Yutnori

Today was the final day of mid-term tests at our high school. (At first, I typed MY but then changed it to OUR....VERY Korean, everything is OURS, not MINE.) After lunch, the teachers had some fun and games in the school gym, playing traditional Korean games. I played yutnori (pronounced YUNORI). There are two teams, each divided into groups of four. I ended up being dragged into it as well. There are four wooden sticks of varying shapes; some are rounded, others are flattened on one side. Teams face each other across a mat. Each person takes turns to toss the sticks onto a mat in front of them. I just did my own thing for my first two turns, and managed to score for the team, bringing the score up from where it had been straggling. But after that, someone decided to show me how I should actually do it. And that's when my sticks started rolling off the mat, thus meaning no score. But, I'm happy to say that we won the first round :). We played 3 rounds, thus allowing everyone an opportunity to play. At the end of the 3rd round, it was 4:30 and time for me to go home.


Yay! It's weekend!

She's back!

Well, I'm back after a long absence of three weeks. Life has suddenly become very busy here in Korea. Last year, someone asked me whether the Koreans were slave-driving me yet. I laughed in reply and boasted of how much free time I had.

Hello 2010! I now also teach supplementary classes at middle school as well as evening classes (Mondays through Wednesdays) to parents and other adults. I also have a professional group, consisting of a bank manager and a dentist, with whom I meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays. (Yes, on a Wednesday, AFTER my other evening class!) The first two weeks saw me walking around like a zombie. But in this, the third week, my body has finally adjusted to the new schedule. Hence, me finally having time (and energy) to update my blog!

Korean classes are also going well. But between 5 evening classes, 4 nights a week, and Korean class every Saturday, I now only have Sundays to myself. So I jealously guard my Sundays. A Sunday is now my only time to rest and catch up on household chores. I even manage to squeeze in some time for a new hobby I just started.... painting! Who would have thought? I've never regarded myself as an artist. But at least I can do abstract stuff and call it art! So I am now slowly but surely decorating my apartment with art by moi!

Spring has also finally made an appearance, with beautiful flowering cherry blossom trees everywhere. Pictures of these natural wonders have always drawn me to Asia. I get a thrill every time I look at these trees. Sometimes, I cannot believe that I am here in Asia, and able to see and touch these very trees and their delicate blossoms, of which I dreamed for years and years.

Cherry blossom tree with a Korean ancestral home in the background.

Giant cherry blossom tree at Gunwi High School.

Awesome sight of a 'Spring shower' sky.

Cherry blossom tree lined avenue.

It rained cherry blossom petals!

And then, of course, Saturdays in Daegu are a treat. I get to satisfy the city-girl in me. Saturdays start off with an hour-long bus ride into Daegu, followed by breakfast at Starbucks with friends, prior to Korean class. I have met a wonderful group of like-minded crazies, and we have so much fun together, learning a new language! Class is usually followed by lunch together with whoever happens to be available. We try out a new restaurant every Saturday! This is usually followed by some form of shopping or another (shoes, or new jeans, or luxury groceries - imported from the Western World - [this includes avocado pears and South African wines at exorbitant prices, but what's a girl to do?], or just hobby supplies). And before we know it, it's the end of the day! So much socialising and shopping to do, not enough time!

Friendships and relationships are still progressing very nicely. I have more students wanting to practice their English, so I spend my lunch breaks walking outside with them, and talking in the fresh Spring air. One girl has even planned topics for me! Her topic for today was, 'Nicknames'! At my high school, they also started an English radio broadcast programme. I coach the students' with their enunciation etc, and thus can still wear my Speech and Drama Teacher hat!

I have also gained many new friends through my evening classes. The downside of this, however, is all the dinner invitations!!

So, I am happy to report that all's well here in the Land of the Morning Calm.

Till next time!

Happy April Fools' Day!

I must admit that the Koreans really do some great things! I appreciate how they make the most of special days. Today, our high school students had prepared fake chalk on the chalk rail, so teachers had to carry chalk with them to class. The kids also coated the door handles with glue, and one class of boys reversed their classroom by turning their chairs round to face the back! They even placed the teachers' lectern at the back of the room. I can't remember us school kids playing cute tricks like that when I was at school!

And then, tonight, I met some of my students' parents. They want to learn English. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach adults. In my opinion, it can only add to my teaching experience. It will be very interesting, since they are at beginner level. Then again, I am in the same boat as they are when it comes to Korean. So here's hoping it will be an equal exchange. My Korean course is proving to be very handy!