A happy and welcomed co-in-key-dink...

Let me begin this musing by saying, if you have not by now, then get yourself a copy of Scottish band “Biffy Clyro”. I know I mentioned their existence in a previous post but NOW having listened to 4 other Albums by said band – I implore you to give them a go if you are into any form of Alternative Indie!


Right, so where did I finish off last time?...

I hast became glaringly apparent to me that the world is such a small, small place and I needn’t feel homesick when I can see and talk to the people I care about with the wonder that is Korean internet speed. Thank you to all those who have been checking up on me – it has kept me sane and helped me feel at home in my new “home” (which I am nearly done kitting out, I think?) which, as I will describe later, is something I am going to make thorough use of.

Monday 23 August:

Monday was another packed lecture day but there were some great speakers, particularly Mr Joshua Davies who did our, “What not to do with PowerPoint” talk. I am not embarrassed to say I have a “man-crush” on the guy. The way he uses his voice and the simplicity with which he conveys his message (*flutters eyes as the memories presents itself*) is certainly something I have taken note of for any area of my future careers. Korean Class, both on this night and the next definitely became more enlightening and a friend and I hope to go through to Deagu on Saturdays to take Korean classes.

Our Dorm at night

We had thought of going to have a “whack” at the driving range after Korean class, but that did not materialise. Instead I tried my hand at some: “B-ball, yo!” (Basketball) with some Americans (See Pic). I now have a new found respect for the sport following the sweating session that ensued from the first “check”. I played in 2.5 games of, 1st team to score 11 points, on a full court (as we had 11 guys, we played full court; 5 per side and one sub). The sport is as quick if not quicker than netball and the athleticism and strength of some of these guys was certainly something to behold! My team lost both games 12-10 (with adverse conditions and a very slick ball, playing their part, certainly for me. This was followed by the watching of a wicked Korean movie (well, then end of it at any rate) and I went off to Jeff’s (from Boston) room to show him some of my climbing and hiking pics. He is a very talented amateur photographer and keen hiker. He showed me his pics from his 3 week trip to Peru!I have done some research on indoor climbing walls and climbing so hopefully once things have settled down a bit I can get together with people to go.



INTERLUDE:

“All the, small things, true care, truth brings.

I’ll take one lift, you’re right, best trip.

Alwaaays, I know, you’ll be, at my show.

Watching, waiting, commiserating.



*Insert chorus beats*

Say it ain’t so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home...

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

*Insert chorus riff*



Late night, come home. Work sucks, I know.

She left me roses by the stairs. Surprises let me know she cares.



*Insert chorus beats*

Say it ain’t so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home...

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah

*Insert gradual build up of momentum and energy in chorus beats+riff*



*Instrumental climax bringing in chorus*

Say it ain’t so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home.

Keep your head still, I’ll be your thrill.

The night will go on, my little windmill.



Say it ain’t so, I will not go. (Backing vocals: *Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah*)

Turn the lights off, carry me home. (*Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah*)

Keep your head still, I’ll be your thrill. (*Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah*)

The night will go on, my little windmilllll... (*Nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nahhhh...*)”



*Fade Out*



Tuesday 24 August:

This was our last day of lectures and one of the guys who spoke to us was a South African. Sadly he was not too good with the Mic and was very slide dependent.

Harley and Carolien playing a game with Colleen, Daneil and Courtney's presentation

Emily and I

Jaclyn, Rarley anmd Irene's presentation

We had planned to go to the range that night but that fell through as we had to do a lesson demonstration and lesson preparation (LP) for the next day. We had to present a 45 min lesson (in 15min) on ordering food at a restaurant. It took WAY longer than it should have done, but sadly the American in my group (with whom I had had a great 2 hour chat earlier in the day about American politics (The American people apparently think Obama is out of his depth – who would have thunk!?), as she majored in International Relations and Politics at College), could not stand by her decisions and could not make up her mind, whether it was to put forward her view or to respectfully disagree with someone else’s. Golf was set for 20:30 but we were busy the PL until about 22:00 so that fell through. Eventually after trying to get some forward momentum I got tired and relented. It’s like American Comedian Adam Ferara says: Ladies don’t win fights, we men just get tired!



Wednesday 25 August:

LESSON PRESENTATION DAY!

