2012 - Part 1

I understand that I am starting this a little prematurely, but with the end of the year approaching and all this talk of the end of the world it got me thinking reflectively on this past year. Also, we have started to to see things online stating "Best of..." for the year. Best music, best movie, biggest moment for so and so - the list goes on. So I guess I wanted to make a list of my own. Or more like, a reflection of my year.

While I am reflecting, I am honestly shocked at myself, and the amount of change that a person and a whole life can change in the space of a year. People who know me well know my least favourite saying is "life is short". I mean, what the fuck are you gonna do thats longer than be alive? I know a memory or a deed can last forever but an action? No, life is NOT short... it is as long as it has to be. And this year has made me realise how much more you can fit into it.

If I have learnt anything this year (and I have, I have learnt heaps) its that things can change in the blink of an eye, and I believe the key to being happy and healthy is to be flexible and accepting of change. This has been the biggest and most rewarding lesson for me in 2012.

January

I have no idea what I was doing in January. Someone might be able to help me out here... I'm guessing I was job searching, because I was really unhappy working for Neco Holding (who met a fateful end - more to come) and was always on the lookout for a better and more rewarding job. 

I don't even remember what I did for New Year... Was it this year that I was ay Viv and Vron's? I have no clue.

I have no idea where this was taken or why - but I uploaded it to the comp in January. 

February

Again, no idea. I know I was still working. Just cruising along and my snail pace. If I have missed something epic please tell me because my memory has failed. I know I went to the Southern 80 with Elene, which is always the best part of Feb. I'm shattered I am missing out next year. Oh well. 

Actually, in Feb I started Karate. Now, everyone gives me a fair bit of shit about this, but worked really hard to try and learn the katas, and I really enjoyed going. And when I get home I will hopefully start it up again. If not karate then some other martial art thing... It's good to know how to defend yourself and also for fitness. 

Moving on...

March

Ah... This was when the winds of change started blowing. Poetic huh? But true none the less. The company I was working for, Neco, went into voluntary administration. Bankrupt. Myself and everyone else made redundant. There is no point going into what happened but the bottom line was many people ended up unemployed. It was one of the years defining moments, and the day we finished up will stay in my memory forever. 

we got to work a bit later than usual, because everyone knew it was the end. We had done no work that week (it was a Wednesday) and we knew that this week would be the last. I assumed it would be Friday though... Anyway, our boss called us all upstairs and he gave us the news, said we had to clear out our desks and be off premises by 12pm. He gave us an info pack full of stuff related to government entitlements and whatever. Also letters of recommendation and other things. It was a nice gesture, one that I appreciate more now than I did at the time. He even let us raid the online store before we left. I remember leaving the office and going to have a coffee with a work friend... The whole thing was surreal. Still kinda is, in a distant way. 

I took at least 25 Neco mugs from the online store, as well as various other bits and pieces. I have no clue why I took the mugs... 

Anyway, March saw me without a job.

I also went to Torquay with the team, which was fun. We went over the Labour Day weekend. I took Billie to her first horse show, where she placed in her first ever led class. I know it was just a small show but it meant something to me. 

One of my best friends, Sarah, got engaged and asked me to be her bridesmaid. Well, this actually happened earlier, but the engagement party was at the end of March. 

Me and Billie at Doongala

Dan, Kirst and Nay at Torquay

April

I had another friends engagement party, Louise. Her and her fiance live around the corner from me and I love it. (seeing a trend yet?)

In March I had started delivering flowers for Darren's Flowers, but I started to pick up more work in April. I was still looking for work at the time, something in my field of study (I was looking for something in sustainability) but with no luck. My beautiful and amazing step-mum Sue asked me if I would like to work on her business with her to which I replied with a resounding YES! This led to the next defining moment of 2012. My trip to Sydney.

Sydney

On the 29th I went to Sydney. I flew out in the morning and came back in the late evening the following day. I went to attend a workshop with the Green Building Council of Australia, to get a better understanding of the Green Star Energy Rating system. The original plan was that myself and Sue were going to go to Sydney for the weekend and have a bit of a girly trip away and fly home after I attended the conference. 

Misfortune soon struck and Sue had to fly to Perth to be with her sick mother. This left me with 2 options - pick another weekend to do the course (both me and Sue were looking forward to the time) or go alone. 

I did NOT want to go by myself. I hate being alone and change scares the shit out of me. I hate meeting new people and I don't like trying to make new friends. I had not been to Sydney since the Olympics, and what the hell would I do with myself for 24-48 hours? But something made me go anyway... 

Now, everyone knows I am not a religious person, but I honesty felt that there was some sort of divine intervention at work, because there is no way I would have made that decision otherwise. I am the opposite of independent (dependent on everyone and everything to be honest) yet here I was deciding to go to Sydney alone and do this course. 

Dad dropped me at the airport and off I went. I arrived in Sydney, shitting myself (not literally thank God) and made my way to the hotel via a shuttle bus that dropped me at the door. The hotel was beautiful, right on the Harbour. From my room I could see the Opera House. I spent that afternoon wandering around Circular Quay and visiting markets and galleries. I took touristy pics of the Bridge and the Opera House. It was one of the best afternoons I have had in ages. I had never felt so completely free.

The course the next day was a little dull but enjoyable enough. No one good looking though... 

Afterwards, I went to get my bags, get changed and get dinner. I caught the airport train to the airport his time, and didn't get lost. I boarded the plane, flew into Melbourne and dad and Sue picked me up from the airport. I grabbed my car from their place and drove home, had a chat with mum and went to bed with Pawpaw at my feet. Back to normal...

But something had changed. I didn't know what, but I felt I had changed somehow - I wanted something more.

Another highlight of April was that I broke Billie to saddle, and rode my pony for the first time. April was a big month.

More to come, as I collect my thoughts :)

xoxo

Weekly wrap up

Weekly wrap up - 

So here we are again on Sunday. I always like to do a weekly summary, and share some deep insight with you, fellow citizens, but this week nothing really comes to mind. I mean, OBVIOUSLY things happened (you know when you haven't seen someone in ages, and you ask them "so, what have you been up to?" and they reply, "oh, nothing much." and its obviously a lie - as if they haven't done anything in MONTHS) but I can't decide whether or not they are worthy of a blog entry.

For example, I made myself pancakes for breakfast this morning. I am getting way better at pancakes actually, so maybe this is worthy of writing about.

