A Week of Wonder

Hi all!

What an interesting and exciting week this has been!

Who would have thought it? I've been teaching life science classes in English to 9 students during the summer vac. I have been trying to make it as interesting for them as possible, realising that their poor brains are already having to work overtime, battling with all the English terminology!

So, I have been setting up all kinds of experiments, including a very thrilling experiment with yeast which had me carefully placing a sealed ziploc bag with a yeast/sugar combination and a rapidly growing amount of CO2 gas, outside, where it was safe for it to explode! (I think I was more excited than the students, though, getting to make my first explosive devise! LOL!) We also got flower seeds to sprout in 2 days! Unbelievable, but true, as seeing is believing!

And the gem of the week was the solar eclipse! Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Only certain parts of the world ever get to see one, and I just happened to be in Asia for this one! We gathered our students outside, and we all got to witness this wonderful astronomical phenomenon. What a gift! How ironic that I usually missed any lunar eclipses back home, but got to see the magnificent solar eclipse here in Korea! (For those who don't know, lunar eclipses occur approx every 6 months, while solar eclipses occur approx every 18 months - and are only visible in certain parts of the world.)

Yesterday, I accompanied some students to a nearby town to the movies to see the latest Harry Potter film. Beautifully done, and the special effects didn't disappoint, especially when one has read the books, and has certain expectations. I was however, hoping to see an invisible Harry trapped against the wall when Dumbledore is faced with his persecutors! Surely, they could have pulled that one off, considering the other effects they got. Oh well...

One of my colleagues/walking partners rang my doorbell the other night, bringing me some potatoes and green peppers, fresh from her home garden!!! How sweet is the country life!

And would you believe this....today, some students who do not have to attend summer vac classes, volunteered to come clean the school during the vac! Unbelievable!

Well, I have only 2 weeks left to go till my holiday! Yes, I am looking forward to it... But first, I have 2 more English camps to get through. I'm very busy these days, but actually, it's not that stressful, and the time passes quickly. (And who knows? I might have an extended break when I get back, cos us foreigners who leave Korea and return might have to undergo a quarantine period, thanks to the Swine Influenza. You know, Korea is very finicky about germs and diseases, so they take all kinds of precautions regarding who they allow into their country. If I feel sick or display flu symptoms upon my return, possible house arrest for me until I am medically cleared!)

Speaking of which, one of my colleagues (the green pepper lady, Ms Kang) has personally taken me to meet 2 friends of hers, who can speak English and are thus able to assist me if the need arises...an optometrist, and a doctor at one of the local hospitals. The doctor gave me his personal cell ph number, in case I need medical assistance at any time. And he also happens to live in the Gunwi area, so won't be far away in an emergency.

A note on optometry in Korea...they are absolutely horrified when they hear just how expensive eye-care is in the West. It's not just SA, it's the US as well. But here in Korea, every 2nd person wears specs, you see, so of course, it has to be affordable. But brace yourselves.... you can get a new pair of specs, including test and lenses, for as little as 10 000 Korean Won....which is a grand total of R61,30. (that's sixty-one Rand, in case you think I made a typo!) I tell you, we get totally ripped off in South Africa.

I remember a time, while visiting Anton and Maxine with Fran, they had a visitor from Australia who was talking about his horror at how expensive the cost of living is in SA. He said, "one gets nothing for nothing in South Africa". I remember thinking, "Oh no, another South African-Australian, comparing things to cover his guilt at leaving SA during the Struggle years.

Now, however, experiencing a different way of life over here, I can see just how ridiculous the cost of living in SA is. I was thinking today, that perhaps if people were kinder to one another, not so selfish, if people shared more with others, perhaps we'd have less crime and violence. If banks and businesses weren't out to bleed everybody dry of their hard-earned sweat, perhaps poverty wouldn't be such an insurmountable mountain. And now I'm being maudlin, aren't I?

Anyway, it's midnight! I had no idea, busily typing away as I am, enthralled by the wonders and sorrows of the world. :)

Lots of love, as always

Stay warm and good...

Andrea

Travelling Around Korea

Hello again!

Yes, it's me again! I know you are hearing a lot from me....but ask yourself this: would you rather I were quiet for weeks and months on end? Hmmmm....

Anyway, because it is technically school vacation now, I had Friday off after our field trip, so I decided to make hay while the sun shines - not that there's been too much sun after our field trip! I hopped a bus from Gunwi to Seoul (3 1/2 hrs). I reckoned that since I have already spent 2 consecutive days on long-distance bus trips this week, I might as well go the whole nine yards and add 2 more consecutive days! So, off to Seoul I went on Friday. Now I have not only conquered the Daegu subway system, but Seoul's as well - which is pretty impressive, even if I say so myself! LOL! (Actually, it's pretty easy to figure out. I love travelling public transport here. Everything's clean, no grafitti, everything runs on time, and regularly!) How on earth will I cope with a Cape taxi once I'm back? (If I turn into one of those expats who complain about everything once I'm back home, please SMACK me! - HARD!) It's so easy to compare SA's poorer points to other countries. People forget too easily all of SA's FINER points!