We were group 8 of 10 and got to watch a lot and take tips from groups before us to amend our presentation. There was one group, group 6, who did really well (in the end they got the prize for best lesson, which was phone cards to call home). They were a very well oiled machine. We went on and did a very good job. We got told that we were efficient, our instructions were clear and well demonstrated, the team flow was such that it looked like we were winging it because of how conversational it sounded, even though the class knew we all prepped beforehand (which to me is the best outcome of any verbal presentation to anyone. If it doesn’t sound forced than it is more relaxed and motivating). The only crit was that I tended to dominate the chatter, though apparently that was not a bad thing, according to some.

After our lesson feedback session we got told about our placements so for those who do not know:

I am in a county. A small city basically, called Yeongchoen. I thought, the way everyone was talking, it was in the sticks and tiny but it is actually quite cool – more on that later. I found out that I will be teaching at 3 schools (the rural schools according to a teacher from the area). All middle school so: Grades 7,8,9, which I am happy with and also that they are all small (more later). For my trouble I get an extra 300 000 K Won a month which is nice.

Dan's Pile of food!

Wednesday night was the farewell dinner and talent show. Like the welcoming dinner, there was tons of food but this time I never went back for multiple courses as, following the build up of emotion and tension about where I was to be living and working for the next year, when it was released I was suddenly really tired and I was not as hungry. I sat with: Irishman: Daniel, Americans: Harley, Samantha, Sandy, Colleen, Courtney, Ea-Sle, Michael, Emily, Lilly, and Jennifer. I got death stares from 2 people when I mentioned I liked the wine, with one comment being: “If you are from South Africa you should know that this is c*** wine”. If it’s booze and its free, it’s good to me ;) HA HA HA HA – I make a funny! (Dad: I genuinely did enjoy the wine-It was from Chile. Had a pleasent fruity taste).

Taekwondo Demo

The talent show saw a K-pop group-dance, a self composed Harmonica & Guitar duet, Western Taekwondo, A Beyonce “Single Ladies” Song and dance, A Maroon 5 cover group singing and playing the song Sunday Morning and a guy playing a Eucalayly (HELP WITH SPELLING?) plus a couple doing a swing dance, for which I will try put up the video, and a flutisit. The head of the whole programme even got up and sang (rather beautifully actually) a song called “Annie’s Song” to commemorate the evening.

Single Ladies Dance

Im at the back -
yes the dark legs at the back

It ended with a Traditional Lion Dance which was then opened up to 10 people to come and try. Of course I went up! (See rehearsal Vid HOPEFULLY) HOW MANY TIMES IN ONES LIFE CAN THEY SAY THEY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF A KOREAN TRADITIONAL DANCE!? I was the “Ass-end” of the lion as I told my partner I didn’t mind bending my back for 10min. The whole thing was constructed around 3 sets of 8 beats. Set one was just sort of hopping on the spot for 8 beats, with a jump to the right on beat one of set 2, a jump to the left on beat 4 of set two and the 8 beats in set three required 8 movements in a circle. My partner – the head, messed the count a bit so we got round our circle in 4 beats and just jumped on the spot for the other 4 :-P. It was great fun though-something I will remember forever for sure! After Supper and packing bags we went out.

Fun times!

I went with my table mates to the pub that I went to on my 3rd night. We had Kiwi (I SUDDENLY LOVE KIWIS ... the fruity kind ;) !), Pineapple and Strawberry Soju and played drinking games. Then my SA crew came through an hour after I did so (now having an hour’s head-start of Soju in my system) I joined them for the rest of the evening as I wanted to hang with “home” one last time before we all parted ways. More Jugs of Soju (about 1.5L jugs I think just as it was in my 1st hour) were drunk – I got like I get (You know: smiley, happy and quiet). I HAD A LOT TO DRINK and it only cost me about R18! At the end of the night I had seen and spent time with everyone who I wanted to in out last night together which was great. I will see everyone again but it will be a while before that happens. We have already sent each other emails about how things are going in out new homes

INTERLUDE:

VIDEOS (SORRY THAT HAS NOT WORKED)

All the bags before departure.

Thursday 26th August:

I am on the far right for B-Ball Madness!

