hole if you want, you can live in the same city your entire life, that's fine with me. But I will not live a life like that. To quote one of my favorite movies "Human beings were not meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all day..." If you are the type of person who needs security, my life is definitely not the life for you.
I feel so alive. I can't even begin to imagine what the future holds. This will be my last post from the US for now, see you again in South Korea.
Friday has been a good day. I spent the afternoon running some last minute errands. I had to go to the post office and see why my mail isn't being forwarded to my moms address. I got that all sorted out and went shopping. I needed some new shoes and other things, then I went to the bank to withdrawal some money for the trip and ask what my bank's swift code is for international money transfers. I plan on transferring money to my bank account here in the states to pay off my student loans and credit card bill (only have one left) which shouldn't take me too long.
The evening I spent with some close friends. We went out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant, very good food. Then we went bowling. My first two games I did terrible, but my very last game was the best I've ever played in my life. I had a blast. Went home and played clue with my mom, step dad and my eldest niece, then decided to end the night watching one of my favorite anime series, Cowboy Bebop. It has a strange name, but its such a good show. Anyway it really brought back memories of college when my friend Josh introduced me to it. Cowboy Bebop really opened the flood gates and I fell in love with anime.
Anyway...
I'm sure everyone has heard by now that North Korea tested a nuclear bomb. Am I worried? A little bit yeah. But here's the thing, I'm not going to let someone else dictate my future. I want to teach and live in South Korea, and that's what I'm going to do. If I really felt my life was in danger of course I wouldn't go, but this thing will probably just blow over sooner or later. You can live in a hole if you want, you can live in the same city your entire life, that's fine with me. But I will not live a life like that. To quote one of my favorite movies "Human beings were not meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all day..." If you are the type of person who needs security, my life is definitely not the life for you.
I feel so alive. I can't even begin to imagine what the future holds. This will be my last post from the US for now, see you again in South Korea.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Downtown Tucson
Welp, this past saturday Alisha and I went downtown with our cameras and took some pictures. This was probably good for me, seeing that I had completely stopped taking pictures after Emily and I broke up. It was something we did together often and the interest died with our relationship. However, considering I'm moving to another country and want to document it as much as possible I really needed this photographic kick in the pants so to speak to get ready.
The only bad thing about it was Alisha recently lost a close friend (he died). So she was sad about that, we talked about it a little bit while we walked. I also got a phone call in the middle of our walk and learned the sad news that a friend of mine has leukemia. So those things kinda kept our outing more subdued.
Anyway here are my favorite pics:
What I like about this first picture is the roof over the walkway. Kinda gives me a sense of mystery for some reason. And the contrast between the bright sunlight and shade is kinda cool.
This next one I have a whole series on. As we were walking we came past these pillars with mirrors on them outside a music store. There's Alisha trying to take the same picture of me that I'm taking of her.
Looks like I captured myself in this pic, oh well I'm an amateur.
This next two are reflections of buildings in the windows of other buildings.
Here is a very ghostly reflection of Alisha, looks like shes trying to take the same picture.
And finally, just a neat picture.
The only bad thing about it was Alisha recently lost a close friend (he died). So she was sad about that, we talked about it a little bit while we walked. I also got a phone call in the middle of our walk and learned the sad news that a friend of mine has leukemia. So those things kinda kept our outing more subdued.
Anyway here are my favorite pics:
What I like about this first picture is the roof over the walkway. Kinda gives me a sense of mystery for some reason. And the contrast between the bright sunlight and shade is kinda cool.
This next one I have a whole series on. As we were walking we came past these pillars with mirrors on them outside a music store. There's Alisha trying to take the same picture of me that I'm taking of her.
Looks like I captured myself in this pic, oh well I'm an amateur.
This next two are reflections of buildings in the windows of other buildings.
Here is a very ghostly reflection of Alisha, looks like shes trying to take the same picture.
And finally, just a neat picture.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Maggie the cutest puppy ever
My first week of retirement from America's meat grinder was interesting to say the least. I ended up house sitting for my sister for the past week while I wait for my adventure to begin. My sister asked if I could watch her house and her dog while she and her family were vacationing in Mexico. I thought it would be awesome, she has a very nice house, her puppy is the cutest dog ever, and I wanted to enjoy my first week off. Little did I know that Maggie the cutest puppy ever, was actually a little monster in disguise.
