I Don't Speak Greek Either...

But I got accepted into the program in Ios next May!! That's right, this girl's next stop is apparently going to be Greece, barring any major changes to the itinerary, such as an extension of my contract in Korea (which could happen - I really love it here). I'm not really all that surprised to be accepted, since I am applying so far in advance that it hasn't gotten competitive for spots. Still, I am of course very happy. I can't bear to think of the day when I leave Korea, but at least I have something amazing planned to help make it easier when the day comes (luckily that won't be for another eleven months).

I have Wednesday off, owing to an important election, which is why I'm still up this late on a weeknight. The teachers' BBQ got cancelled, as it is expected to rain tomorrow. I'm hoping for at least a small part of the day in which I can either take a long bike ride or go hiking (the mountain behind me is very tempting). I'm still sick, but at least I'm functioning better than I was. I've been drinking tons of liquids to help myself recover. Today I found pear juice in the grocery store, and it is delicious. I've also been drinking lots of honey water, which is very soothing.

The other teachers were commenting today on how much one of my classes (E2-A) adores me. A bunch of the kids waited for me outside the door of an earlier class and then escorted me to the teachers' room, where they almost knocked me over by all trying to hug me at once! Then three of them tried to sit in my lap at once. They're a really affectionate bunch of cuties, but keeping them on task is enough to make me pull my hair out some days! They beg for games everyday, but my conscience demands that I make the games educational, so I wind up wracking my brain each night for new ideas. I credit this class with a large part of my development as a teacher. If I'm effective, I have E2-A and my kindergartners to thank.

Emily and Lucy (from my E3-D class) have been trying to help me learn more Korean. Today they gave me a five minute lesson after class, trying to teach me the names of various school supplies. I am ashamed to say, they are far better students than I am. The only word I can remember is the one for pen! They did complement me on my excellent pronunciation of "thank you" though! I have a feeling my Korean is going to be nothing to brag about at the end of one year.

Concert in Bomun

Immediately after school got out, I hailed a cab and headed for Hwangseong-dong, where I had arranged to meet my friend Kristin at the Tous le Jours bakery (gotta love French bakeries in Korea). Imagine my surprise when the cab driver turned out to be that same wonderful guy who rescued me from downtown when I twisted my ankle a few weeks ago! He remembered me, too, so we had a friendly chat on the way to Hwangseong-dong.

Kristin was waiting for me, along with her boss, Kate, and her husband Park. Park drove us all to Bomun in his very comfortable car, which was a nice change from taxis. Bomun is the breath-takingly gorgeous resort section of Gyeongju. At present, it looks like a magical fairyland, owing to the thousands of cherry trees that are in full bloom. Tonight was the Cherry Blossom Concert, a free event that Kristin and I thought sounded like fun.

The concert was held in the elegant ballroom of the Concorde, a resort. I felt a bit under-dressed in my jeans, but no one seemed to notice or mind. There were a few choirs, as well as a world-renowned Korean singer who recently entertained at the White House. The music was amazing. Never mind that I couldn't understand the words, somehow that made it even more ethereal for me. The singer performed "Grenada" with more gusto than I have seen even in Mexico. He even did "My Way," formerly made famous by Sinatra. Pastor Baek was performing as well tonight (he plays the guitar really well and has a terrific singing voice), and he and the famous singer did a duet rendition of "Edelweiss" at the very end of the concert. It was so lovely, I nearly cried.

Then, following the established tradition of Koreans to provide food at every opportunity, we were served tea and huge, delicious slices of buttery cake with chocolate-covered plantains and a little tubular pastry. I have never before lived anywhere where people fed me as much as they do here! After we finished our treats, Pastor Baek came down to chat with us. He is the neatest, friendliest, funniest guy! He and I joked about eating spiders (in reference to his recent trip to Cambodia).

On the way home, Kristin and I entertained our Korean friends by performing the "Kickin' It in Geumchon" song, which has been stuck in both of our heads all day long. I think we're just going to have to make it the anthem for us ex-pats, since it so perfectly expresses much of our experiences! Upon learning that I had not eaten dinner, Kristin's boss gave me a roll of kimbap, which I delightedly devoured after they dropped me off back at my apartment.