Thursday was the closing ceremony and leaving day. I got my medical report back and I am pleased to say my blood pressure is 110/70 (Medical friends/anyone reading this please tell me if that is good?) and I don’t have Syphalis! LOL! We got handed a photo CD of our time at Jeonju. Then all said out goodbyes and climbed on busses to meet our Co-teachers. It took us 3 hours to get to Gumi where we were met with some people holding huge welcome boards for their students and some holding paper with the name scrawled on (Like I was). After stumbling around for a while I found my slide of paper attached to a person. Her name is Yung Su (I think). She is the lady who is going to be handling all my affairs. Some co-teachers speak a bit of English enough to converse and understand each other. Sadly... (now this is where my mention of “I am going to need to talk to all of you to keep me sane for the next year” comes in) she barely speaks a word of English. This is the 1st year she is co-teaching and she is what she described: Mid 40’s, shy, old-generation, who knows and teaches grammar and structure. She has 2 sons and is very concerned about rules. My job according to her: “You do game, dialogue and conversation, Me: Grammar and structure”. So it looks like I will be having free reign over my lessons which is nice but I was hoping to be able to work with her but I don’t think that is going to happen. Overall my time spent with her on day one got to me very down and from my point of view, did not start well. I had drafted a huge paragraph about how uncertain I was about the next 12 months but with time to reflect, I think, that it did not start well was the best thing that could have happened as I understand my challenge and was able to start learning from Day 1.

If you want to know more detail about my start with her let me know but for now I shan’t dwell. She is very sweet, don’t get me wrong, she said she and her principle are very worried, as is a want in the older generations in Korea when it comes to the youth, about me and want to make me happy as much as possible. She also couldn’t stop commenting on how thin I was, apparently :-P I found out that my main school has a total of 22 kids. I catch the bus there for the 1st time tomorrow. I do not know much about my other schools and only know I meet my other co-teachers next Tuesday. Next Wednesday I am going to do Admin things with my head co-teacher and then I get to observer how she runs her class for a couple of days before I begin my journey.

I will say this about the time I spent with my co-teacher: took me to show me where the shops were and where the bus stop was (she was at pains to show me the bus stop and emphasise for about 30min how I must not be late on Monday!) Then she said, “You find where you go... I must go now... You 3 days rest, I see you Monday” and left me standing staring at the local pizza joint (as I asked where I can get some food for the night). I tried to ask her to point me in the right direction but she was determined to go, so I thought, If I can figure it out now it will serve me well in future and watched her walk to the bus stop. It then took me 40 mins of blindly wondering around, staring at signs that I recognised, to navigate and eventually find where I stayed only to get the building number wrong. At this point a gentleman who was observing me saw I was “lost” as my front door code was not working, so he came and helped me. By me looking bewildered and really tired he saw what he needed to do-he called one of the tenants from the building to come and help me. She saw I was in the wrong place and took my hand and found my building and got me into my flat. Neither spoke a word of English but were so so helpful.

My flat is really nice. A double bed, fridge, micro, rice cooker, washing machine, some pots cutlery and knives, small chest of draws, TV, table, two chairs, with air con that I have not switched off since I got here. It is a bit sparse though, so we will see if I fill it or remain a minimalist ;) I am not allowed to wear shoes inside and am supposed to wear slippers that were at my door step and a different set of slippers in the shower but I am just going bare foot. I have now put up photo’s that I brought with me and will have more printed. I feel safer and more at home knowing that I have my friends watching over me just next to my bed.

Once I unpacked I went in search of food again and to explore a bit. I ended up going to “Paris Baguette” which is like “Bread basket” and getting a sandwich, doughnut and chocolate milk for supper. I have no other food and only 2 bottles of water left, so tomorrow I will be trying to make many trips to the various stores I found on my exploring (If you can explore at night and find your way, then you will be fine) and stocking up. I found the big super-market –Yes! Mart, as well as a 7Eleven and the Family Mart (two of them). I also found the ATM’s and there were tons of restaurants. It looks as if Korean’s don’t do much cooking as there was a family of just people in every single place except the Pizza joint I was shown.

