Chapter 9 Part 3

That Saturday (Shane and I’s one year anniversary), Shannon and I went to Songtan to do some shopping.  We had a relaxing day and got away from all the hustle and bustle of crowds.  Sunday, E-mart called our names.  Other than that, a much needed quiet weekend at home to recuperate from all the craziness of work. 

Come that following Monday, the school decided to inform us they were increasing our work load each week.  We were taking on 2 more kinder classes and I had to take on an additional afternoon class as well.  So irritating.  It may sound like I’m complaining but I had enough just dealing with the classes I had at the time.  Then to add 3 more per week…just added to the mental fatigue I already experienced.  For those who think teaching kids in a foreign language is easy, I must destroy that way of thinking.  Even though the joy of experiencing a new way of life in a different country is great, the teaching part is incredibly hard and tiring.

What I can’t seem to understand is how I can give some of them the answer, I can even write it on the board, and they STILL don’t know the answer….didn’t I just give it to you???  

The middle of October was open class day with orange where all the parents (some grandparents) came watch the class.  It was a little nerve racking but overall it went quite well (even though I’d been sick and didn’t have much of a voice).    A few days later was yellow’s turn.  It went well too…despite my fears the kids would clam up and the news I received from one of the kid’s parents.  The parent wrote in the memo book saying her child said I’m angry a lot and I should put them in time out instead of fuss at them.  I laughed at this.  Firstly, I understand the concern.  Second, she doesn’t know what goes on in class nor does she know what works and what doesn’t.  Third, it’s not even her kid that’s ever in trouble.  Fourth, the “angry” her kid is talking about is the ‘frustration” that pours fourth in the blatant disrespect and lack of listening by a fellow student.  Anywho…it went well.

Chapter 9 Part 2

The weekend was spent relaxing and cuddling up with Shane as much as possible…reason to come.

The first Monday of October was National Foundation Day of Korea so no school.  Tuesday arrived and I cried…Shane was leaving for the states…a speed bump that would leave us with 5 months apart.  I taught my first two classes and then they let me go to the airport with him.   

Then came time for goodbyes—first to Honey who looked so sad in her cage.  Then to Shane…such a warm embrace while the knot in my throat continued to form as I held back the tears.  Off he went.  I waited a short while to make sure they loaded Honey (she was still waiting at the check-in counter). Then off I went back to Suwon. I climbed aboard the bus and started crying.  I’d cry on and off the whole trip home.  I got home and saw my note he left me and the tears really started flowing down.  Everything would be ok. It was best for our future because he went back to get everything ready for when I got back so it’d be an easier transition. We were able to Skype everyday but there’s really not a substitution for having someone by your side.  It’d be different if we had a difficult relationship then it’d be much more of a celebration for time apart.  I’m glad we have such a strong relationship.

Chapter 9 Part 1

Back in Korea, we had to get back into the routine of everyday life.  It was already the beginning of August. Time had been passing so quickly.  Work was getting crazier and more demanding…just lots of pointless ‘busy work’ really but gotta do it.  Life went on with the same routine—go to work, go home, gym, eat dinner, go to bed, repeat—all leading to the end of September.  The weather was wonderful…no more rain!  The coolness and breeze in the air is so refreshing and much needed.  I love this kind of weather—not hot, not cold, just right.  Life was simple…well if you exclude the craziness of teaching and the communication barriers we faced on a daily basis…then yes simple. 

I was faced with lots of frustration at this point.  The simplest things (some of which were already covered plenty of times) was difficult for the student's to grasp.  This may sound mean in saying this but it is the absolute truth…these kids have their moments of just turning stupid the whole week (not just a little stupid…completely, all the way dumb). 

 

Anywho…Friday, September 30 was my birthday and what made it even better was that I had a 3 day weekend!  I turned 23 (can you believe it?)! I brought my kindergarten kids treats for being the most well behaved I think they had ever been.  They were very appreciative and I decided that’s bribery that works!  When ready to head home, the teachers gave me a cake and sang to me.  I even got 50,000 won from the owner’s of the school. Afterwards, Shane, Shannon, and I headed to Pontus—a nice seafood buffet—where we enjoyed a lovely dinner.  And I finally got my ring…unfortunately it was too big so I had to send it back for a different size.  

 

 

Chapter 8 Part 3

It rained for almost 4 months straight—kinda depressing and hindered us from doing much exploring.  Come the end of July, I had a summer vacation for a week.  We had to handle a couple things with our visas that had to be done outside the country…so we went to Guam.   It was absolutely beautiful.  On the journey there, we couldn’t land due to bad weather so we had to go to Saipan (an island north of Guam) while the plane was refueled.  After waiting forever, we were given the ok to land in Guam.  Off we went.  We arrived around 3:30 am and made our way to the hotel…a short taxi ride which cost 17 bucks.  The next day we rented a car.  It allowed us to go where we wanted…when we wanted…and MUCH cheaper than using the taxi.  Our first stop was K-Mart (which apparently this one is the world’s largest and open 24/7).  We stocked up on stuff to bring back with us…even bought a huge bag of dog food.  It was much cheaper than buying it in Korea.  It was so pleasant to be back to normal priced items.  