Here she is in all her cuteness.
Saturday afternoon I made the drive to my sister's house to begin my relaxing week. After I let Maggie in the house she quickly began to take over. I would sit and try to watch TV with her but she insisted on being the center of attention. Every time I'd move she'd quickly jump on my lap feet flailing in the air mouth snapping at my fingers begging for attention. After about half an hour I remembered her weakness, doggy treats. I ran into the kitchen and found her treats and gave her what looked like beef jerky. The tactic worked and she left me alone for a good 15 minutes. As soon as she was done however, she went back to demanding my full attention.
She may look sweet, but shes actually waiting in ambush!
I was not feeling well at all that night. I wanted to go to bed around 10 because I have been fighting a cough for a couple days now. You can imagine what Maggie thinks about bed time. I could not get her into her crate, she absolutely refused to go to bed no way no how! Then I remembered her leash! I ran into the garage and found her leash and gently led the cute little monster into her crate for bedtime. After about 10 minutes of crying and barking she finally fell asleep.
The first night was rough. But I must admit, after that first night she completely stole my heart.
Ah well. I will miss Maggie and the rest of my family but people never grow if they don't push there comfort zones. I explained to a friend the other night that this will probably be the best thing that has ever happened to me. It will force me to face all my fears. I will be thrust into the most uncomfortable and unusual situations, all my pet peeves will be challenged, and I will come out on top.
The date has not changed, just waiting for my e-ticket...Oct 15 I move to another country.
Here she is in all her cuteness.
Saturday afternoon I made the drive to my sister's house to begin my relaxing week. After I let Maggie in the house she quickly began to take over. I would sit and try to watch TV with her but she insisted on being the center of attention. Every time I'd move she'd quickly jump on my lap feet flailing in the air mouth snapping at my fingers begging for attention. After about half an hour I remembered her weakness, doggy treats. I ran into the kitchen and found her treats and gave her what looked like beef jerky. The tactic worked and she left me alone for a good 15 minutes. As soon as she was done however, she went back to demanding my full attention.
She may look sweet, but shes actually waiting in ambush!
I was not feeling well at all that night. I wanted to go to bed around 10 because I have been fighting a cough for a couple days now. You can imagine what Maggie thinks about bed time. I could not get her into her crate, she absolutely refused to go to bed no way no how! Then I remembered her leash! I ran into the garage and found her leash and gently led the cute little monster into her crate for bedtime. After about 10 minutes of crying and barking she finally fell asleep.
The first night was rough. But I must admit, after that first night she completely stole my heart.
Ah well. I will miss Maggie and the rest of my family but people never grow if they don't push there comfort zones. I explained to a friend the other night that this will probably be the best thing that has ever happened to me. It will force me to face all my fears. I will be thrust into the most uncomfortable and unusual situations, all my pet peeves will be challenged, and I will come out on top.
The date has not changed, just waiting for my e-ticket...Oct 15 I move to another country.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Questions
Well, I've had to answer the same questions so many times I figured I would just answer them here. I realize people are very curious about it, but being asked 15 times the same question gets tiring.
Do I speak Korean?
Not yet, but I plan on studying very hard.
Do I like Korean food?
I don't know, never really had it.
Why Korea?
It wasn't about the country itself, it was more about teaching and traveling.
What is it about Korea that made you decide you wanted to go there?
In China the cost of living is very low, but so are the wages. Japan the cost of living is very high, so are the wages, but usually you have to pay for your own housing. Korea the wages are high, so is the cost of living, but you normally get a free furnished apartment.
Am I excited?
You bet, this is a life changing event. Think about it. I'm moving to a completely different country, that speaks a very different language, everything about it is different. So yeah I'm excited.
Am I worried about anything?
Not really, the school has a very good reputation. My new boss is really cool, and speaks good english. Crime is extremely low in South Korea. I've had my car broken into 3 times the past 2 years at my apartment building.
What are my future plans?
The short answer is that I will go wherever my dreams lead me. The long answer is this: I'm currently researching three different things. One, saving up enough money for graduate school once I get back to the states. Two, becoming a teacher here in north america. Or three, saving up enough money to backpack around the world for a few years on a shoe string budget.