After eating I had begun to write this book worthy post when I was surprised by my door bell. It was another Teacher with her co-teacher who had just arrived and needed help to carry her bags. They guessed that my lights were on so I must be, or so I was told “another American”. I was so thrilled to meet someone who I could actually converse with (HENCE THE TITLE TO THIS POST), so I helped her with her bags. She is a rather heavy set (I later found out-a former state Softball player-if that means anything) but very relaxed and friendly girl named Ashli. We explored and found the train station and “Baskin Robbins!!! I’m so excited they have a Basking Robbins here (insert American Accent)” According to Ashli they make amazing Ice Cream in the states. I didn’t try it as I am trying to limit my daily spending a bit until I work out my budgeting.

Friday 27 August:

Following my previous day of feeling a bit sorry for myself, I got up and decided to just go and see where the winds would blow me. I had nothing for breakfast yet so I went in search of a nice supermarket. I came upon the “Woo Shin MART” and bought a bunch of stuff there. It was there where I happened upon a New Zealander Mr Chris Walsh. He has been in Yeonchoen for 3 years and he gave me his contact details and said if I need anything I must just get hold of him. He actually live nextdoor to Ashi and we have already picked hi brain for advice. We are going to go with him to Deagu next week so we can get used to the train system as that is how we will see our friends in other towns and cities. After spending a load of cash on food and some essentials I came home only to find Sandy (one of the American girls in my pictures) was in a building a couple of buildings across from me. I helped her with her luggage and set off to get lunch at the “BBQ Chicken” and get 6 passport pics (for which I was given a discount because I did not have small change on me). I got home and worked on this blog and then went to find supper with Ashli and ended up watching the movie “10 things I hate about you” with her while we ate. I had a pizza attempt. It was still really nice.

Saturday 28 August:

Today I went and bought myself a toaster, washing rack, tea spoons and more food and water. I even bought some fruit today, but it seems to me that fruit (Yes I got some KIWI’S) is quite expensive. I also bought a snazzy new tie (Pink and lavender apparently ;) and a couple of other things which I can’t name straight off... oh, yes, rice! A 5kg bag of rice. Following that excursion I joined up with Sandy, sushi for lunch (with the best chopstick experience I have had so far, and just talked about what we studied where we grew up and that sort of thing.

Following that We went for Coffee at “De Vinci’s” coffee shop where we abused their free Wi-Fi and before we knew it we had been there 3 hours and it was now dark outside :-P. Walking around you see so so many lights and the fish markets, where you see eel, squid, octopus, and various kinds of fish swimming in their tanks. You look at the tank and point at the one you want to eat and they take it fresh out the tank and prepare it. IT IS HECTIC. Whatever you do, do not name any of your seafood Nemo! That evening Ashi and I stopped by Chris for advice. He is such an interesting character with 32 years of experience and study in the education field. He has been in Korea for 3 years and before that taught in Japan for 4 years after a number of years teaching school in Auckland. He gave us so many hints, tips and info bit that I can’t remember them all now. So ends this post – another long one but I hope it was informative and enjoyable reading (Overall) ;)

FIRST DAY AT THE SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! I will let you all know how it goes :)

I will have some pics from Yeonchoen in my next post.

10 things I have noted about Korea so far:

1. STUNNING countryside and surrounds – lush greenness everywhere!

2. Any animal on any food product, is always smiling (creeeepyyy!)

3. All the locals assume I am a “Namguk” (American)

4. Our lecturers were not lying when they said everything in Korea is CUUUUTE!

5. In the heat, you will use a minimum of 3 shirts a day if you intend on interacting with people.

6. EVERYONE USES and does not stray from pedestrian crossings

7. All the cars (including taxis) follow the lanes (as best they can as the alleys are rather cramped) even if there is just a painted island!

8. I am in a foreign country but have not been made to feel like a foreigner. I get smiled and waved at and even though I

9. You can sit and ruminate but sometimes it is better to just dive in and teach yourself to swim.

10. If you hope to come here – do so with optimism and an open mind otherwise you are setting yourself up for a really tough time.

Let The Korean Adventure Begin!