Ooo, another worth event - it was Cheng's birthday on Wednesday and we went out for a bite to eat at a Chinese restaruent in Pyeongtaek. The food was really good, it was a nice change from Korean food. And the company was fantastic as always. Then on Saturday night we trekked into Gangnam for Cheng's birthday celebration 2.0, having dinner at an Italian place and then to a club.
The restaurant was called California Pizza Kitchen, and it is located in Gangnam right near Sinnonhyeon Station exit 6. The food was great, I forgot my camera and my phone ran out of juice so I don't have any pics to post unfortunately. But I had the walnut carbonara and it was lovely and creamy. Actually it was the richest thing I have eaten since coming to Korea so I was feeling a little gross after I ate but I swear it was so good I had to keep eating! And what I didn't eat lovely Mathilda finished off for me :) It was a little more pricy than the foods at home (by home I mean Songtan), I think it was 13,900 won for my meal.
Then we went after to a club down the road called Eden. It was super fun, and regrettably I went home early but I wish I had stayed. We got in for free thanks to the beautiful Catarina who got us all on a guest list, but once in the drinks were SUPER expensive - I paid 12,000 for a vodka and soda. The shots were something like 9,000... Very pricy. But, the music was really good, it was all house music when I was there and apparently it stayed good all night. The best part? They were songs from home!!! And the DJ was a chick (which is probably why the music was so good). I mean, some of the stuff was a little older, and maybe it wasn't good at all and I was just excited to hear familiar tunes. Whatever. And... They boys were WAY hotter here than at home. I mean, super good looking. So now I know where all the hot Korean boys have been hiding. If you are looking for one, they all live in Gangnam, which actually makes sense.
I ended up cathing the last bus to Osan home with Heejin and Dave, but I think Heejin actually would have rather stayed and partied. Next time we will!

For anyone wondering, the last bus from Gangnam to Osan leaves from near exit 7 at Gangnam Station at around 1am. It was a little late, I think it arrived at about 1:10, but it got us back to Osan by 2ish. And then the cab ride to my place was about 7,000 which was great. So there is some new info for the masses! Don't all thank me at once.

Umm... I don't think I did anything else of note...

I am in the midst of a disagreement with Co. Its over winter camp of course, not the first disagreement we have had over it either. This time, I suggested that we make the camp shorter and have all the students in together. He is convinced that i am lazy and trying to get off doing work. And so it goes on. He called my recruiter at Korvia for some reason, to say that I didn't understand my contract. I have since emailed my GEPIK co-ordinator to double check that I am right (which I am pretty sure I am...) anyway watch this space.
God I hope I get a new co-teacher next year.
I have said it before and I will say it again. I am sure he is a nice enough guy. I just don't want to work with him. I can't remember if I blogged about it or not, but his idea of dicipline leaves a lot to be desired, and he is a control freak. I need a more positive and imaginitive person to work with. or I just need to come to terms with the fact that I have a long time to go working with this bloke so I need to suck it up.
End rant.

In other news...

It hasn't snowed this week but it has gotten warmer. As in around 2-5 degrees C so practically balmy. And I fell over on ice on Monday or Tuesday and made a dick of myself in front of a heap of people. It was awesome (not).

Thank god it is payday tomorrow, because I am broke... And I need to get some Christmas gifts for people. Anyone at home reading this be warned - you will probably not recieve a gift. Its not because I hate you, actually I love you all more that you know, but I just can't afford it at the moment. So I will just save up gifts and send them over when I have some spare cash. Or you can have something fun from me when I get home. 

We are doing some cool xmas things with the people here, I am going to Mia's for Christmas Day, and doing a pot luck Christmas party with another friend before Christmas. So we have that holiday covered... And then SISSY arrives! So pumped for that, we are down to 11 days to go :D

Milky is doing really well, even though I didn't go back to the vet on Saturday. I couldn't afford to get the booster vaccinations, so he will have to wait until next weekend. I am hoping it is no biggie, they even sent me a text to remind me. Oops. But we had to eat! And drink... and party... Ok, so maybe my priorities are a little bit out. But trust me, Milky is fine and happy as a pig in shit. He is currently snoozing in front of the fridge, one of his fave places. 

Plans for this week? Well, hump day has been moved to Tuesday because we all (well, most) have a day off on Wednesday. WOOOHOOO!!! 

"Why, Bonnie?"

Well, because of the elections! We may have a race that stops a nation, but in Korea the elections stop the nation. I don't know too much about it to be honest, but I think I want Number 2 to be elected. The old guy, for those playing at home. But because if the day off, it will be a HUGE night on Tuesday night I am fairly certain we will be getting pissed in Suwon and being hungover all day Wednesday. If not hungover I plan on going to the Tim Burton Exhibition which is on in Seoul atm, and then maybe iceskating in the city. Romantic huh!?!

And then friday is the last day of term, and I have 2 weeks off! So excited, I really need a break. 

No pics to show you this week, I haven't really taken any. Sorry, my bad. But I haven't been anywhere!!! I promise I will have more to show next Sunday.

Till later, then.

xoxo

Winter is Beautiful

And I thought I loved summer...

Winter in Korea is something else entirely!

  Pretty much since December hit we have had snow. The first snow flurry I missed, I was too busy doing nothing at my school computer. But the second time... Well! It was beautiful! It was just after lunch at school, and Jeong came tearing into my room saying "Bonnie snow!!!" We both spent a fair portion of the afternoon staring out the window as the carpark filled with snow. I know I sound like a cheeseball, but its absolutly magic. 

  Yet, I feel like I am one of few who think this... Many people have been complaining, saying its too icy, or too cold, or they don't like snow. Co went so far as to say he prefers rain. Figures he would say that. But for me, I love snow. And I am loving winter in Korea. Apparently this snow is unseasonal, they don't usually get this much snow so early in the season. I am convinced that its all for me because I love snow. 

Songshin Elementary - the view from my classroom window

The view from the school corridor - the big tiled building straight ahead is Songtan Station

Kids playing on the sports oval at school

 Even Milky likes it, although I need to get hom some shoes because his little feet get cold and then he limps. But he loves playing in the fluffy white goodness, even though then he comes inside and is all wet. For Christmas he is getting some new outfits from the family at home which he is really looking forward to. That reminds me of another thing I love about Korea - dressing up your pet.

  Which brings me to my next point...

Things in Korea that should be everywhere (i.e Melbourne)

This one is dead obvious, but I need to put it in writing...

• Reliable public transport

When I think about it, the metro train system at home is actually like the metro subway here. Except, the system at home doesn't work. And from what I hear the Myki system has managed to make things worse rather than better. This is unbelievable to me. Here, with Songtan being part of the Seoul Metro system, we use a system very very similar to Myki called the T-Money card and it works perfectly nearly every time (see what I did there??? #englishteacherfail - figure it out). Millions of people use the subway system here every day with out a drama... This system needs to be copied and applied at home. When I think about it though, people need to be a bit more responsible at home and take a bit more care of how they use public transport. That would also help... It does no good just to complain about the system, people also need to be responsable. Korean people don't abuse the system and I think that might be one of the reasons it works so well. So possibly we need to have a bit more of a Confucian attitude at home.

• Animals dressed up as other animals

This one has a shout out to Jess, as she was the one who really summed it up so nicely. If I choose to, I can dress Milky as a rabbit, or a bear, or even a cat if I choose to. Couple that with the many different outfits he can wear anyway, and different shoes. This trend MUST come to Australia. I will continue to dress my dog when I get home. I will just hope that it catches on.

This leads me to the next point - 

• Children/babies dressed as animals

You actually do kinda see this at home, but to a way lesser extent. And its still mainly the Asian parents who dress their adorable Asian children this way. All kids should be dressed as animals. End of story. 

• Bulk buying toilet paper and freebies attached to things

You can bulk buy anything I suppose, but it looks weird just coming out of Coles with 28 rolls of toilet paper. I will be doing this if I can when I get home. And here, there are free things attached to items, like a box of tissues attached to your bulk toilet paper. Or coffee with your bulk cereal. Its a great marketing idea and also I love free things (I don't drink coffee but its still awesome).