Will I be posting any pictures of Korea here?
You bet. One of my hobbies is photography and this website will be plastered with photos as soon as I get there. I also plan on having some short videos once I get a nice video camera. Another idea I have is to start a podcast show about what it's like to live and teach in South Korea.
Where did I get the idea to do this?
Well unfortunately the person who gave me this idea decided his life wasn't worth living anymore, his blog has also been taken down. The link is over to the right where his blog used to be. I will have to take that link down sometime soon. Anyway, you can read my first post to learn a bit more about him and how I came across this idea.
Do I speak Korean?
Not yet, but I plan on studying very hard.
Do I like Korean food?
I don't know, never really had it.
Why Korea?
It wasn't about the country itself, it was more about teaching and traveling.
What is it about Korea that made you decide you wanted to go there?
In China the cost of living is very low, but so are the wages. Japan the cost of living is very high, so are the wages, but usually you have to pay for your own housing. Korea the wages are high, so is the cost of living, but you normally get a free furnished apartment.
Am I excited?
You bet, this is a life changing event. Think about it. I'm moving to a completely different country, that speaks a very different language, everything about it is different. So yeah I'm excited.
Am I worried about anything?
Not really, the school has a very good reputation. My new boss is really cool, and speaks good english. Crime is extremely low in South Korea. I've had my car broken into 3 times the past 2 years at my apartment building.
What are my future plans?
The short answer is that I will go wherever my dreams lead me. The long answer is this: I'm currently researching three different things. One, saving up enough money for graduate school once I get back to the states. Two, becoming a teacher here in north america. Or three, saving up enough money to backpack around the world for a few years on a shoe string budget.
Will I be posting any pictures of Korea here?
You bet. One of my hobbies is photography and this website will be plastered with photos as soon as I get there. I also plan on having some short videos once I get a nice video camera. Another idea I have is to start a podcast show about what it's like to live and teach in South Korea.
Where did I get the idea to do this?
Well unfortunately the person who gave me this idea decided his life wasn't worth living anymore, his blog has also been taken down. The link is over to the right where his blog used to be. I will have to take that link down sometime soon. Anyway, you can read my first post to learn a bit more about him and how I came across this idea.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Things are happening so fast
I remember months ago I warned my family and friends that when I finally did find a job, things were going to move extremely fast. I find it ironic that now that I have found a job, I'm shocked at how fast things are happening.
On Aug. 28 I applied with a well known and respected recruiting agency that helps place english teachers in schools world wide. On Aug. 29 they told me I had been accepted for a telephone interview. I don't recall what day I had the interview, but on September 5 they told me I was accepted and they would start looking for jobs for me. That same day the agency sent me my first job offer which I turned down figuring I could find something closer to Seoul. The next day I got another job offer but for less money and I did not agree to everything listed in the contract so I turned that down. I changed my mind on Sept 7 however, and accepted the first position offered. I was told my information was sent to the school and to wait for an interview. September 10 about 8pm the director of the school calls me for the "interview" which consisted of "I want to hire you". He then proceeded to ask me a bunch of weird questions that probably would have gotten him sued in america, how big was my family, how many siblings did I have. Thats not the typical american interview. I took it all in stride and we talked on yahoo messenger for a while after that. I found the conversation to be so odd and strangely cute I will post it here for you, with the names changed obviously.
My favorite line in the whole conversation is "Suwon city is a happy city" I mean who the heck talks like that? This is gonna be so cool!
David: this is David in South Korea.
David: hi, kevin
Me: Hey David, thanks for calling me
David: this is David in South Korea.
David: hi, kevin
David: nice to meet you
Me: Thanks, nice to meet you too
David: Here is at Suwon city in Korea.
David: Suwon city is a Happy city.
Me: I am excited and can't wait to come there
David: I sent our jobs descriptions to footprintrecruiting company a few minutew ago.
Me: Ok sounds good
David: If you want to our jobs descriptions, I can send you.
Me: Yes, I'd like that
David: Our academy is one of the largest academy in Korea.
You have received 1 file from david.
contract(original).doc
Open (Alt+Shift+O)
David: It is a conractment in Here.
David: So you had better read the documents carefully.
David: And then ask me any questions.
David: Let me introduce myself to you.
