Let’s be honest here. My students help me endure the many frustrations of my job. I not only love having the opportunity to teach them what I know, but I also get an opportunity to learn more about them, about who they are as individuals. I assigned the two most advanced classes an essay “What are you passionate about and why,” which I am now grading. I wanted to post some of the essays that have made me laugh and intrigued me. I’ve corrected them on paper, but I’ve left them here in their original form.
Luna:
“ I’m passionate in English. In fact, it’s not all that true. Studying English is not interesting but boring and hard. But I have to be more passionate in studying English for my future. I am not a genius for science, music, sports, art, and ets…. Also, I’m not slim or pretty so I can’t be a actress. The way that only I can choose is studying English.
One of my hopes is traveling the world and communicate with foreigners freely. English is common language for whole world, so I can communicate with foreigners if I study English very hard.
Also English helps me to achieve my future dream translater. I want to notify our language’s charm through translating Korean books to English books. To notify our language’s charm, I have to know many English expressions to translate. Even if I can’t speak English well, I am trying to be passionate in English. And I wish my dreams to be come true as English.”
Joe:
-funny because you have to know that he is a very very tall, very quiet 16-year old who always wears a rolling-stone ring and looks like he should be a bad boy.
“ I’m crazy in rope-jumping. I like it and I’m proud of rope-jumping. I started rope-jumping at 12 years old. I was attached to rope-jumping club. I participated rope-jumping competition, but I wasn’t first place. I have been played rope-jumping. So, I am taller than other many people. Certainly, if you play rope-jumping regularly, you are tall. I play rope-jumping today. Rope-jumping is very very interesting for me. I prepare our school festival. I prepare our school festival. I will go to the stage by rope-jumping.”
Eddie:
-16 year-old boy who wants to study economy at university and who’s been the biggest figure skating fan in korea
“When I was six grade, I was watch Yuna Kim’s 08-09 season’s first competition. She was doing ‘Dance Macabre’ in short and Scheherazade in free skating. First jump is 3-3 combination jump. I was fall in love with figure skating at that time. Figure skating make me crazy. First it has music. Every skater is playing with music. Some of them are playing very intense music and some of them are playing very lyrical music. They must consider about her music. It can make figure fan satisfy. Second, if the competition is finish, many skater doing ice-show. It is different from competition. Many skater are playing each other. It is good for watching. They are playing with music. When I see that, that is very beautiful.”
Chris:
-15-year old girl who never really pays attention in my class because she’s too busy talking all the time…probably telling stories ;)
“I’m passionate about writing and reading books. My dream is to be a global writer. When I was 9, my mother gave me ‘Harry Potter’ books by J. K. Rowling. At first, I don’t want to read those books because those books were very thick and they have very small letters. So I thought it will be very boring and difficult. But after I read them, I became J.K. Rowling’s ardent fan!!! Her imagination was wonderful! Her world of magic was fantastic! And then, I thought ‘writer’ is very interesting job. I wanted to write a very fun and unique story for everyone in all of the world. And I hoped everyone who read my books become to love my books. After that, my dream is to be a global writer like J.K. Rowling and my favorite things are writing and reading fun stories. And because I want to be a global writer, I have to speak and write in English very well. So I really want to study hard. (But it’s too difficult!) That’s why I’m passionate about writing and reading books.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
DMZ
Two weekends ago, I took a trip to the DMZ. The tour was through the USO and consisted of stops to several key areas around the DMZ including Camp Boniface, the Joint Security Area, an observation area, the third tunnel, and Dorasan station. Lee and I checked in at the tour office in Camp Kim at 7 AM and were well on our way to Panmunjeom by 7:30. Despite the fact that I was sleep deprived, I was excited, nervous, and a little bit scared. With the sinking of the Cheonan, tensions between the North and South have been increasing, and I was about to go into what felt like to be the belly of the beast.
We arrived at Camp Boniface around 9 and were told we would be riding an army bus to a briefing about the JSA at Ballinger Hall. What was the first thing that really hit me? It was the first line of a thin sheet of gray paper that the US army military police asked us to read and sign. In summary, “You are entering a hostile territory and we are not liable for injury or even possible death.” If those words don’t make a person think twice, I don’t know what words would. One of the MPs then gave a very educational albeit a bit tense presentation on the history of the DMZ. The history didn’t do anything except further emphasize just how tense the situation was between the North and the South Koreans.
After the briefing, we took a short bus ride to the JSA itself. If you look at the pictures below, you can clearly see just how little the distance is that separates the soldiers from both countries. We entered the T2 MAC building (one of the most interesting places I have ever had the chance to stand inside) where we had the opportunity to actually stand in North Korea. The table where many meetings between the North and South have been held had microphones that were symbolic divisions of the military demarcation line. On one side of the table, you were in the south and on the other the North. Of course there were soldiers patrolling and watching everywhere. I don’t think I can truly do the scene justice in words so the pictures are below. On the way back to our regular tour bus, we passed the North Korean propaganda village, the freedom village, as well as the bridge of no return.