• "Tester" pads/sanitary napkins

Yes, this one is for the ladies, and its not a 'tester' so much as just an open pad stuck to the shelf that you can touch and look at to see exactly what pad you are buying. Now, I tend to me more of a tampon girl myself but they are really hard to come by here (Koreans believe that tampons are bad for your health) but the sanitary napkin market is huge!!! There is an entire aisle dedicated to pads at my local shop, and there are a heap of these 'testers' just stuck to the shelf. So you can have a feel and a look. What a great idea. Nothing worse than not reading the info properly (especially when its in another language) then getting home and realising that you brought wings by mistake. A problem of the past!!! 

• Unbelievably fast download times

This one has been spoken about heaps. Not by me, but the info for internet speed in South Korea is all over the net. I don't speak computer talk, but even I know its super fast. I downloaded the Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition) in about 10 minutes. Maybe less, I was drunk and cant remember. 

There are a heap more of these and I shall add them as they come to me.

In other news...

Last weekend I ventured with Jess to Coex, which is a giant shopping mall in Seoul. We both needed to buy winter jackets so off we went. It ended up taking us over 3 hours to get there, no joke. And we actually can't figure out why... It was just one of those days... At least we found jackets.

Coex was amazingly big, and apparently sometimes its a good place for celebrity spotting. I have no idea if there were any there last Sunday or not, but there didn't seem to be any huge crowds follwing some person around so I doubt it. It was a journey, but I would like to go back another day and have a wander. But bring cash - credit cards are dangerous!

Coex Mall in outer Seoul

This weekend was pretty quiet, but I did see my first Korean film at Megabox Cinema in Pyeongtaek. I don't have a Hangul keyboard on the Mac, but the name of the film translated to 26 Years, and its based on events that happened 26 years ago (duh) regarding student riots and the slaughter that followed. The film was pretty violent at times but I enjoyed it. I have seen a few Korean movies now, and you can pretty much break them into two categories - cutsey romantic films and dramas. I prefer dramas by a million.

Today I went with a cool group of people to go see some fossilized dinosaur eggs. Now, everyone who knows me also knows how much I love dinosaurs... So I was totally keen. But it wasn't meant to be, the day crept away and the eggs were further than we thaught. We ended up just having a fun day riding the bus all over Suwon. I still had fun, I met some cool new friends and caught up with some other friends. So all in all a good day.

Milky is doing really well, he is a bit fatter but still not putting on as much weight as I would like him to. He is such a great companion, I sometimes feel like this might be the reason I came to Korea... I really had no purpose for coming, just wanted a change, but maybe it was my fate to save him. He is such a super little dog, everyone shoud adopt if they have the chance and want a pet. I know I have said it before, but I am now 2 for 2 with shelter animals as pets - Pawpaw is an amazing cat and now Milky. Get in it animal lovers!!!

Milky and me... Spoilt dog on the bed

I think thats about it for this week. Its nearly pay day, so I can start to be social again soon. And its 16 days till Christmas and 18 days till Sissy comes to visit. IM SO EXCITED TO SEE MY SISTER! When mum came over Georgia wouldn't let me blog or fb about it, because she didn't want anyone to know she was at home alone... Mum I hope you don't mind me talking about Georg coming! 

Peace out, citizens

xoxo

Teaching at last

I had such a great day at school today

I just HAD to tell you about it...

  The first 3 classes went the way they always do, with me standing around looking awkward while Co does all the talking and dictates to the kids in Korean. Monday's and Tuesday's are the same - first 3 classes are Grade 4 and the last 2 are Grade 5. Today, after the Grade 4 classes were done he asked me if I minded taking the next 2 classes of Grade 5's. DO I MIND??? FUCK NO LET ME TEACH THEM!

I replied with something more demure, like "of course Co I would be really happy to take the class".

Unfortunately the classes were for revision only, and he wanted it to be from the text book as they have an exam next Wednesday and the content was from the book. But at least he was leaving me alone. 

  So I stayed in the classroom and the kidlets came in and were rowdy and took forever to shut up... But they did. And we revised. And at the end we danced the hokey pokey and it was fun. I think they had fun. 

  Then it was lunch... I have stopped eating the school lunch, I can't remember if I have already told you or not... But I pretty much eat peanut butter and jam sandwiches every day and I am feeling way better. A bit fatter, for sure, but not sick in the afternoons anymore.

- Just in case I hadn't told you, it was getting to about 2.30-3.00 every day and I was getting the worst stomach cramps  In my upper tummy area. And because I am so super scared and fragile when it comes to digestive issues I thought it best to just change my diet to something my body was more familiar with. Good thinking on my part, I freaking love peanut butter...

  After lunch it was 5-1 class. I love 5-1, they always yell to me when I get to school, and when I walk into the classroom there is always a chorus of "HELLO TEACHER BONNIE" and they all smile and are cute. But neither of the Grade 5 classes contribute much to class. They tend to be shy with their English even though I know that a fair few of them actually speak it quite well. I am convinced they are scared of Co. 

  We did the same review as the other class but didn't get as far. They were not paying as much attention, and I knew that I had to change something or do a different activity. They were bored, but not in any way afraid of me or repercussions  so rather than just switching off and staying silent like they usually do for Co, they got more and more rowdy and just did their own thing. So I turned off the computer (don't tell Co) and we had an epic game of Hangman. The kids love it! I stopped them 3 minute before class ended, reminded them of the test next week and off they went. It was a really good class in the end! 

  The interesting thing for me was watching the way the kids acted in class with me as opposed to how they are with Co present. Hands down he has more authority and control over the class. He asks them to do something and they do it straight away. But they are hesitant to try, I feel that he makes them feel stupid in class. They are quiet for him, but for me they were loud and crazy. But so many more kids had a go at speaking with just me there. So from this I have decided that they must feel more comfortable and confident in their ability around me than around Co. Which isn't that surprising. 

My views on ESL

  Now I am no expert, but to me the main goal of teaching language is to get people to speak. Obviously understanding what you are saying and hearing is preferable  but during my TESOL course we were told that the students should be speaking more than the teacher and that games, songs and activities were the best way to learn. 

  Here, this doesn't happen. Co talks more the majority of the lesson and the only speaking the kids do is 'repeat after me' type activities. We only play games if they are written word for word in the textbook, and the same goes for activities. The only songs we sing are days of the week or moths of the year. Recently he introduced "Rain, rain, go away" and its a hit. They love to sing. 

  During the times when they DO have the opportunity to speak, they are put down and made fun of when they make a mistake. All the class will laugh at the person who is speaking, which is fine if the kids are more gung-ho and extroverted but it completely loses the quieter students. 

  As far as I am concerned, as long as they are making an effort is great. I don't care if they get it wrong just give it a shot. Mistakes are a part of learning, especially when it comes to language. And I think this is why they are more comfortable around me. They hear me attempting Korean and failing all the time. I am always getting my Korean wrong. I always wait for them to finish trying to get a word out, I don't put the word in their mouth. And I don't care if the pronunciation is a bit off, because the more they use the word the easier it will be for them to say. I want more games, more songs and more art activities. Because only textbooks makes for a boring class and students who don't care....