Anyway, so I decided to head to the dreaded Itaewon for shopping - they cater for Western sizes here. There's a part of Itaewon which is known as Hooker Hill - I wrote about it a few months back, the place where American soldiers pick up Korean girls. Well, I got picked up by an American soldier just back from Iraq. Now don't panic, everyone...Here's how it happened.....

I arrived at Itaewon subway station and went to the loo. As I exited, there was an American rapper wanna-be (full gear: white head-cloth, red baseball cap, red trainers, red outfit, bling in the ears, chain, etc etc etc). Well, he was looking at me, so to be polite (unlike most Westerners here in Korea), I greeted him. He asked me something that sounded like, "Are you married?" I repeated, "Am I married?" He emphasized, "Are you AMERICAN?" Me: "Oh! Sorry! Thought you asked if I'm MARRIED!" (embarrassing moment or what?). Anyway, we continued chatting. I found out that he was with the Military Police in Iraq, saw lots of 'action' since they were often flown into hectic situations in Apache helicopters. Turns out he used to be a Hip-hop dance instructor before he got drafted to the military, cos he attended a military school, so had to do his duty. He's African-American/Puerto Rican. Nice enough guy, considering my revulsion for American soldiers who caught on who-knows-what atrocities in Iraq. I wanted to get a first-hand impression from the horse's mouth. I was hungry, so we went to grab a bite (KFC was the closest). Like a gentleman, (even though he was dressed like an American gangster rapper and happens to be an American soldier), he insisted on treating me. A friend of his eventually joined us - a Puerto Rican, also with the US military. ???? (Seems this must be my Puerto Rican season! Remember I met a Puerto Rican girl a few weeks back? Turns out she and I will be working together at a camp in 2 weeks' time.)

Anyway, I told them not to let me hold them up, since I was on a shopping mission. We parted ways....Of course, he wanted to "get to know me better". Me thinks NOT! Can you imagine me walking around with someone who dresses like that!!! And yes, I know, one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but honestly!

Anyway, I have finally come to understand the true meaning of MONSOON! The rain we get in Gunwi, cannot be called monsoon, after what I experienced in Seoul. The rain comes down so heavy that the raindrops bounce up from the ground to wet you underneath your umbrella! And here was me shopping in this weather! Nice thing, though, is that in Korea, all shops, buildings etc usually have umbrella stands at the door. Even the buses have a bucket at the door for your brolly. So you don't have to wet merchandise, people, seats etc with your dripping brolly.

I spent the night in Seoul, holed up in a hotel while thunder and lightning viciously attacked the city. More shopping this morning, and then I was approached by some Middle School students in a subway station. They interviewed me for their school's English newspaper and then finally I was on my way back home on the bus.

On Monday, I begin my summer vacation classes....teaching Science, of all things. But at least, I managed to squeeze some English literature and reading into the equation as well. And afterwards, we get to go the movies! 3 days of movies after classes! Not a bad deal at all. I even get paid extra for going to the movies with the kids! Is that hilarious or what? Which reminds me, I have lesson plans to prepare! So, it's farewell from me for now...

Cheerio!

Love,

Andrea

End-of-Semester Teachers' Field Trip

Hello again!

Well, well, well.....

Our school field trip (my main school, being the middle school) included Principal, Vice-Principal, all teaching staff, admin and cafeteria staff. So we were a group of almost 30 on a bus trip to another province which is 2 provinces away. All I can say is....PARTY BUS!!!

Oh my goodness! What an experience! I told you before, these Koreans work hard and they party the same. We had hardly left when everyone was handed snack packs consisting of peanuts, caramel peanuts, sesame-coated raisins, ginseng candy, chocolate, peanut candy, squid biltong, beef jerkey, plums fresh from the farm, and cherry tomatoes. Then came the the beer and karaoke! Long-distance buses in Korea are all equipped with tv and karaoke set-up, including colourful lighting, fancy curtains and microphone. Our bus even had a table at the back where I sat. I guess the thinking behind it all is, if you're gonna spend a few hours travelling on a bus, you might as well have fun while you're at it. Needless to say, the drinking began in the morning and lasted till well into the night! A new admin guy had started a week or two back. We had never been introduced, but as he built up his confidence with more and more beer, he began telling me that he loves me! This continued from the morning till midnight, including me being pulled into dancing with him at a noraebang (karaoke room) later that night! More later....Oy vey!