Honestly, I don't think I can ever live in the US again! Korea has spoiled me!

"Kickin' It in Geumchon"

This is the song that is now stuck in the heads of all of us ex-pats over here in Gyeongju. Allison found this and introduced it to all of us, and now every time we get together, someone starts singing... I especially love the bit about kimchi (seriously, that stuff is addictive)!

Kindergartners Rock My World!

I have stumbled (believe me, that's the word for it) upon the perfect discipline solution for my kindergartners. It is effective, without me having to be a meanie or even having to raise my voice. Since we reward the kindy kids with stickers at the end of class for being good, I decided to use the stickers as leverage. Every day now, I draw happy faces on the board when the kids are good, and sad faces when they aren't. Three happy faces mean stickers for everyone, but three sad faces mean no stickers. Discipline problem solved!

My four littlest ones are so awesome to teach. Just over a month ago they spoke no English, and now they're chattering away and able to follow a myriad of commands. I'm so proud of them! They astounded me today by knowing all of their flashcard words and being able to answer "I'm fine" when I asked how they were doing. Keep in mind, these kids are only three and four years old. Impressed?

My second kindy class were on stellar behavior today. We whizzed through the material, and they got really excited over the new review game I came up with. I drew a picture on the whiteboard of a tree with bananas in it (which we counted together) and then taped up a picture of a monkey. For every question they answered correctly, the monkey got to climb up one rung of the tree. If they answered incorrectly, the monkey went down a rung. Once he reached the bananas, he gobbled them up (complete with sound effects, of course)!

My second class really love the "chicken dance," which I taught to them last week, so they begged me to do it again today. Since they had been so good, we not only did the "chicken dance," I also invented a "frog dance" and a "duck dance" (the "duck dance" was basically a can-can with lots of quacking). They were delighted. After we finished an encore round of the "chicken dance" (still their favorite of the three), Erin asked, "Now cow dance, teacher?" Fortunately, it was time to give them their stickers and release them! I have a feeling, though, that I will be creating a lot more dances in the future.

A Step Towards the Future

Well, I did it: today I sent in my application for a TEFL intensive (four week) course. If my application is accepted, this will give me certification, as well as a great deal of training in better teaching methods. The course I want to take will give me actual classroom experience, as opposed to one of the cheaper online courses which would not add in any way to my experience. I could, of course, continue to get employment overseas without the certification, but with it I can get better jobs, and more of them. Plus, if I ever decide to move back to the US, it would help me secure employment there.

Originally I was planning to apply for the course held in Florence, but then I found out I could take one in Ios (a Greek island), which totally pushed Florence aside. For my second choice, I decided on Alexandria, Egypt. It would be every bit as amazing as Florence, plus it would cost about five hundred dollars less. The session I want to get into is in May of 2009. I figured I should apply now, so I can have plenty of time in advance for saving the money I need and booking my airline tickets. Also, if I get accepted, I'll be able to better plan my wanderings after my contract is completed here in Korea. I think my idea of touring Europe for the month before the TEFL course is a sound one, as I can fulfill a dream while saving a bit on airfare.

I'm feeling a bit better now, having spent most of the day medicated and sleeping. I found honey water for sale yesterday and bought a bottle to try. It was quite good, and very soothing for my throat. I think I'll pick up some more after I teach my kindergarten classes tomorrow. I also discovered that they sell liquid vitamin C here, which also doesn't taste half bad. Maybe I can avoid going to a doctor after all!

I got some great news from home earlier today: my car is back at the dealer and officially no longer mine! As much as I liked that car, I love the freedom of no longer owning a car. No more getting fleeced paying for insurance, no more overpriced gas, no more stress from stupid drivers. I hope I can get well into my thirties before I ever have to own a car again.