Anyway, rant over.

It was a good day and I got something out of it myself - an insight into teaching, a better knowlege of the abilities and personalities of the students, and the best part - more confidence in my own teaching ability.

Thanks Grade 5! 

Till next time,

xoxo

Lazy Saturdays

I love the weekend.

  For me nothing beats the weekend, except holidays. There is nothing more relaxing that being able to wake up naturally without an alarm. I mean, I love a hot bath or a massage as much as the next person, but I find I am most truly relaxed when I have no where to be at a set time. I am a big fan of dinner or lunch plans, but mornings? Get faaarked... 

  And its not even that I sleep in for a stupid amount of time - today I woke up at 7:30 and still felt the same level of relaxation. It's the stress associated with having to be somewhere in the morning that ruins it for me. Although Milky annoyed me a bit, he wanted to get up before I did, I ended up taking him downstairs to pee then went back to bed for a while. And I was cool with that.

  It has been a beautiful day here today, a top temperate of about 8 degrees Celsius but sunny and happy. I have discovered that my mood is directly correlated with the weather, in the sense that a rainy, cold day makes me grumpy whereas a sunny day makes me happy. This has been proved time and time again in different studies, read more about that here.

Beautiful autumn day in Songtan

  I had a great night last night in Itaewon with Cheng, Mathilda, Carolina and Michael. Cheng found a great place for us to eat called Braai Republic, which was a South African resteraunt. Itaewon is known for its foreign resteraunts and for foreigners in general. The food was amaze-face, between myself, Cheng and Mathilda we got a meat platter which had a selection of meat plus some sides like garlic potato which was TO DIE FOR. I really just ate my lamb-chop, I don't really like sausage that much (insert dirty joke here) but it was probably the best lamp chop I have ever eaten. Although that might be more because I have not had all that many decent feeds since I arrived. either way, the dinner was great and the company was even better. 

  I caught the train back home, I wanted to assess what damage Milky had infliceted on my house, but the girls and Michael stayed out later. I believe Cheng and Mathilda pulled an all nighter, I am waiting to hear how the night went :) I hope they have some sordid stories for me!!!

  At some point I want to go out on the town properly and have a big night in Itaewon, I hear it is a really good night. Lots of foreigners and the bars/clubs are supposed to be really good. But I just can't at the moment - I am too cold!!! Such a lame excuse I know, but thats just how it is. i am a fairly lame person at times... I also haven't been out partying in Hongdae yet (party town in Seoul) for a similar reason. Also, I don't feel like I have anything cool to wear, and the biggest deal breaker is the distance. If the trains ran all night then I wouldn't mind so much, it means I can get home. But there is no way in hell I would get a taxi all the way back from the city, and if I decide to call it a night it means I need to wait for the first train back to Pyeongtaek anyway. It is just a really long night. So i will need to work myself up for it and make sure its a sleep in day the next day!!! In the meantime I will continue to be a hermit. I really need to save some money anyway...

  I am not making anywhere near as much money as the TESOL people led me to believe. I mean, it didn't help that i bought a dog, but in general I thought I would be able to send more money home, and be buying all my friends at home gifts all the time. At this stage people will be lucky if they get xmas presents!!! I just really need to get some security money behind me before I start splurging. Not that I have no cash, but I thought I would have more. Lucky my bills are not too extravagant. 

School

  I am not too happy with how things are going at school. I am not super impressed with how my co teacher teaches, but there is nothing I can do about that. I am not here to change the way he runs his show. But he doesn't give me any opportunity to teach, and there is an open class coming up and I will be expected to take the class to show that it is worth having a foreign teacher here. Now I am super apprehensive about this - having had no practice teaching I don;t know how the kids will react. He doesn't like or use any of the lesson plans I have offered him. Weeks ago he mentioned the open class and asked me to prepare a lesson plan. I did it that same day but he never asked for it, or took it when I offered it to him. So then the other day when he finally asked to see it he asks me why I wanted to cover a topic that had been covered weeks ago. To cut a long story short I am not impressed. I wonder if he is hoping I will do badly to make himself look better... 

  I hear from a good source that he was not popular at his previous school, and I know he isn't super popular at this one either. But I really hope the relationship will improve because we will be working together for a long time yet, and I hate tension. I tend to just hang back and let him do his thing, but for next year I will try and make some changes. I don't know how I am going to do it yet but I will. 

  I have often heard the expression the God would not send us certain challenges if He didn't think that we could overcome and learn from them. Now, I am not an overly religious person, so I don't know how I feel about that statement. But if there is a lesson to come from dealing with my Co I hope I learn it soon! 

  This whole year is challenging me in different ways all the time. And this is why I know it will be so rewarding... 

In other news...

  Milky ate my shoes last night while I was out. My Sketches. So I need to get a new pair of runners tonight. Gah.

  I had a teary this afternoon while watching "How to Train Your Dragon" which makes me cry every time I watch it. I don't know my, something about how much they love each other I suppose, and then at the end when both the boy and the dragon are kinda disables. And the dragon reminds me of Pawpaw too. And now while I am wasting time until dinner I am watching Lord of the Rings - The Two Tower. I love OCN channel, it always has English movies on! Some mornings I put it on while I am getting dressed and watch stupid movies. For some reason they often repeat movies, I have seen King Kong at least 3 times now. And the other morning I was watching Twilight. 

  At home, Billie is going to her first big show tomorrow. I wish I was going too to help Georgia prepare and to see her do her workout. But I will just have to wait till next year. It's only 41 days now until she (Sissy I mean) arrives here in Korea and I am so excited! Some of my friends here also have friends or family visiting at that time, so New Year should be amazing!!! Plus I am looking forward to relaxing for a week - not having to get up and go to school will be bliss!

  I still need to get a warmer jacket. I cannot believe I have left it this long, but the thing is that it will still get colder! The average temperature for the last few days has been around 7-8 degrees C but the mornings are often below 0. So within the next few weeks winter will really set in. Seoul has apparently had its first snow flurries and the resorts all have snow on them and the ski season has opened. I think the opening of many of the resorts was this weekend actually. I fully intend to go to to the snow at some point, but the good resorts are a fair while away and its not cheap, so I might wait until December or even January, Some of the girls have said they would be interested in doing a weekend to the snow so that would be fun if we culled get a group together! Snow makes winter worthwhile :) They are predicting a cold winter too, so fingers crossed for a white Christmas!!!

  Christmas this year I will spend with Mia and Tyler - they have already invited me over there for Christmas lunch so thats good. i was worried about what I would do with myself. And Milky can come too which is nice. 

Anyway, thats about all for now. I am having dinner tonight with Shanda and then maybe tomorrow going to the zoo... Jess said to me that this isn't a great time of year to go because the animals tend to hide out in their shelters cos of the cold. but I will ask around and if people are still keen to go then I am too. I need to get out and do something this weekend!!!

Till next time

xoxoxoxo

Milky - butter wouldn't melt in his mouth ~

Animal Rescue Korea

New Doggie!!!