They also had an outlet mall that featured a huge Ross.  Discount clothes, shoes, etc…oh yes!  We made several trips to Ross and left with quite a bit of stuff.  I even got a pair of Nike’s for $18.  We bought a large suitcase and filled it up with stuff from Ross and K-mart—we weren’t going back to Korea empty handed.  

In addition to our shopping indulgence, we also indulged in plenty of food.  We didn’t eat as much as we wanted because we just weren’t hungry—we weren’t used to meals that keep us full.  One restaurant that called out to us was The Jamaican Grill.  Neither one of us had ever had Jamaican food but, and I must tell you, it was quite good and extremely cheap.  The amount of food that came on our plates was more than we could handle.  Piles of rice were accompanied by the heaping mound of meat.  He had ribs, chicken, and fish.  I had fish drenched in coconut milk and onions…delicious.

 

Next place was The American Legion.  They had a good sized home cooked breakfast for $4.  Next, McDonalds…yes McDonalds—a normal one.  We stuffed our faces with the most heavenly breakfast…a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.  Next, Hooters.  I had never been to Hooters before.  I walked in wondering what to expect.  But it was quiet as very few people were there.  We ordered several items…cheese sticks, wings, and best of all “lots of tots.”  Tater tots covered in nacho cheese, sour cream and bacon—how could you possibly go wrong.  I’d be in trouble if I had a way of eating that in Korea…I’d eat it everyday—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Next…Lonestar.  We didn’t actually eat here.  We were going to but he got sick due to too much sun so I ordered some cheese fires and off we went back to the hotel.  Next, a Mexican restaurant.  I can’t remember the name of it.  We had all you can eat tacos.  It wasn’t too bad and at $10 a person, it was well worth it.  Our last night, we had Pizza Hut.  The pizza wasn’t the greatest but it satisfied my cravings.  It was really expensive though.  Our last breakfast was Denny’s…need I say more!  

Since it rained for several days, we spent a good amount of time driving around sightseeing.  We drove up to a major tourist site called Two Lover’s Point.  Rumor has it, two lovers plunged to their death so they could be together.  It is a cliff overlooking the sea with an extremely beautiful and amazing view.  

One view from Two Lover's Point

On the second to last day, it was nice out so we headed to the beach.  It was pretty cloudy but still plenty of sunshine.  We relaxed in the clear waters and soaked up the sun for a couple of hours before heading to K-Mart to buy rafts and snorkeling gear.  Even though we weren’t out very long, we were bright red.  After a couple hour break from outside, we trekked back to the beach for another hour, this time bringing our new gear with us.  The current was strong so it was difficult to float on the raft as we hoped, but we lay on them with our face in the water looking for fish.  A few attempts later, we dragged the rafts to shore and lay on them in the shallow waters.  We decided it was time to go inside…luckily we did.  We were BURNT.  Him worse than me…even had some blisters.  Our last day was spent mostly in the hotel staying away from any sun at all.  Then came time to fly back…we shall miss you Guam…but Honey was thrilled to see us after our 5 day journey. 

Chapter 8 Part 2

We didn’t do the exploring we wanted to—I was so worn out come the weekends.  However, the first couple months, we would hop on buses just to see where they take us.  It was a good way to see stuff.  I needed to get off the “I don’t feel like doing anything” train and explore what we could.  We weren’t gonna be there forever.  

One weekend late spring, we took a trip to Seoul Zoo.  It’s supposedly the largest one in Korea.  I’d be inclined to agree…it was huge (and cheap).  It was only $3.00 per person!  We spent several hours walking around admiring the animals, taking numerous pictures.  We had a blast.  I think I was more excited than a little kid.  I do admit that it’s sad to see the animals in captivity, but I love the opportunity to see them.  One part of the zoo was the babies—lions, monkeys, otters, etc… They are so cute.  I wish it would have been a petting zoo.  I would have loved to cuddle them.  One of the baby monkeys was showing off, swinging from rope to rope then back to the glass to see everyone.  

Another section featured numerous kangaroos and wallabies.  Most were sprawled out sleeping.  Seeing these unique creatures made us think that it would be so awesome to have a pet kangaroo, something I’ve kinda already wanted!  Honey would have a blast.  Who knows, maybe if we move to Australia one day that thought can become a reality…lol…doubt it.  The llamas were also really cool to see.  One of them gave me the perfect pose for a picture.  It was classic and will forever remain a favorite.  Along the way, we came across the section with the billy goats.  One of them was peeing and another one was drinking it midstream—GROSS!! It even made a face and rolled up its lips afterwards.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a picture.  It would have been another classic.