Alan (Background); Natasha (Foreground left of Alan);
Andrea; Debbie; Maralieze (right to left of Alan)
waiting in Singapore

Tuesday 18 Aug: 2010

I arrived at JHB Airport and took my seat at gate 18 and no sooner had I done that did an Asian looking man come up to me and ask if I was going to Korea. After a quick exchange of introductions (His name was Alan Cho from Cape Town), he motioned to go and sit with himself and the other Eager South Korea bound flyers. It was there that I met Andrea, Andreya, Maralieze, Lauren, Debbie, and Natasha (Pics posted from Airports), all of whom had come via Cape Town. We were all on the same flights together and resolved to keep each other company over the long trip. At first I was not all too sure about these strange Cape Towniens but after chatting to all of them over the course of 2 hours in departures I came to realise my fears were unwarranted.

The Flight:

Both my initial and connecting flights were with Singapore Airlines. I will begin this section with a note of praise for the airline. IF you should ever find yourself travelling to a destination that uses Singapore as a carrier, I can and do strongly recommend them. The Food was brilliant: Lunch/Supper-Oyster Beef with noodles rounded off with a fruit salad, Breakfast-A tomato omelette with fruit salad and a roll. Lunch on flight 2-Fish sautéed in a creamy mushroom sauce with salad and a pineapple upside down cake. And the service great. My only concern was turbulence and screaming babies. The in-flight options were plentiful with loads of different music and about 30 different movies. There was also “learn a language”(which I tried briefly) a range of Nintendo and other game, and a range of genre’s of different TV series. I entertained myself on the flight to Singapore by watching 2 episodes of “How I met Your Mother”, 2 episodes of “Big Bang Theory” and the movie “Wild Target”...

ASIDE – Movie Review:

A distinctly British comedy starring: Bill Nighy as a lonely soon to be retired assassin for hire, Rupert Grint (of Ronald Weezly fame visa vie Happy Potter) as Nighy’s initial problem but soon to be apprentice and finally the lovely Emily Blunt who is a rather cunning petty thief. This delightfully clever film charts their adventure together after they create a problem for themselves by ripping off the wrong guy (played by some other famous British guy). An action packed, drink your tea and eat your scones, while sniggering at the odd yet wwwww-itty black comedy that deserves a Wronger Rating of “who gives a crap” and a Barry Wronger-should-stick-to-Art-house-film-reviews, I-just-want-to-watch-a-movie-that-brings-a-smile-to-my-face-and-a-chuckle-to-the-air rating of 8/10.

...so continues the recount of my flights

Even though I took the sage words of seasoned traveller, Mr. Stuart “567” Buchanan to heart and suffered my way through a glass of Whhhhhiskey on the rocks, alas it did not end my mile high insomnia. Sleep was at a premium DESPITE HAVING 3 SEATS TO MYSELF (I know right!!!...) due to the regular seat-belt clipping turbulence (meaning I would have to get up from my comfy sleeping position, but to clarify I actually don’t mind the turbulence... It like im driving in a car on a bumpy road and generally fall asleep at the drop of a hat with that) and less than regular and thus more frustrating, baby-crying in the row in front of me. I think I got about 1.5 hours on an 8 hour flight. On the connecting flight to Seoul I THINK I got 2 hours sleep as for 5 of the six hour flight I listened to music by great names such as: Muse, Biffy Clyro, We are the Fallen (they sound like an Evanescence cover band), Stained and Vampire Weekend, and there was a sizable number of songs that I don’t remember listening to, thus I must have been sleeping mustn’t I? When walking onto my connecting flight, I entered through the wrong door and got a first disgusting account of how the affluent live. I walked through both 1st and Business class to get to my seat. TV’s bigger than most families own, Reclinable seat beds, and treatment deserved of all travellers but reserved for the well to do BAST**** and planet destroying company flyers.

Of all things flight related this paragraph has been reserved to pay homage to the “hot towel” handed to you upon takeoff and before landing of each flight with this humble Asian airline...

An Ode to the Hot Towel:

Oh how I detest the clammy, sticky, smelly and greasy results of adventure travel
I sit in squalor with thoughts of a hot shower and a head-and-shoulders clean once more
Just as I can’t bear the thought any longer and prepare to end... my sorrows with a glass of Whhhhhiskey... on the rocks... you enter my life in all your fluffy, warm glory
Handed to me by a pair of shimmering hands you ease my troubles with one wipe across my face
The Warmth
So Soft
So Clean
If but for a moment...
Alas just as we connect you are snatched away from me by the same but now dull and sharp arms of “THE MAN”
Oh Hot Towel, I await your return.