Today I picked up the newest addition to my family (family being me haha) from the Asan dog shelter. his name is Milky and he is the most adorable guy ever... I'd love to tell you his story, but I have no idea what it is. Because Milky is a rescue dog, one of thousands of unwanted pets in South Korea.

Pet Trade

The pet industry here is pretty big, and getting bigger. Most of the puppies come from puppy mills, the kind of places that turns my stomach and makes me want to cry. As many of these puppies are given as gifts, or bought on a whim, or bought by uneducated people (uneducated in looking after a pet I mean) many many pets end up being dropped at shelter, vets, pounds or just ditched somewhere. Most of the pounds are "kill pounds", which means they will hold a dog for a few weeks but if they are not claimed they are put down. 

Dogs that end up at the shelters still have miserable lives. Many of them have already been dumped and mistreated, only to end up in a cold, dank shelter with not much food. But at least the shelter dogs have a chance at being adopted. 

Asan shelter is run by 1 Korean guy, who I believe is doing his best... There are over 60 dogs at the shelter at the moment, as well as 20 something cats. He goes to the kill pounds and saves the ones he can by bringing them back to the shelter in hopes that they will be rehabilitated and rehomed. Because these dogs have been mistreated and abused, many of them have behavioural issues and health problems. But they still deserve a chance. Enter the volunteers!!!

The shed at Asan shelter

Milky in his pen when I first met him. They are in these pens 24/7, until the volunteers come to walk them and hang out with them on a weekend.

Every weekend a group of people from different parts of Korea come to the shelter to spend time with the dogs. They take them for walks, clean their pens, brush them, and just generally hang out with the dogs and cats. They need to be socialised, and the volunteers learn the different quirks and personalities of the dogs. They then 'sponsor' some dogs, make ads for them, and place them on the website Animal Rescue Korea.

Click here to go to the ARK site

This website is a portal to many of the dogs available for adoption all over Korea. There are a heap of different shelters, and you can narrow your search to size, age, and even colour!

So its like going to a pet shop and choosing a doggie, except you are saving one from a life of misery.

This was how I found Milky.

I went onto the website, as I have been super lonely here in my little cave by myself. I checked the site pretty regularly, so I noticed Milky within hours of his ad being posted. I contacted Jenn (one of the shelter volunteers) and she got back to me right away. I had also emailed another few people about some other dogs, but Jenn was the first to reply. It was a sign!!! We organised for me to come out to the shelter to meet him, and to see what I thought.

I fell in love with him at first sight. He looked like he was smiling, and he came up to the door of his cage right away... The dogs in the shed live in wire cages, like little cells. They stand on wire too, so that when they pee and poop it all just falls through the wire. The rain can't get in, but it is super cold and windy through the shed, so my heart was breaking for all these dogs which I knew would be stuck there over winter. I went home, filled out the adoption papers and got the ball rolling. There was a bit of drama in between sending the papers and bringing him home - I had to convince my landlady to let me have a pet. But today I went down to the shelter in the pouring rain with a dog carry bag and picked up my doggie. We caught a taxi, train and subway and he was good as gold. He has had a wash, some food and is currently snoozing in his new bed. 

He is in the bag - we were on the train :)

Milky tonight in his new bed

Making himself at home 

I am so glad I made the decision to adopt a rescue dog rather than get a puppy. It makes me feel good for starters, but I am also really looking forward to seeing how Milky changes from shelter dog to house pet. He loves other dogs and loves people. And he even seems to be kinda toilet trained which is a super bonus!!!

So stay tuned citizens, for there is a new man in my life, and I will be talking about him plenty I can guarantee it!

If you are in Korea and thinking of getting a pet, please consider a rescue dog. You will be saving their life, and enriching your own.

Till next time,

xoxo

Update on life

Ok, I know I haven't posted in a while, but here is what's happening this week...

School

  School is going ok for a change, although there are stormy seas on the horizon. I have finally been allowed to teach some classes by myself - but by this I mean Co leaves me in the classroom alone with 25+ Korean kids that speak basically no English. It's a disaster waiting to happen. In saying that, it has been the grade 4 and 5's and they are generally good kids. They seem to speak way more when it is just me in the class as opposed to when Co is there too... Says a lot for his classroom presence if you ask me. I honestly think they are scared to talk, and especially scared to get it wrong. it's not uncommon for him to tease kids who don't participate, or who get things wrong. Doesn't really promote a healthy learning environment when kids are scared to make a mistake.

  As for the stormy seas, it has to do with money... I had an idea last week or the week before to introduce some after school classes for the kids who are doing really poorly in English class. I said to him that I would like to give the kids the option to do an extra hour of class a week or something, mainly to practice speaking with me. The classes would be smaller and hopefully allow me to be a bit more creative with my teaching. I planned on taking these classes alone, as it's not like he needs to fill anymore hours (whereas I am short 1 teaching hour). He liked the idea and said he would get back to me. Today he comes in and says that the Vice-Principal has agreed to allow for extra budget and let me teach an extra 2 classes, meaning overtime pay for me. He then goes on to say that he would be taking the classes with me, and that I should split my overtime pay with him... I didn't really know what to say and told him I would think about it. 

  I immediately got on the comp and emailed my GEPIK coordinator Gina and explained to her the situation. She said that if I am doing any extra hours then the money is mine. And that I should be able to run the classes myself and she has never been asked about this situation ever. So tomorrow I will have to have the awkward conversation with him... I am still trying to decide how to word it, I have to work with this guy for another 10 months so I want to keep it friendly... And I want to go home early tomorrow because it is it Seoul lantern festival!

Outside school - In the real world

  Things are going great! I mean, there are people I would love to see more of (yes I am talking about you Mia!) but I have been getting out a whole heap and generally having a good time. I haven't travelled around much yet, but to be honest I am happy just doing my thing around here. There people are really great and we all have a good laugh.

The best news, however, is this: I AM ALLOWED TO HAVE A DOG!!!

  I have been missing my pets like crazy since I arrived here. I know some people think I am crazy, and that it will limit the experience of living abroad, but to me pets can only enhance your life. I hate not having one around, I hate being lonely in the evenings and all that. And I kinda need an excuse to spend a little more time at home... I have been spending so much money lately that it is kinda defeating one of the purposes for coming over here in the fist place - I am not saving any money. So while I am out here spending my cash, my bills at home are still coming out of a credit card i am not paying off. Its a tough life. 

  So the dog... I went out to Asan dog shelter with a friend on Saturday to see this little doggie I had seen advertised on the ARK Page (animal adoption in Korea or something) for adoption. There are so many dogs here that are dumped and abandoned, I decided rather than help fund puppy farms I would save a dog and give it a new life. So we went out to meet him and he was adorable. Kinda full of beans but I would imagine he would calm down once he settled into a routine. I will post pics eventually...