Me: Ok I will read them carefully
David: Our academy is "" Academy in Korea.
David: We have a lot of students over 1.000 in our academy now.
Me: That is a lot of students
David: And we have already prepared your housing in our building.
David: Our building is 3rd and 4th floor in here.
David: Your housing is on the 12th floor in here.
Me: Same building as the school?
David: Yes, same building.
David: very close.
Me: Ah, makes it easy to get to work then
David: that's right. And the room is single room.
Me: Is it furnished?
David: there is a basic furnished office buiding and we bought a few home appliance for you.
Me: Ok
David: If you want to come to Korea early, in advance you need to ready your documents.
David: we need three documents (original diploma. enveloping transcript. small size 2 photos)
David: And you should not open your transcript when you sent me.
Me: Alright, should not take me very long to get those things ready
David: Korea immigration office need enveloping transcript these days.
David: Okay. if you have any questions, send me from yahoo messenger.
Me: Ok, thank you
David: where do you live in now?
Me: I live in Tucson, Arizona
David: next to new mexico.
Me: Yes, it's very close to there
Me: It's very hot here, but a good place to live
David: okay. God bless you.
Me: You too
David: See you later.
Me: Bye
Lol this is going to be a blast...anyway
The next step was to send some documents to the school so they can have immigration process them and give me a visa number. Its not cheap to send 0.2 lbs of documents to South Korea, cost me $48, ouch.
So now I wait. Once I have the visa number, 7 to 10 days from when they start, I will then fill out a visa app and get my passport stamped with the visa, then I fly out to my new home. I'm estimating the rough time frame for me actually leaving is between 3 to 4 weeks, but could be as little as 2 weeks.
I have given my two week notice at work, and today sent out the goodbye email. I am such a sentimental person it was very hard writing that email. Trying not to be too emotional, trying to stay very professional but at the same time expressing my gratitude to the people I have worked so closely with.
I'm excited and will now try to switch to much more frequent blogging now that the time is near.
Today's movie quote comes from Blade Runner.
"A new life awaits you in the Off-World colonies. The chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure..."
On Aug. 28 I applied with a well known and respected recruiting agency that helps place english teachers in schools world wide. On Aug. 29 they told me I had been accepted for a telephone interview. I don't recall what day I had the interview, but on September 5 they told me I was accepted and they would start looking for jobs for me. That same day the agency sent me my first job offer which I turned down figuring I could find something closer to Seoul. The next day I got another job offer but for less money and I did not agree to everything listed in the contract so I turned that down. I changed my mind on Sept 7 however, and accepted the first position offered. I was told my information was sent to the school and to wait for an interview. September 10 about 8pm the director of the school calls me for the "interview" which consisted of "I want to hire you". He then proceeded to ask me a bunch of weird questions that probably would have gotten him sued in america, how big was my family, how many siblings did I have. Thats not the typical american interview. I took it all in stride and we talked on yahoo messenger for a while after that. I found the conversation to be so odd and strangely cute I will post it here for you, with the names changed obviously.
My favorite line in the whole conversation is "Suwon city is a happy city" I mean who the heck talks like that? This is gonna be so cool!
David: this is David in South Korea.
David: hi, kevin
Me: Hey David, thanks for calling me
David: this is David in South Korea.
David: hi, kevin
David: nice to meet you
Me: Thanks, nice to meet you too
David: Here is at Suwon city in Korea.
David: Suwon city is a Happy city.
Me: I am excited and can't wait to come there
David: I sent our jobs descriptions to footprintrecruiting company a few minutew ago.
Me: Ok sounds good
David: If you want to our jobs descriptions, I can send you.
Me: Yes, I'd like that
David: Our academy is one of the largest academy in Korea.
You have received 1 file from david.
contract(original).doc
Open (Alt+Shift+O)
David: It is a conractment in Here.
David: So you had better read the documents carefully.
David: And then ask me any questions.
David: Let me introduce myself to you.
Me: Ok I will read them carefully
David: Our academy is "" Academy in Korea.
David: We have a lot of students over 1.000 in our academy now.
Me: That is a lot of students
David: And we have already prepared your housing in our building.
David: Our building is 3rd and 4th floor in here.
David: Your housing is on the 12th floor in here.
Me: Same building as the school?