Nuff said.

Singapore Airport @ 06:30

In Singapore for 4 hours:

I clean myself up upon landing as the female travellers on my journey seek the cleanliness of the showers. Alan and I explore the duty free tech shop where I buy a 10Mp camera, a 4 gig memory card, 4 rechargables, 2 universal adapters (ADVICE FOR SOON TO TRAVELLERS: that just by the way I end up not being able to use as the pins are too small for the SA 3 Pin plug, so before you buy a universal, take your plug that you need to adapt, with you and ask for the appropriate size), and a new 2 gig MP3 player for about R1300 – better deal than I would have gotten in SA. All the while the weather was muggy and about 25 degrees at 05:40 in the morning. Transfer between flights is easy and well sign posted, so once I exchanged my US Dollars for Korean Won (with no commission required-so do that in Singapore and just carry the cash with you if you are coming to this part of the world) I sat and chatted to my travel-buddies-but-becoming-friends as we waited at the gate to board. ADVICE: Travelling with people of making friends as you go is definitely a must as it makes the trip seem so much shorter. We got chatting about packing woahs... well, I thought I was worried about being over-weight with my eventual 25kg being well under the 30kg limit, one young lady who shan’t be named packed 50 KGS!!!!! She had to unpack half of that at the airport before she flew out of JHB.

Aug 19th Landing in The land of the Morning Calm:

Adean - My room-mate for Orientation

We walk in at arrivals after a pleasent exchange through immigration and customs and the 1st thing we see is a largish Afrikaans woman handing us packets of Biltong to advertise that she and her hubbie (Billie was his name-the least “Billie” looking “Billie” I have ever seen). It is there that we meet another young lady, Susanne (Suki for short), who was also on our flight but we didn’t know. I also then meet 4 people : Ann (From Maritzburg), Adean (from Rustenburg and my eventual roommate),
Lisa and Melinde (from Pretoria) who were on the Dubai flight. After struggling for 20 mins trying to call home to let family know of my safe arrival, I eventually call home and the go to catch my bus to Jeonju University , where our 10 day orientation is being held. The bus trip was 3 hours and stopped somewhere on the side of the road where I sundenly clicked: I am hungry but I can’t read what is in the packets... All i want is pie... I’M IN SOUTH KOREA! I end up buying a box of the only thing I can identify after 14 hours of flying, due to the picture on the box – choc-chip cookies (my supper). Now all I can think is: SHOWER + BED = JOY. Nearly there...

Arrival At Jeonju:

Bimbim Bap for lunch

WE HAVE ARRIVED!!! Travel time : Flights (8hrs+6hrs) + Transition (4hrs) + Airport (2hrs) + Bus (3hrs) = 23hrs ( on 3.5 hours sleep in total). We sign up for out rooms and gift packs (banana, fruit juice, golf shirt, alarm clock and orientation info and Adean (now my roomie) and I head to Room 602 on the 6th floor of Star Towers Dorm. It is quaint place. I have lived in a tiny Res room and this is just a little bigger than that but more than adequate for the 2 of us (though I quickly learn Adean is a “noisy” sleeper and have to sleep with ear plugs now). Best thing = SUPER FAST NET ACCESS! Which we spend 1.5 hours trying to sort out 1st. Once done and I have let everyone know I am safe we head to sleep. This is when I had my 1st and hopefully only bout of homesickness for about 40 min. Though the hear didn’t help. (ADVICE: 98% humidity in summer every day and every night. Temp range while I have been here 25 Min (including the nights) 35 Max Pack lots of shirts). Once I got the AC working I got to sleep in more comfortable conditions (despite the rock hard bed).

Aug 20th Orientation Day 1:

An easy day. Breakfast, campus tour, lunch, opening ceremony and welcome supper.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony for the orientation was really enjoyable. We were treated to a 5 drums dance (Pic) where you have 5 dancers who beat on a set of 6 hide based drums and they all do so choreographed and in unison. It is mesmerising to watch. Following that we had a Taekwondo demo (Pic) where the best bit was when the whole group just broke out the disco dance moves to some Korean pop music.