The next stop after the JSA was the third tunnel. A North Korean engineer defected and gave information of tunnels that the North Koreans were digging towards Seoul. The North Koreans painted the walls with black paint and tried to cover the walls with layers of coal to claim that it was actually the South Koreans who had dug the tunnel. We were able to walk down into the tunnel itself and see the blockades. The walk down was not for the faint of heart seeing as how you were going 25 stories underground and was a bit steep. I have to say though that the walk back up was probably the best exercise anyone could get in one day. I’ve never seen so many sweaty, tired people.
We went to an observatory just before lunch where we could see the North Korean propaganda village through binoculars. The last stop of the tour was to Dorasan station. It was a station that the South Koreans had built to connect to Pyeongyang. One of the tour guides said that they had done tours using the train up until 2008 when a South Korean woman who walked away from her tour group was shot by a North Korean soldier.
It was an experience that made me feel reverence and awe. Someone asked the tour guide if any South Koreans were ever able to go to the JSA. The woman told us that a native South Korean would only be able to go on a tour of the JSA after 6 months of intensive background checks to ensure no familial ties to any North Koreans and no grievances from the Korean war. This made the experience even more special for me. I realized then that I was truly lucky for getting to have such an amazing experience.
The Bridge of No Return where South Korea and North Korea returned prisoners of war after the Korean war and gave them a choice. Once they chose their country, they were unable to return.
The North Korean propaganda village.
Lee and I standing in North Korea.
The South and North koreans looking at one another.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Changes
A lot's changed in the past two weeks. The best friend I made in Korea went back to the US for good. My boyfriend and I decided to raise a beautiful Siamese kitten, Casper, together. After which, he went on vacation for two weeks to the Philippines and Hong Kong. Basically, everyone went on vacation except for me. I have yet to go on vacation. The fact that I've been fairly isolated the past two weeks has left me a huge chunk of time to self-reflect and think about other aspects of my life.
The time has definitely gone by rather slowly. It's been a bit strange not having Brittany around. I've missed being able to share problems over lunch and missed our long chats while hiking the mountain behind my apartment. There are things only women as women can truly understand about each other. I miss that connection especially since it is so rare to find someone of the same gender that you connect so well with. All I can think about are all the adventures and great memories that we've shared together. Climbing a steep snow-covered mountain with bad shoes ....no traction or grip whatsoever, Brittany traveling to Busan with me , laughing at my clumsiness on the hole-filled streets and sidewalks of South Korea, and even laughing at her unusual way with words.
Brittany and I right before we started our hike. We're both telling each other "We must be crazy. We're crazy. We're insane" as the picture is being taken. Can't you tell how excited we are to be hiking at 7:30 in the morning on a frrrreeezing January morning?
Busan at the Haedong yongungsa temple. Brittany and I were standing in front thinking that not one but two golden pigs were going to bring us good luck and fortune! What happened? Brittany got engaged and I...well let's just say that the pigs decided to bestow their blessing on her. See even in the picture the pig is kissing her on the head :P
The other big news? I adopted a cat with the man I love. Never in a million years did I think I would find someone who would make me indescribably happy and never in South Korea. When i'm with him, it's not just happiness but a sense of peace that I have never felt before. So to save reader's from experiencing nausea from words of love and just how happy I am, I think a simple picture will suffice.
Casper
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Trips in Korea
It's been a few months now that I've been seeing Lee. Through our time together, we've spent time exploring various places in Korea including several historical ones. I wanted to show Lee the insanely huge underground Kyobo bookstore. Unfortunately, the bookstore was closed until August for renovations. We decided to pop out of Gwanghwamun station to look around since we were already there. We were greeted by the sights of children running in and out of spraying fountains, the King Sejong statue, and the Admiral Yi Sun shi statue. Walking around the area, we found out that there were museums underground that told the stories of both King Sejong and Admiral Yi's lives.
We decided to visit the Yi sun shi museum first. I was highly surprised at how well the museum was put together. The information was displayed in such a way that had both me and Lee amazed at the the Admiral's life and accomplishments. We played a cannon shooting game, watched a video on Yi sun shi's battles, and Lee played this strange oar rowing game. It was amazingly impressive how Yi sun shi never lost a naval battle and won battles against 200 ships with only 15 ships. Even more impressive was the fact that he won battles without any damage to any of his ships. After wandering through the museum, Lee and I stopped by a little corner where one could write their name in hangul on rice paper. Here's a photo of Lee demonstrating some very nice hangul writing. ;)
All in all, it was yet another great day spent exploring with Lee. I always have an amazing time with Lee. This trip was a bit educational, but others have been purely spontaneous and truly memorable. I'm not one to deviate much, but Lee likes to explore. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have seen or experienced some of the coolest things I've seen in Korea if he hadn't suggested a 'bit of a wander.'