David: Yes, same building.
David: very close.
Me: Ah, makes it easy to get to work then
David: that's right. And the room is single room.
Me: Is it furnished?
David: there is a basic furnished office buiding and we bought a few home appliance for you.
Me: Ok
David: If you want to come to Korea early, in advance you need to ready your documents.
David: we need three documents (original diploma. enveloping transcript. small size 2 photos)
David: And you should not open your transcript when you sent me.
Me: Alright, should not take me very long to get those things ready
David: Korea immigration office need enveloping transcript these days.
David: Okay. if you have any questions, send me from yahoo messenger.
Me: Ok, thank you
David: where do you live in now?
Me: I live in Tucson, Arizona
David: next to new mexico.
Me: Yes, it's very close to there
Me: It's very hot here, but a good place to live
David: okay. God bless you.
Me: You too
David: See you later.
Me: Bye
Lol this is going to be a blast...anyway
The next step was to send some documents to the school so they can have immigration process them and give me a visa number. Its not cheap to send 0.2 lbs of documents to South Korea, cost me $48, ouch.
So now I wait. Once I have the visa number, 7 to 10 days from when they start, I will then fill out a visa app and get my passport stamped with the visa, then I fly out to my new home. I'm estimating the rough time frame for me actually leaving is between 3 to 4 weeks, but could be as little as 2 weeks.
I have given my two week notice at work, and today sent out the goodbye email. I am such a sentimental person it was very hard writing that email. Trying not to be too emotional, trying to stay very professional but at the same time expressing my gratitude to the people I have worked so closely with.
I'm excited and will now try to switch to much more frequent blogging now that the time is near.
Today's movie quote comes from Blade Runner.
"A new life awaits you in the Off-World colonies. The chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure..."
Friday, August 04, 2006
Preparing
Preparing can be bad.
Well two more steps have been completed. I have copies of my degree that have been notarized by the korean consulate, and I have a brand new laptop. The reason I need to buy a laptop here is that it can be a pain to find an english version of windows xp overseas so I might as well just buy it here. Sometimes I feel as if all these steps are just a way to make myself feel like I'm actually doing something with my life when all its doing is stalling my progress. I could have bought a laptop there, after much searching. I could have done any number of things over there that I decided to do here in preperation. I've been reading a lot about traveling and
one theme I keep coming across is that if you plan and plan, you'll most likely just end up staying exactly where you are at.
On a slightly different (but strangely related note) I've been thinking about this quote from The Matrix lately:
Morpheus: I imagine that right now, you're feeling a bit like Alice. Hmm? Tumbling down the rabbit hole?
Neo: You could say that.
Morpheus: I see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he is expecting to wake up. Ironically, that's not far from the truth. Do you believe in fate, Neo?
Neo: No.
Morpheus: Why not?
Neo: Because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.
Morpheus: I know *exactly* what you mean. Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad. It is this feeling that has brought you to me. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Neo: The Matrix.
Morpheus: Do you want to know what it is?
Neo: Yes.
Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work... when you go to church... when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot taste or see or touch. A prison for your mind.
I definitely have the look of a man who is expecting to wake up. Always telling myself I can do something later, or its just not that important right now, but tomorrow or next year it will be.
Well two more steps have been completed. I have copies of my degree that have been notarized by the korean consulate, and I have a brand new laptop. The reason I need to buy a laptop here is that it can be a pain to find an english version of windows xp overseas so I might as well just buy it here. Sometimes I feel as if all these steps are just a way to make myself feel like I'm actually doing something with my life when all its doing is stalling my progress. I could have bought a laptop there, after much searching. I could have done any number of things over there that I decided to do here in preperation. I've been reading a lot about traveling and
one theme I keep coming across is that if you plan and plan, you'll most likely just end up staying exactly where you are at.
On a slightly different (but strangely related note) I've been thinking about this quote from The Matrix lately:
Morpheus: I imagine that right now, you're feeling a bit like Alice. Hmm? Tumbling down the rabbit hole?
Neo: You could say that.
Morpheus: I see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he is expecting to wake up. Ironically, that's not far from the truth. Do you believe in fate, Neo?
Neo: No.
Morpheus: Why not?
Neo: Because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.