  In the meantime another guy who I emailed contacted me about another dog which is located in Seoul... This dog really seems more suitable, as she is house trained and quiet. But here's the thing - I feel committed to the shelter dog. I can't help it, he is out there all cold and sad and it is breaking my heart. But the catch is this - the landlady said I can have a dog but it MUST BE QUIET. If she hears it baring I will need to get rid of it... The little doggie in Seoul was debarked (really really cruel procedure) by her previous owner so she is quiet. She is also a little older and house trained, used to living in an apartment and is good with cats. Yes, I am already thinking about Pawpaw... So this is the dilemma. I am concered that if I get the Asan dog that the lady will make me get rid of him (as I have no idea how yappy he is, but the breed is apparently kinda noisy at times). But I don't want to leave him in the shelter... The other dog in Seoul is in a foster home right now but they are moving home and can't take her with them.

What will I do!!!

Other news is that I am being wooed by a Korean guy who is a trainer at my friend's gym. Watch this space I will keep you posted...

November was supposed to be fitness month! But I have done basically no excersise... The only change I have made so far is that i always take the stairs now rather than using the lift. I have also introduced eggs into my diet, before now I have been eating out all the time but I am making an effort to eat at home more. So, eggs it is.

I am convinced the food at school was making me sick. I kept getting these awful cramps in my belly, and it seemed to happen every day at around 3pm. So This week I decided to try bringing my own lunch rather that eating the school food. I still go down to the cafeteria and get a little bit of food from the lunch lady but I just pick at the rice. Then I bail on lunch and go back to the classroom and eat my peanut butter sandwich (lol diet stahp! and have some yoghurt. And so far so good - no tummy pain yet this week. Bonnie - 1, Kimchi - 0

Reading between the lines

  I have been going to Korean class now for a few weeks, and I love it. The language is difficult, but the writing is easy to learn to read and write. But I have found that you actually don't need words to communicate. Give me another few weeks, and I will be able to say I can speak basic Korean. I can introduce myself, say what I am doing here, where I am from, ask for more food etc etc. But language isn't always about speaking, i think it is reading customs, body language and between the words. For example, I can tell if someone is asking me something rather than telling me something, not from the words that come out of their mouth but more from their tone and stance. You can tell who is creepy to sit next to on the subway and who is fine and will leave you alone. You can tell who you should ask for directions from. All of this comes from some greater meta-language... And I think all people speak it.

Being in another country and not speaking the language has given me a greater insight into many things, and the whole concept of body language is one of them. Here is Korea, there is no such thing as personal space. There might be a whole subway car to sit on, but a person will still sit next to you or opposite you. There is always safety in numbers (but this goes for anything), and above all, there is compassion. 

When I went to speak to the landlady about the dog I knew it would be difficult. I had a friend write me a letter in Korean stating what I wanted and why (a whole heap of stuff like 'dog is family and I am far from home'), but to be honest I think she would have said no outright if she hadn't seen the look of pleading on my face. And when she saw how happy she had made me by saying yes, her face lit up as much as mine. 

People are all the same on the inside, I am convinced. I know, there are jerks and assholes out there but I don't want to count them. There are also rapists and murderers, but I am talking about your average everyday human going about living their life. I like that you can go anywhere in the world and not know a lick of their language and still be able to get by. Because technically we all have a common language, and a common background.

Back at home?

  It was Cup Day today in Melbourne, which is pretty much my favourite holiday. Only in Australia do people get days off for sporting events! A horse race no less! I haven't even checked to see who won, but I know sportsbet.com won't be paying out to me... (I have taken to online gambling to pass the time at school - please somebody help me). Mum had her annual Cup Day bbq at home, with the usually crowd. I hear they had a great day. 

 Sissy has been having some trouble with the pony... She is a bit of a witch so it seems, I am really sad that i can't be there to give her a hand, but she is a fantastic rider and really great with the horses so I am sure she will get her sorted out in no time.

 Beau has gone to live with a friend of ours who has land in Mt. Evelyn, so he is living the good life off eating grass. It is exactly what i wanted for him while I was away, to be out in a paddock eating grass. He is a good old boy and now he can just play and act like a horse for a while. 

Anyway, thats about it. I am super sleepy tonight, I really would love to have a sleep in but its only Tuesday lol. Te weather here is fucking cold - usually under 5 degrees when I get up. It hasn't been above 10 degrees all week and its only November... I hear January/February are the coldest months. Next payday I will buy myself a big, warm, fluffy jacket. It will be worth the money I am sure.

I will also start looking at things to send home to people for Christmas... Shipping is pretty expensive so I might have to stagger everyones gifts over the rest of the year. Only a few people very month get a present. But imagine the surprise when it arrives!!!

Good night everyone xoxoxoxo

2 Months

Can you believe it?

Hasn't time just flown?!?!?! Tomorrow is my 2 month anniversary in Korea, and although I keep everyone updated about my general comings and goings, I thought I would do a bit of a reflection of my time here so far. 

  The biggest challenge for me hasn't been the language barrier, or the food, or any of the predictable obstacles, rather it has been living alone. Before I came to Korea, I had always lived at home with mum and sissy so I have always had others around me. Our house in Melbourne is HUGE by Korean standards, and when I first arrived I felt a bit claustrophobic in my 1 room apartment. I mean, I loved it from the moment I walked in, but it is definitely small. And quiet... I have always enjoyed my own company just fine, but I have discovered I am a terribly needy person. I NEED to be connected at all times, and I NEED company during the week. I have made it a priority to keep busy and as a result I actually don't spend many nights at home by myself. I tend to go out for dinner with someone on weeknights, so the only time I really have to myself are the weekends (during the day). And I try to keep Sunday night to myself but that's not a rule. 

  

  I can basically read and write in Korean now. I joined Korean class, which I go to on a Tuesday and a Thursday night, and there has been a big focus on the reading and writing of Hangul (Korean script is very different from ours). I can read signs, and sound them out and can pronounce words much better. The only thing is I have no idea what anything means... So I can read the paper, but I can't understand what I am reading. Kinda stupid, but it's a start! The course runs for 3 months, so it will wrap up around December sometime. Hopefully by then I will have all the basics mastered and then I can wing it from there. The teachers at school are pretty good, one friend in particular is an awesome person and is really helping me learn. I still have my goal of trying to learn as much of the language as possible while I am here.

  I was not a teacher when I left Melbourne, and I won't become one while I am here. But the last 2 months has given me direction for when I come home - I want to do a Dip. Ed and teach early primary/kinder. People have been telling me for years I should have done teaching, but I have always shied away from it... I never saw myself teaching anything, but in saying that when someone says 'teacher' I think of high school. But I really like the kids here, and I am sure they will be just as cute and funny at home. So I will stay clear of high school and stick to the little kids.

  I said as well that i won't become a teacher here...Let me explain this comment. The relationship between my co-teacher and myself is a ridiculous one. I don't teach at school, I basically just stand there while he dictated to the class in Korean. They hardly speak any English, and when they do get the opportunity to practice they are mostly too shy to give it a go. In his defence, Co is always trying to think of new ways to get the kids interested in English. But to me the easiest way to keep them entertained would be to play some games and sing some songs. The kids here (and the adults!) love to sing and dance, but he does not want to deviate from the text book curriculum. So as a result we have 8 classes of bored kids who don't want to speak English. They are sick of the workbook.

So I am not getting any teaching experience, unless he isn't at school for some reason and them I am left to control a heap of ratty children who have no clue what I am saying. 