We went to drink tea in the fabric cafe near the Incheon subway station. It was a little cafe off a side street, but the experience was so peaceful. I couldn't remember feeling that sense of peace as though everything was right and perfect. I look forward to more time with him and what the future will bring.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Say Goodnight not Goodbye
It's always sad to see great friends leave. This past weekend Lee and I spent time, probably the last time, with two people who have not only become great friends but also have become family to me as well. My co-worker Brittany and her husband Mark have provided me continuous support, love, and guidance during my time in Korea. It seemed only fitting to spend our last time together on Camp Casey, a U.S. army base located close to the DMZ, seeing as how both would be returning to the US by mid-August. Camp Casey was a great choice especially since I had started to feel a bit homesick as well. I had started to miss the US in general....everything, even the little things.
Despite the fact that it was raining cats and dogs, all of us enjoyed a day of touring the base, eating great American food, bowling, and ending the evening with a game of spades. I couldn't have felt more at home. As much as I was enjoying the day, many memories flashed in and out of my head all day... the day I first met Brittany, the day she and I first met her would-be husband Mark, and all the trips filled with insanity and laughter. It's as though a chapter of my life is ending and yet another will start as soon as they leave. I've never been good with people leaving, and this parting seems to be hitting me a bit harder than the rest. I know that it's not goodbye forever and that I will see them again someday soon. I can't say that I won't miss them though. Who'll share my chococorn craving or help me pick apart the male brain? I'm grateful though to have had the chance to meet and have two such beautiful and amazing people in my life.
So it's goodbye for now...but we'll see each other soon!
Monday, July 5, 2010
The past 8 months
It's amazing just how much happens...how much life changes within such a short period of time. The past 8 months in Korea have brought more trials and tribulations than the past two years of my life spent in the states. Despite various medical bumps here and there along the way, I'm grateful for the opportunities i've been given, for the experiences, for the serendipitous meetings that have all changed my life in this country. I came across a traveling quote by Nehru that seems to sum up my feelings :
"There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” –Jawaharial Nehru
There is so much truth in that statement. Each and every day I have walked with eyes wide open in this fascinating country wondering what I'll experience next. From the sounds of an amazing band whose members included not just a violinist but an accordian player as well to a beachside celebration filled with interpretive dancers and blazing saxophones...at times it almost seems that I suffer from sensory overload. So much happens that days blend into weeks and weeks blend into months in my mind. Time has flown by so quickly that I can hardly believe that I've lived in a foreign country for more than a month. There are so many experiences that I would like to write about, but the amount of writing would be enough to fill a small book. Here are pictures with captions that best represent the three seasons I have spent in the country of my ancestors....
WINTER -let is snow, let it snow, let it snow....and boy did it snow
The temples at Odaesan on the far eastern side of Korea during the New year's weekend.
Walking through Korea's biggest cave system. They gave us hard hats for a reason and we needed them.
The actual hike itself. Imagine hiking up a very steep mountain for two hours...now imagine the path covered in snow. Me + snow + uphill hike = a recipe for disaster.
Lotteworld with Brittany in the 4-D theater. Don't we look snazzy with our big bows!
SPRING- cold even til May
Dr. Fish... feet eaten by fish....
1st time grinding sauce in a restaurant
2010 Seoul International Marathon. There were thousands of runners and it was a blast chasing them all around Seoul.
Sunset and Oryeok Island from the boat in Busan.
Good food, great company....what more could you ask from the All-American Diner in Itaewon.
Placing my vote before the show for the type of Romeo and Juliet I wanted to see in a comedy version of the play. They were rock Romeo, vampire Romeo, minstrel Romeo, and club Romeo. Spy Juliet, high school Juliet, and this insanely happy Juliet.
SUMMER- love is in the air
Gyeongbukgong palace with Lee, my amazing boyfriend. (*^)(*^_^*)
posing with cardboard cutouts at Gyeongbukgong. A classic tourist action.
At the top of Namsan Tower with Brittany.
Standing in front of my other half.
The most bizarre sight at the bottom of Namsan Tower. A Mexican band.
Just one of the crazy things that has happened to me caught in a picture. Getting carded on the subway on the day of Korea's first world cup game.
There's something great about cheering with a group of strangers for a common goal...Korea's victory against Greece.
Standing in front of the KTX, Korea's bullet train, to Busan for a summer vacation to the beach.
At Haedong yonggungsa temple. A cliffside temple in Haeundae.
Lee took a picture to compare the size of the grouper to me.... :/
The water felt like ice even in July. Gwangalli beach.
Seeing as how I'm writing this at 2:37 in the morning. I promise there will be more commentary about experiences and insights into Korea later. For now, I just wanted to show a visual representation of the past 8 months.
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