Morpheus: I know *exactly* what you mean. Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad. It is this feeling that has brought you to me. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Neo: The Matrix.
Morpheus: Do you want to know what it is?
Neo: Yes.
Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work... when you go to church... when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot taste or see or touch. A prison for your mind.
I definitely have the look of a man who is expecting to wake up. Always telling myself I can do something later, or its just not that important right now, but tomorrow or next year it will be.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Another step in the process.
Yesterday I called the South Korean Consulate in Chicago to inquire about getting my diploma notarized. See, in order to get my E-2 Visa which will allow me to teach in South Korea, I need to either get copies of my degree notarized, or use my original degree. Now I've been reading about this process for a while and it's highly recommended to use notarized copies so the original does not get stolen. Anyway, here's how the conversation went.
*ring*
First Lady answers in Korean.
"Hi, do you speak English?" Quickly realizing I wasn't yet in South Korea I continued, "Yeah, uhh I'm interested in moving to South Korea to teach English and I need to get my degree notarized do you guys do that?" I stuttered.
"One moment please" she replied in a thick accent. I was then put on hold with some K-pop music in the background, hmm, sure beats the jazz music they use for conference calls at work I said to myself.
Five minutes later the phone starts ringing again, the first lady picks up and says "Please hold a moment", in her thick Korean accent.
After what seemed an eternity another lady answers the phone in Korean.
"Hi", I say happily, "I need to get my degree notarized to teach in South Korea, can you help me with that?"
"Hello, what school did you go too?", The second lady asks.
"Lewis University", I replied proudly.
"What?", Apparently my school isn't that popular up there.
"Lewis University, it's in Romeoville Illinois", I said.
"Ok it's in Illinois. How many copies you want?"
"I'd like 10 copies".
"You want pen copies?" She asked.
"Uh what? Umm yeah I have a pen".
"What? How many copies do you want"? She said louder as if that would help me understand her accent.
"I want 10 copies", I repeated louder.
"Ah ok, we need you to send 11 copies of your diploma, your original diploma, $20 cash or money order, and a copy of your passport".
"You don't need my DNA, finger prints and retinal scan?" I quietly said to myself.
"What?" She asked confused.
"Great thank you!", realizing she had probably heard me but doubtful she understood.
Hanging up the phone I thought to myself, oh what adventures await me. I later found out that they would keep one copy, which is why they asked for 11. I was exhilarated and nervous at the same time. I've always had trouble understanding people with thick accents, and here I'm talking to someone who is in the United States working at the South Korean consulate and I can barely understand her. But that's all part of the journey, going some place that makes me uncomfortable, going some place new. Sure I might not be able to speak the language, read the writing, or understand the people who do speak English, but that's not too important is it? Oh what adventures await me indeed!
*ring*
First Lady answers in Korean.
"Hi, do you speak English?" Quickly realizing I wasn't yet in South Korea I continued, "Yeah, uhh I'm interested in moving to South Korea to teach English and I need to get my degree notarized do you guys do that?" I stuttered.
"One moment please" she replied in a thick accent. I was then put on hold with some K-pop music in the background, hmm, sure beats the jazz music they use for conference calls at work I said to myself.
Five minutes later the phone starts ringing again, the first lady picks up and says "Please hold a moment", in her thick Korean accent.
After what seemed an eternity another lady answers the phone in Korean.
"Hi", I say happily, "I need to get my degree notarized to teach in South Korea, can you help me with that?"
"Hello, what school did you go too?", The second lady asks.
"Lewis University", I replied proudly.
"What?", Apparently my school isn't that popular up there.
"Lewis University, it's in Romeoville Illinois", I said.
"Ok it's in Illinois. How many copies you want?"
"I'd like 10 copies".
"You want pen copies?" She asked.
"Uh what? Umm yeah I have a pen".
"What? How many copies do you want"? She said louder as if that would help me understand her accent.
"I want 10 copies", I repeated louder.
"Ah ok, we need you to send 11 copies of your diploma, your original diploma, $20 cash or money order, and a copy of your passport".
"You don't need my DNA, finger prints and retinal scan?" I quietly said to myself.
"What?" She asked confused.
"Great thank you!", realizing she had probably heard me but doubtful she understood.