So school isn't much fun to be honest. Hopefully it will get better, because I still have 10 months of it left. 

  I live for the weekends. Actually, I live for 4:30 on weekdays too. I have been more social since coming here than I have been in my entire life. I have already managed to drunkenly embarrass myself, do all-nighters, meet randoms and become friends with them and much more. The only thing I haven't done is 'hook up' with anyone, much to the disbelief of my friends here and at home. I am having just as much bad luck with boys in Korea as I have with boys in Australia. 

  I have finally figured out the public transport. The system here is amazing and efficient. I have no idea how Melbourne has managed to fuck up Myki so badly, when they use basically the same system here. If it can work for 11 million people in Seoul, I am sure they can figure it out for the 6 million or whatever the number is in Melbourne. Get it together before I come back. Melbourne, you have 10 months. 

The trains/subways are clean and fast, and they arrive on time. Well, sometimes the subway is a little off but thats ok as I am usually a little late. 

  I have said it before, and I will say it again - Korean food is good. Especially the BBQ, I go mental for galbi. In fact we ate it this morning at about 4am after the bar closed... But the lunches at school I am totally over. The smell of the cafeteria makes me want to puke most days. I mean, its ok once you go in but outside it smells gross. 

I have eater food here that I have never eaten before, like the prawns (which I still don't like) and I eat so much meat its not even funny. In saying this, there are a heap of foods I am missing. This afternoon I could have killed someone for a crumpet. Or macaroni. Or decent cheese. Also i am not super impressed by the milk here... I know there is better milk at the Highway Mart, but its easier to grab milk from 7-11, so as a result I drink sub-par milk (firstworldproblems). 

When I first arrived I lost a heap of weight. I think I dropped 3 kilos in the first week or 2, from stereo and being scared to eat anything. Now the kilos are back on plus extra. Don't worry, November is get fit month...I got a skipping rope and everything :)

Kimbap

Mandoo

  Not being able to understand what they are saying has not stopped me from getting into K-Dramas. I love the t.v dramas here, they are so overacted you can pick up whats going on most of the time anyway. Some of them are on really late though, but luckily for me I have a super cool t.v that lets me replay shows whenever! It craps me off though that I need to pay if I want to re-watch episodes on OCN. 

K-Pop has been a guilty pleasure of mine for a while, and here I can listen without fear of judgement! I usually put the music channel on while I get ready for work, so I can watch clips while I get dressed. 

  I surprised myself with how quickly I have settled into life here. I have my little routine, and have been slowly creating myself a nice little nest here. Its easy to live in Korea, provided you are happy to be completely out of the loop. I pretty much never have any idea what is going on, and so far it has worked pretty well for me. Its clean here, and although the wearer is getting cold now, I like the climate. It is actually pretty similar to home. 

I hardly notice people staring at me anymore. Or maybe it just doesn't bother me... I go about my business, they go about theirs. But its funny, because I have taken to staring at foreigners too haha. I see one, and in my head i'm like "ooo a foreigner!" 

  To sum it up, I like it here. I feel like I have been here longer, especially because I am now meeting people who have just arrived. And then I speak with people that have been here for years, and it blows my mind! You just don't notice where the time is going! I hope the rest of my year is as enjoyable as the first 2 months have been :)

Seoul

In other news...

Sissy is coming! I don't think her flights are booked yet, but she will be in Korea in late December/early January to spend New Year with me. i am so excited! We will stay in Seoul for NYE so hopefully there will be a big party somewhere... Which I am sure there will be :) I am really glad she is coming, plus it has given me something good to look forward to. I have been trying not to think too much about having to spend Christmas alone. Well, hopefully by then I will have my dog so it won't be so bad.

I have been on a shopping frenzy the last couple of days, buying nothing in particular. I hardly have anything to show for it! But once I get my phone that will be it for speeding until next pay. One of my goals was to save money while being in Korea, not spend money. I must remember to save save save! 

Thats about it for now. 

Happy 2 months to me :)

xoxoxo

Shrimp anyone???

Its a miracle!

I have my ARC! Let me translate - while living in South Korea I need to have an Alien Registration Card, which shows my visa status and my address. I always knew the term 'alien' was basically foreigners in a certain country but most of us automatically think of the little green men from Mars or whatever. But it's fun being an alien :)

To get this stupid little card I had to jump through a few hoops. If you are thinking about coming to Korea to teach, or are here and are about to do it heres the down low...

First, make sure you have a few passport sized pics with you. I didn't have any, and it was a bitch to get more. Then, you take your passport, photo, address and school letter down to immigration. My local immigration office is in Suwon, and I think we caught the 200 bus, but I am not sure. Co came with me so I just followed him around like a little lost duck and we got there ok. We filled out a heap of forms which took forever, because I left my address at home and we had to call the school to find out where I lived. They took ages to find it and Co was a bit pissy at me but he never said I needed it! Then we went and took a seat in the other room. It took over 2 hours. It was the most stupid day of my life. Then the lady took the stuff from me, I paid her 10,000won and that was it. She said I can come and pick it up on the 12th October. I was like ok cool no worries. BIG MISTAKE. For everyone out there reading, you can get the card sent to your school within a week. I had to wait aaaggggeeeessssssss because Co is a tight arse. He said, "Oh, Bonnie, you need to pay a lot of money to have it sent over to the school so its better for us to just come back and get it". It would have cost about $4. Geez!
Anyway, he ended up going and picking it up for me because he had business in Suwon anyway, so i didn't need to go back.

On Monday this week I went into Citibank and opened up an account. So I now have a Korean bank account too... It was really strange, because when I looked in my wallet yesterday I had no cards or money from home. Everything in my wallet is Korean.

And today I got paid!!! but not anywhere near as much as I thought... But still, better than nothing! So i am officially a millionaire! (only in Korea haha).

Teacher's dinner

I had been told about the dinners with the co-workers, so I was actually kinda looking forward to this one (which I was told about yesterday) until they said we were having shrimp. Prawns. Gross... I don't eat seafood as a rule. I am terrified of having an allergic reaction, plus I hate the smell. Anyway, first we all got on a bus at about 1.30pm and headed to a temple in some other part of Korea. We left Gyeonggi but I don't know where we went. Its late and I don't care lol. I don't even remember what the temple was called, but it was really beautiful. Not so much the temple, but the forest surrounding it was lovely. 

That's Mrs Lee in the yellow jacket

Then we went for dinner. Shrimp. Eewwwww...

We all sat on the floor Korean style and there were gas cookers in the middle of the tables. They were on and heating up, so the ladies working there simply came past with the live prawns and dumped them into the pan. Then the lid was put on and the poor little things were steamed alive. I was totally grossed out, but then they were cooked, and then the teachers were putting prawns on my plate and pouring me beer and soju. When in Korea....

The male teachers got a bit messy, including Co which was a bit funny. Mrs Lee doesn't really drink so she was sitting next to me and chatting the whole time. She loves practicing her english so we always talk together. 

It was really awkward when one of the men from school (he isn't a teacher, he is a maintenance guy or something) was wasted and kept talking to me on the bus... He kept saying he wanted to be good friends, and asked my age over and over. I was so over him and all the female teachers were feeling bad for me so they made one of the other guy teachers babysit him. But that was the only downside, the rest of the night was actually really fun! 