I had a bit of fun when talking to my parents. I decided to spring the news on them that I'm considering employment in Taiwan or Vietnam next (although Europe is still under consideration, of course). My poor mother was unable to speak for a moment! I don't think she likes the idea of me living in Vietnam! It's her own fault though; she and Dad raised me to be independent and allowed me to play with atlases from an early age. They should have realized they were planting the seeds of wanderlust.

Church, Pizza, and Getting Sicker

I took a nice big dose of NyQuil last night (technically this morning, as it was about 1:45 am) and wound up sleeping until 2:00 pm today! I was shocked, since I have been getting up by 8:00 every morning since I moved to Korea. I was a little bummed at losing so much of my Saturday, but the extra sleep was probably good for my body.

After a tasty breakfast of French toast (I make the best French toast ever, by the way), I did some light cleaning. Then I walked over to Lotte (a grocery store) to meet my friend Kristin, a fellow Christian. The two of us went to the only English church service in Gyeongju, which is held at 3:30 pm on Saturdays at a very attractive Presbyterian church downtown. Since it's taken me forever to find out where to go, this was my first service.

Koreans, at least those I have met, are friendly, wonderful people. The Christian Koreans are about twice as friendly and wonderful, which I did not think would be humanly possible. JL Church has a charming custom for welcoming visitors: I was asked to stand while the church sang a blessing to me. Then the pastor, Pastor Baek, came and spoke about his recent visit to Cambodia while one of the women translated (Pastor Baek doesn't speak very much English). The sermon was delivered by an American man who teaches at one of the universities here. It wasn't terribly insightful, but it wasn't bad either. I guess I'm a bit spoiled after the terrific pastor I had back home, as well as some of the Bible classes I took in college.

After the service was over, there was food and fellowship. Once again I was asked to stand so that the members could sing another song of blessing to me. Then I got to blow out a candle on a stack of cakes. Everyone was eager to talk to me, so I had a hard time getting to eat any of the delicious food! I met several unbelievably sweet little girls, whom I'm looking forward to getting to talk to more in the future. I always liked kids, but now that I'm a teacher, I'm getting positively addicted to them! Especially these darling Korean children.

I also got a chance to talk to all of the adults who were there. There were probably about twenty people there, so it was easy to get to meet everyone. Pastor Baek told me a bit more about his trip to Cambodia, which was really interesting. I wish I spoke Korean so that I could have heard even more. He told me that he and his wife were served cooked spiders, a popular Cambodian dish, and that he only ate a leg, but his wife ate all that she was served. He then told her not to kiss him! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of these wonderful new friends better in the future. That's one of the great things about being a Christian - you meet people all over the place that you have an instant bond with because you share something so special.

After church, Kristin and I decided to do some shopping downtown. I was feeling pretty lousy, but I decided to ignore it. I found three adorable new tops, which will be great for the warm weather that is upon us. Clothes are inexpensive here, and there are tons of really cute styles to be had. Kristin and I decided to go for coffee, so we tried out a neat little place where I had a fantastic cafe mocha. Koreans have definitely mastered the art of delicious coffee. After we finished our coffees, Kristin showed me a terrific inexpensive Asian food store, where I got a few new mixes to try. Then we went to another coffee place to join several of our friends.

The eight of us spent some time engrossed in conversation, and then we went to Pizza Bingo, which sells amazing pizza, to pick up dinner. Clare, one of my many new friends, is leaving next week, so there was a going away party for her tonight. I am really bummed that her contract is up, as she's such a fun person to hang out with.

Unfortunately, by the time we got to Clare's, I was feeling a lot worse. My face and neck were hurting so much that I could barely keep from crying. After finishing my pizza, I started to feel quite nauseated as well. I decided that the best thing for me to do would be to go back home, so I said my goodbyes and took a cab back. And not a moment too soon, either. I'll spare the gory details, but let's just say this definitely is not just a cold.

I'm a little better now, but still miserable. I heated up my hot compress, which is helping the pain, and I took some Vicodin, which is also helping. I'm not running a fever anymore, but I am definitely getting worse. If I'm not better by Monday, I think I'm going to let Cate take me to a doctor.

Whimper!