Hanging up the phone I thought to myself, oh what adventures await me. I later found out that they would keep one copy, which is why they asked for 11. I was exhilarated and nervous at the same time. I've always had trouble understanding people with thick accents, and here I'm talking to someone who is in the United States working at the South Korean consulate and I can barely understand her. But that's all part of the journey, going some place that makes me uncomfortable, going some place new. Sure I might not be able to speak the language, read the writing, or understand the people who do speak English, but that's not too important is it? Oh what adventures await me indeed!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Understanding decisions others make
I'm really not sure how to start this blog. As many of you know I have wanted to live in another country and teach english for a long time now. This dream of mine started about 4 years ago while I was a college student.
One very late drunken night I came across Shawn Matthew's Korean Life Blog korealife.blogspot.com/ .
I read the ENTIRE thing in one night, all the archives, everything. I knew that night that I wanted to do this. I wanted to go overseas and experience all the craziness he did. I could tell it was hard, I could tell he struggled, but he always fought back and tried to stay positive about everything. He also wrote a book about his experiences. I bought the online version and read the entire thing in one night. The book was a little more candid about his struggles before he moved to korea. But damn if this guy didn't hang tough and work through all the difficulties. Eventually he got tired of Korea and moved to China to continue teaching. This guy is my inspiration to follow my dreams, no matter how tough it gets there is always a tomorrow, always something better you just need to go look for it.
Shawn is my inspiration to move to Korea and become an ESL teacher.
Last week May 23, 2006 Shawn Matthews took his own life.
His friend Jake's China Blog:
Jake's China Blog
His ex-girlfriend's Blog
Ling Ling
What's left of Shawn's China Life Blog:
The mostly deleted China Life Blog (CLB)
His current gf does not have a blog that I know of.
Be sure to read the comments, you can tell this guy was loved by so many, his China life blog (CLB) and Korean life blog (KLB) were extremely popular and the source of inspiration for SO MANY (myself included).
All this has caused me to re-evaluate my own decision, am I running from some past demons? Am I making a big mistake by doing this? On a full day of reflection my answers are no. I don't think Shawn made a mistake in leaving his home to go looking for adventure. He lived more in his 5 to 6 years overseas then I have EVER LIVED MY ENTIRE LIFE. I still plan on following in this guys footsteps, no matter how bad the culture shock is, being a functional illterate, and not being able to communicate. I will do my best to stay positive. You will be missed Shawn, by people all over the world.
I am currently waiting for my passport. I will not forget you Shawn.
One very late drunken night I came across Shawn Matthew's Korean Life Blog korealife.blogspot.com/ .
I read the ENTIRE thing in one night, all the archives, everything. I knew that night that I wanted to do this. I wanted to go overseas and experience all the craziness he did. I could tell it was hard, I could tell he struggled, but he always fought back and tried to stay positive about everything. He also wrote a book about his experiences. I bought the online version and read the entire thing in one night. The book was a little more candid about his struggles before he moved to korea. But damn if this guy didn't hang tough and work through all the difficulties. Eventually he got tired of Korea and moved to China to continue teaching. This guy is my inspiration to follow my dreams, no matter how tough it gets there is always a tomorrow, always something better you just need to go look for it.
Shawn is my inspiration to move to Korea and become an ESL teacher.
Last week May 23, 2006 Shawn Matthews took his own life.
His friend Jake's China Blog:
Jake's China Blog
His ex-girlfriend's Blog
Ling Ling
What's left of Shawn's China Life Blog:
The mostly deleted China Life Blog (CLB)
His current gf does not have a blog that I know of.
Be sure to read the comments, you can tell this guy was loved by so many, his China life blog (CLB) and Korean life blog (KLB) were extremely popular and the source of inspiration for SO MANY (myself included).
All this has caused me to re-evaluate my own decision, am I running from some past demons? Am I making a big mistake by doing this? On a full day of reflection my answers are no. I don't think Shawn made a mistake in leaving his home to go looking for adventure. He lived more in his 5 to 6 years overseas then I have EVER LIVED MY ENTIRE LIFE. I still plan on following in this guys footsteps, no matter how bad the culture shock is, being a functional illterate, and not being able to communicate. I will do my best to stay positive. You will be missed Shawn, by people all over the world.
I am currently waiting for my passport. I will not forget you Shawn.
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