5 Drum Dance

Taekwondo Demo

We were also treated to a Korean Fan Dance (Pic) where about 10 ladies in “Hanbok” – traditional dress created shapes and movements with a combination of Fans. That was really beautiful to watch. By this time I have met Jeff (From Boston; potential hiking buddy and general allround good guy = winner), Matt (From Florida), Terrick (Baltimore), Eugene (Wisconsin I think), Andrew (New York), Joe (Iowa), Brianne and Ryan (Not sure), Mark (Not sure) Jesselle and Joesiah (California I think), Samantha and Courtney (From Florida and both keen climbers, we going to keep in touch for that), Ian (from Scotland but has bureaucratic parents so has that Hugh Grant kind of accent insead – good guy. I have already spent a good 3 hours chatting to him about the state of English sport, Zimbabwe, his Government, District 9 (HE ASKED!) and our Government) and Chris (From Houston – went to the Peace (HOW COOL IS THAT-I KNOW SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY DID THAT!), lived in Namibia for 3 months, loves BILTONG (not Beef Jerky) and good BRAAI (WHAT A LEGEND!!!).

Fan Dance

Food: Thus far the food is amazing! We had our welcome dinner on the evening of 19th and there was SOOOO much sushi, sashimi, nigiri and salad. Fruit was plentiful as well-I got ragged because of the amount of litchi’s I was eating. EVERYTHING traditionally Korean is Spicy (Pics). If it is red in colour then just prepare yourself. We have had Kimshi (spicy pickled cabbage I think, though the dish Kimshi more refers to anything that has the same kind of spice as the cabbage version. NOTE* You say “KIMSHI” when posing for pics here instead of “cheese”), Bulgogi (Like a beef Broth) Bimbim bap (giant bowl of stuff that you add rice too and mix together). There are no knives. You use, spoons for dishing and eating rice, chosticks and a folk (not sure why exactly the fork but is id highly useful). There are no distinguished meals here. You can have the same kind of food for all 3 meals in a day (so like there is soup available for Breakfast, lunch and supper, the same with Kimshi, pickled cucumber and salad and a range of meats).

My Table: Adean - right of him and around: Lisa,
 Malinde,Some dude from the US, Some girl from the US,
Victoria, Maralieze, Suki, Jeff from Boston

My WELCOME DINNER

At the welcome dinner, in true SA (More Rhodes) style there was one bottle of Chilean red wine (a very nice Cabernet) to share between 11 people (Pic), so when other tables started leaving my table commandeered a couple of the half drunk bottles and we finished them off. Following that we bought some stuff to drink at the food mart down the road and drank that as well. Karaoke was suggested but I for one was really tired to decided to call it an early night. I have 13 months to sing a lot of very bad Karaoke.

I find myself in a cultural conundrum-I have met so many Americans that I have started to choose my words carefully so that they know what I am talking about.

The View form the 18th Floor of the Dorm

E.g. I talked about sleeping with the air con on and one chap asked me what i meant by air con.
Getting documents certified for us getting is getting them notarised for them.
When talking about what I studied I need to explain it in terms of freshman, sophomore and senior.
Another Saffer refered to a “costume” to swim and the Americans had no idea what she was talking about until we told her to say Swim suit.

Friday 20th Aug:

I had my Medical – eye-test, colour blindness test, urine and HIV test, blood pressure, height and weight and a chest X-ray (Done in a mobile Radiology van!!). Following that was lunch and then our 1st talk by someone who works in the education industry. It was interesting in parts with a chat about the history between Japan and the Northern side and definitely useful but I just could not stop falling asleep. We also had our 1st Korean lesson, which was really confusing but it is actually a remarkably designed language based purely on a phonetic structure. The teacher did not speak one word of English but kept repeating until we got the idea. It must have been like training a bunch of monkeys, to her as we just stared at her all confused and dumbfounded. She was really sweet and very patient with us though which is definitely a lesson I will store for my teaching. It’s great that we are given the opportunity to learn it, it is just a shame that it is at the end of our day when we are all so tired.

Saturday 21 Aug:

We had a full day of classes (Pics). The 1st was on Task based learning. I mention only because the Air con was not working and by the end I had literally sweated out probably 2 full glasses of sweat! (Gross right? Well imagine sitting in that with 35 other who are having the same problem!!!) We then had a talk on Teaching Reading an about travel, making presentations, and project based learning as well as our 2nd of 3 Korean classes (I think I can crack it. I just need to practice a lot!)