The dak galbi was delicious tonight. Afterwards we went out to a pool hall and played pool until after one, at which point I had to leave because I was too miserable to stay out any longer. Whatever I have is definitely getting worse. My throat is killing me, and the Korean drugs aren't helping anymore. My fever is higher, too.

I've decided to give in and skip going to watch the Cherry Blossom Marathon in Boman. I'll still go ahead with the rest of my plans for Saturday, but at least I'll spend the morning resting. Maybe, just maybe, I'll feel a bit better by the afternoon.

The Korean situation is about the same today. North Korea is upset because South Korea supposedly sent three warships into their territorial waters, so Kim Jong-Il threatened to reduce South Korea "to ashes." Nice. None of my Korean acquaintances seem very perturbed by the recent tension; they think the North is just all talk. I hope they're right, and they probably are. Still, the situation is worth keeping an eye on.

Yeah, I'm Sick

Denial is getting me nowhere; it's time to just admit it: I am sick. I have no idea what I have, but it is decidedly unpleasant. I went to a pharmacy yesterday and got some good drugs from the English-speaking pharmacist, so my throat isn't hurting as much now. I am pretty sure I have a decent fever going, my body feels like two ogres played ping pong with it, and my sinuses are trying to set the world record for snot production.

I had the morning off, which was wonderful. I listened to music, did the dishes, and loafed around. All I have to do now is survive eight classes, all of which are expecting fun games today. Ugh. I really hope I can convince the kids to play hopscotch - it's the easiest game. Then I'm supposed to go out with friends tonight for dak galbi, which I refuse to miss. The cheesy rice alone would be enough to make me crawl from my deathbed. Saturday is the Cherry Blossom Marathon, which I was planning to go watch, and the going away party for my friend Clare. If I can just survive all the fun, I can collapse on Sunday (I hope).

I may have to stop by the store today and invest in one of the masks Koreans wear everywhere when they're sick - at least it would help me not spread my illness. I'm just glad that I didn't get this "whatever-it-is" on Monday - my week would have been miserable to get through.

A Bad Situation

Today the ongoing heated situation between North and South Korea got worse. I have been following this situation closely for the past few weeks, and I have to say, Kim Jong-Il is making me nervous. The guy is an arrogant idiot whose sanity is rather questionable. Last week he expelled eleven South Koreans from a joint industrial park and test-fired missiles off the west coast. Today he has made severe threats against the South and broken off dialogue with Seoul. South Korea has also made some threats, which didn't really help matters. Kim is claiming now that the two Koreas are on the brink of another war.

Technically, the Korean War is still ongoing. There was no peace agreement signed in 1953, just a ceasefire. Over the past few years, things have gotten a bit more pleasant between the North and the South, but now relations are getting bad again. The new conservative president of South Korea, Lee Myung-Bak, has not met with approval from the North. Kim has accused Lee of being corrupted by the US.

I am definitely going to continue to keep a wary eye on the news. It would be practically suicidal for North Korea to attack, but Kim may not be smart enough to see that. I am really glad I don't live in Seoul!

I Refuse to Get Sick

Eddy, one of my kindergartners, said the sweetest thing to me today: "Oh Teacher, you very beautiful!" Then Amber and Liz chimed in in agreement: "Yes, Teacher very beautiful!" I love these kids!

The sad part is, I really am not beautiful today. I seem to be coming down with something (oh please God, not another bout of flu, please, please, please). I woke up with a very sore throat this morning, and I seem to be gaining symptoms as the day goes on. I've taken some meds, but nothing is helping yet. Dang it! I was doing so well with not getting sick, and now this! Maybe denial will make it go away?

I'm going to stop by the pharmacy on the way home from school tonight and see if they have anything better than what I brought from the US. I have tomorrow morning off, so maybe I can zap this thing with lots of meds, fluids, and rest, and be better by Monday. I really don't want to have to go to a doctor.

Cherry Blossoms

The cherry blossoms are in full bloom all over Gyeongju now. It is gorgeous!!! There is one tree I pass under on my way home every day that reminds me of a bride (which makes me think of Anne of Green Gables, when Anne Shirley made that same observation about a tree). One street even has a whole line of cherry trees, all apparently trying to outdo one another. Wow! Stunning!