Live prawns in the tubs, thrown straight into the pot poor little guys

First shrimp, then noodles!

My first prawns EVER

Just steamed over salt

An observation...

Korean men treat foreign women very differently to how they treat Korean women. I don;t know why but they do. And its really obvious when they drink... 

Like coming up and getting right in your face, and staring and acting inappropriately. Now, I get that  look completely different, but its never cool to be acting inappropriately with work people. So for this guy to be asking my age and if I was single and wanting to be 'good friends', thats not cool. And you know when people are being simply curious about your social status and when people are wondering if you could potentially hook up with them. Do they assume that foreign girls are easy pickings and put out for anyone? Because I am sure that men wouldn't speak so bluntly with Korean women. I hate the double standard, and I kinda find it offensive. Its like reverse racism and I have never experienced it before. Because I am blonde and foreign, does that mean I am a slurry? Does it mean I am easy? Does it make me a prostitute? i had been forewarned that being blonde would mean that many men will assume I am Russian, and therefore a hooker. And its stupid that this is actually true. I have been asked my quite a few people if I am Russian, and its always someone shady. Curious people assume I am from America, shady people hope I am from Russia. Its not good.

I am having so many experiences that are making me rethink the way I treat foreigners at home. I know I am guilty of generalising, but I think I am also guilty of racism which is less forgivable. When I get home I will be so much more tolerant of immigrants and their customs. I get now why Asians are such bad drivers... The roads here have no rules! Or there are rules, but no one follows them! And the pushing and bumping through people - its just what you do! No need to say sorry because everyone does it. And sneezing on people... My god, the list is huge. Spitting in public, thats another gross one... I saw one of the first grade teachers telling a little boy to suck back his snot and then spit it out - the kids are being taught to spit! 

So there you go. I am an accidental racist, and I now know how it feels to be a victim of racism. And my experiences have been minor compared to what some foreigners have been faced with. 

There is always something happening in Korea.

Till next time,

xoxoxo

Gangnam Style!

Teacher, you know Psy? 

Yes, student, I sure do... In fact, I think just about everyone in the world now knows Psy. And if you don't, then let me tell you a little bit about this guy and how the Korean's have reacted to him...

Psy

The guy isn't young, he is mid 30's which for Korean rappers and stars that is basically a dinosaur. He also doesn't have the standard look, as in he looks like a middle aged guy (albeit with a nicely puffed out face and very smooth skin) rather than the super skinny girly looking guys that usually grace the K-Pop charts.

nb

At somepoint I will do a blog about K-Pop here, it needs its own blog because it is such a huge thing here. More like a strange cult or religion to be honest...

Anyway, Psy is considrered a rapper, which surprised many of my Australia friends when I told them. He has a heap of songs and is a judge on one of those singing talent shows, like X-Factor. The guy is super famous, but it used to be that older Korean people didn't like him much. He is a little bit vulgar for them, and some of his songs are considered offensive. But since he released Gangnam Style they have come round, and pretty much the whole country has gone nuts for him. 

He has an interesting back story, in terms of his personal life which effected his professional life. Now, don't quote me on this because it was a story told to me by one of my co-workers and things may have been lost in translation, but Psy has done 2 separate stints in the military. He served first as a technical of some sort, but did not fill certain requirement. He would have gotten away with it if he wasn't famous, but when people realised that he has skipped out a little bit, his fans were really mad. So he deliberately re-inrolled himself and went back and did another 2 years or something with the Army. So now his fans love him because he is super patriotic. This is a big deal here by the way, if you don't love RoK then you suck and no one likes you.

He is a rich guy and always has been, he grew up in Gangnam and his father was a big shot company man, I think maybe for Hyundai or something...

Anyway, he is signed with YG Entertainment which is one of the 2 biggest music studios in Korea. Others who are with this company are 2NE1 and BIGBANG. There are a heap of other really big names signed with YG.

Gangnam

Gangnam is a very affluent district to the south of the Han River in Seoul. It is the 'Beverly Hills' of Seoul with a lot of 'new money' in the district. All the kids are spoilt and rich, and go to private schools.  It has upmarket clubs and bars and heaps of plastic surgery clinics. I haven't been to Gangnam yet but when I do i will post photos :)

Gangnam is also where many celebrities live and work - the big music studios/produces are here as well as film and t.v. studios. 

The Song

So here is the deal with the song...

Psy is basically poking fun at all the beautiful people who live in this super trendy area. He is saying yes they are rich and beautiful, but they are just like everyone else. Read the song lyrics here

The clip went viral. I was totally shocked when Georgia told me it was something like no. 30 on the I Tunes countdown about a week after I came to Korea. So i was blown away when i heard it was number 1 in Australia, and also in America. WTF! This is K-Pop! And people absolutely love it!!! Psy has been everywhere, all over t.v. in different countries. The video has had millions of views. He is now signed with Justin Beiber's manager in the U.S or something... And I hear he might be performing at Future Music Festival in Australia!

The guy is amazing! And he is super funny too, and is very humble in interviews.

Something that I read on the internet made me laugh... I have been trying to keep up with news from home, and read on some tabloid sight about American's only liking this song because they were mocking it and the poor Korean's don't realise they are being made fun of. For starters, the song is meant to be tongue in cheek anyway, so it is already mocking itself. And Psy meant for it to be funny! The Koreans also know it is a stupid song! Thats why they love it. And as far as whether or not the Korean people know they are being mocked, well, I don't think they would care anyway. If you see knew how badly they tease other countries including America then you would also find this comment funny. 

The upshot?

The upshot is Gangnam Style is a funny song. It still hasn't gotten old here, it is played in every shop, on every radio station, out of every car that drives past and on every commercial. Psy pony dances to mobile phone ads, refrigerator ads and many others. Everyone knows the dance (myself included) and its not weird to dance to it in the street if you hear it come on. Apparently in Melbourne, clubs are playing the song. My sister was out on the weekend and she said it was played twice at Baroq House in the CBD. I asked her if everyone did the 'pony dance' she said no! This would not be tolerated here. You MUST dance to Psy!

My kids danced to it at their sports day (which I still haven't uploaded the video of I am sorry!!!) and it was one of the first things they asked me when I started teaching. 

And I have now seem him live! Well, I was too far away to actually see him but I have been to a Psy concert! Here are some pics from my awesome night last night:

Looking very Korean 

They were taking photos of me so I took photos of them :)

It was funny too, I dunno if it was because of the pink flashing bow I was wearing, or my crazy dancing or my blonde hair but heaps of people came up after and wanted their photo with me. So I might be all over the internet today lol. I got filmed while I was dancing away too.

Gotta love a free concert with one of the biggest starts n Korea performing! 

We all went out after and got messy on soju and beer. It was a super fun night over all... I have had such a good week hanging out with my new friends, learning Korean and just enjoying life. Now all I need is to be paid so I can do the whole thing again for another month! 

I have officially passed my 1 month point (actually I am way over it now but I forgot to blog about it) and I am just hoping that the rest of my time here goes as well as this. Still loving Korea.

xoxoxo