Following that I went out Drinking and for Karaoke!

In the Kareoke Room: Nicole (front), Ian in
white, Joe- back right, and another
American

I got the second highest score of the night with my tone deaf rendition of Muse: Feeling Good. We had all had a bit to drink in the local pub before we got there. I had 5 shots of Soju (Wiki it – it is like a vodka mix and was told don’t drink it, I will die! Funnily enough I was fine. Though I think If I hadn’t had the flavoured ones I would have found it bit more difficult to stomach) and a couple of glass’ of beer. I was out with a few South Africans(some of the girls I flew with) and a bunch of American + a couple of Canadians and Ian the Scot. Joe the one American paid for the Karaoke session which was really nice of him. We sang some serious classics, Andy Williams, John Lennon, Billy Joel, Elton John, Journey, Blink, Aretha Franklin, R Kelly (not a classic but a good group song) and Queens Bohemian Rhapsody. I have Vids, but will see if they are good enough to put up as the light was terrible.

Sunday 22 Aug:

Drinking Beer and Picking songs - I promise I am in some of the picscoming up!

(A CLIP OF MY 2nd PLACE FINISH - Camara work by Joe)

Courtney in the Gallery

Whilest at the temple

Today we went to a temple and a cultural village and spent the day with the lovely Courtney from Florida as we walked around the cultural village and the temple and just explored really. It was a really good day with tons of Pics. We watched and participated in a dance, made fans, had Bimbim Bap for lunch (see pics below) walked around a temple, a wine museum, and an art gallery. Just have a look at what I put up and see what you like.

Me in the Art Gallery

Some of the Art!

That will do it for my 1st Korea blog post – it’s been a biggie and I will probably have one more biggie when I give details about my school and place of residence but after that they will be shorter. I promise!

*DISCLAIMER ON PICS – I did my best with the equipment I had so I hope you can see them well :)

Tune in next time on “Geoff’s Asian Adventure” for more exciting thrills and spills, heart ache and sorrow!

Eating Bimbim Bap for Lunch

Courtney, Malinde and I cool off in the stream after the temple visit

Me at the Temple

A brief introduction...

Welcome to my first ever blog AAAND my first ever blog post! Are you excited? I’M EXCITED (can you tell? ;) ) This is a year of 1st’s for me: My 1st ever blog, my 1st every paying job, my 1st signed contract, my 1st overseas flight by myself, my 1st time taking a multi vitamin and my 1st time taking Barocca (which actually tastes really nice) And certainly something I am going to enjoy: the 1st time I will be considered tall by the majority of a country (this speculation is still to be confirmed but I remain hopeful!


Anywho, the point of this humble web space is to allow me to keep clear my head space and to tell you all about my adventures in South Korea (currently that is all I know about where I will be placed, so I will keep it broad…). Who knows, this blog may become an inspiration for someone who reads it to travel themselves and I hope it helps those soon will be joining me in the country with the fastest internet connection in the world (4 August 2010, technohugs.com). For those interested here is another interesting South Korea Blog: http://farmboyandcitygirlhitasia.blogspot.com/p/about-this-blog.html

I have not left SA for SK just yet. That only happens next Tuesday afternoon with my arrival in “The Land of the Morning Calm” occurring at approximately 16:45 KST (so about 09:45 South African time) on the 18th of August 2010. I will be travelling via Singapore and have already been in contact with a number of people with whom I will be travelling and doing orientation with when we land (If there is anything the African planes teach you and for that matter the streets of Central Jozi, ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND: SAFTEY IN NUMBERS). I already know what my 1st overseas purchases are going to be: A camera and an external hard drive! Not much else to say for this introductory entry but Congratulations to the soon to be Spring couple for their impending wedding. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you but alas… Add to that I will miss each and every one of you who show enough interest to follow my frequent ramblings and even those who do not follow this blog but prefer to waste their cap on funny cat videos off YouTube. You all mean the world to me and can’t wait to see you all again in September 2011. My next post will be in probably about 1.5-2 weeks. Until then An-nyeong-hi-gye-se-yo. Na-jung-e-ba-yo.