New Students

Just when I finally learned the names of all of my students, I got more students! Two new kids, Mindy and Andy, were added to my E4-B (phonics and vocabulary) class. Both of them are cute, smart, and friendly. They're fitting in splendidly, so I don't mind that class getting bigger (they were a good class to start with). Mindy in particular is a real sweetheart.

Cate also decided to merge two classes, so my E3-D (phonics) class, which previously had only four students, now has eleven. Here is where the problem comes: the new kids are much slower and the original four students resent the "intruders." I am finding it a challenge to bring the new kids up to speed without boring the other kids, or worse yet, adding to their resentment. At least the seven new students are pretty well behaved. I miss the intimacy of the smaller class, though.

I also lost a few students (fortunately none of my favorites, although I did like all but one of the kids I lost). My last class of the day lost the biggest troublemaker, for which I am grateful (he was a monster), as well as one of the girls. She never talked, so her absence isn't really noticeable, but I still kind of miss her. In my E2-A (phonics) class, I also lost one. This kid was a sweet little guy who could be a handful sometimes, but was just so cute and enthusiastic that I never really minded. As much as I liked him, I have to say that the class is quieter and better behaved without him.

That's the one downside of being a teacher - I can't hold onto my students forever. I dread the day my contract ends! How could I ever say goodbye to kids like Rosie, Jinny, Erin, Sally, Rose, Perry, Gene, Emily, Amy, Harry, Sam, or Jay? And what about Cali, Anne, Angie, Tracy, Minnie, Patrick, Isaac, Chad, Lynn, or Linda? Not to mention Liz, John, Sam, Tommy, Cleo, Gloria, Mindy, Susie, and Lisa! I never knew I could fall in love with so many kids!

The Phone Saga

My quest for a cell phone has been long and rather ironic. I originally agreed to buy the former teacher's cell phone, since she couldn't use it any more and since it would save me money. Since she stayed in Korea for an extra month after her job ended, I agreed to wait and let her keep the phone for that long. Then, owing to some miscommunication, the phone was left with someone else when she left and it took another two weeks for it to make it to me. Yesterday, I was ecstatic to finally get the phone.

Slight problem. When I finally got the phone and charged the battery, I couldn't get it to work. Figuring I just wasn't hitting the right buttons, I brought the phone to Cate, who pronounced it broken. She took it to see if it could be fixed, and learned that it couldn't. The irony was hilarious; I had waited forever for a phone, only to have it be broken when I got it. Cate resolved the issue by buying me a brand new phone. This one is much more befitting my tastes: it's a slider, which I like, and it is very small and lightweight, with loads of extra features, like a camera, organizer, and MP3 player. My new phone was definitely worth the wait!

A Very Appropriate Interruption

I was happily teaching away in my E5-B class when suddenly, I was interrupted. Not by a student, which would be normal, but by the most unexpected thing ever: a chicken. That's right, a real, live, chirping chicken. One of the boys apparently just got a chick and decided to bring it to school with him. How appropriate, considering that I was just doing the chicken dance this morning!

How does one properly handle a chicken interrupting their lesson? As this was not covered in any of the education courses I took in college, I had to ad lib. So, I decided to handle the situation with humor. I invited the chick to join us in singing, praised it for singing well (it did actually chirp along with the song), and warned the students not to cheat by asking the chick for answers. The lesson went quite well, and I think even the chick had a pretty good time.

For the record, this post is not an April Fools joke. It honestly happened!

Chicken Dance

Who can guess what I taught my kindergartners today? My sister will be so proud because, yes, I taught them the "Chicken Dance." It brought back memories of my sister's wedding, which is probably the last time I did that dance in public! Naturally, the kids thought it was the greatest thing ever, so I imagine I'll be doing that dance a lot in the future.

I also got some good news from Cate this morning: there is no school on April 9th, so we teachers get a day off and a BBQ at the park that afternoon. I am really looking forward to it. I love having a fun job for a change!