And yes, I was pressured into singing karaoke again on the bus....it was terrible! But these people are so sweet that no matter how falsely I sang, they still encouraged me and clapped for me! Encouragement seems to be really important to them, rather than knocking someone down or laughing at them. (Mind you, I think it was after my awful rendition of Britney Spears' Oops, I did it again that got the admin guy professing his love for me. LOL! He probably just felt sorry for me!)

Anyway, had lunch along the way at a rest-stop. We continued driving and stopping along the way to enjoy the scenery and beaches. It was the first time I'd been to a beach in almost 4 months after my Clifton farewell party. All I can say is....aahhhh. Beautiful! Check out some pics...

I saw hermit crabs and oysters growing among the rocks on the beach. Now Jeolla-do is well-known for its wide variety of seafood, so of course, it was a seafood fiesta trip! We eventually arrived at our beach resort. Played in the waves for a bit. Had supper at a seafood restaurant on the harbour (ok but still doesn't come close to what we have to offer in Cape Town). Dinner was squid cooked on a stone slab on a gas stove at the table. So we cook our own food, basically. Typical Korean style. Then Noraebang for the second time, where fortunately my singing had much improved by this time. Must be after all the beer consumed throughout the day. (Allow me to explain....Koreans have this cultural thing of pouring beer or soju for one another. If someone approaches you with a bottle and a cup, they pour for you, and it's an honour. You return the honour by pouring for them. Everyone can drink from the same cup. For example, someone will pour for the entire group, and everyone drinks from the same cup. To blatantly refuse could be seen as offensive.) Then dancing and singing, and generally a good time had by all.

There were 8 of us in our hotel room. Korean style, with flat mattresses on the floor. It was like being at high school all over again, with pajama parties. Went to sleep with the sound of waves crashing and of course woke up with the monsoon rain. The morning was fantastic as I could just sit on the balcony and watch the ocean and rain....Serene....

Breakfast was a seafood gruel made with rice...like a porridge made with rice, soup, vegetables and seafood. Back on the bus, and off to another beach where there is a movie set where another famous Korean drama is filmed. Then stopped off at a National Park where there was a Buddhist temple. The Buddhists in our group went to worship, while the Christians and Catholics respectively waited for them, observing the Buddha and the bowing. Then to a seafood market for shopping. Then lunch at another seafood restaurant, which was a raw crab dish. I politely stuck to rice and soup, not wanting to take any chances with shellfish and allergies.

And finally we were on our way home again. A lovely trip, thoroughly enjoyable.

I'll send pics a bit later, once I've had a chance to upload them.

Love to all...

Andrea

My Second Weekend Camp

Hi all!

I'm sorry to hear about the flooding in CT. Hope you are all ok? Managing to stay dry and warm? (Read a funny post on Facebook yesterday...apparently, there's a show at the Baxter called 'Noah' which had a performance cancelled due to flooding!)

It's been raining almost non-stop on a daily basis here as well. The monsoon season has finally arrived. It's still weird, though....I'll be nice and cool in an air-conditioned room, watching it rain outside, only to be hit by a wall of heat the minute I step out. I think I'm beginning to get used to it, but sometimes it still knocks me for a six.

So, I have now survived my 2nd English camp! Check out the pics of my kiddiewinkles. (These are some of my students at my middle school.....working away very seriously!) It was thoroughly exhausting but oh so rewarding! I now have some students making an extra effort to talk to me in English, post-camp. A group of girls keep coming to find me, whether it's in my classroom or at my desk in the teachers' office, to say hi! and tell me that they're so happy 'cause of the camp, and they can't wait for the next one, and they want to work hard at their English, etc etc etc. I even received an education during one of the breaks from the boys on pop music matters! Adorable!

There's a little girl I must tell you about. She doesn't have any friends at school. She doesn't have a school uniform, so she stands out like a sore thumb. Wears big specs, and I think she must have some mixed blood or something, cos she's one of those rare Koreans with dry, frizzy, light brown instead of sleek black hair. She's as quiet as a mouse, doesn't look for attention, so, naturally I noticed her. One day, during lunchtime in the cafeteria, almost all the tables were full. There were some open spaces at some student tables, but I noticed her standing looking lost, not knowing where to sit. So she's standing in the middle of the cafeteria, holding her lunch tray, looking like a lost little lamb, and of course, my heart constricted in agony for her. I managed to catch her eye, and gestured to her to come sit next to me. She couldn't believe it...did a classic 'Who, me?!' response, looking behind her to check if I was indeed calling her. I continued with my lunch, chatting to my co-teacher opposite me, while she sat down next to me and began eating. I finished my lunch, stayed with her a few minutes longer, then asked her if was ok if I left her to finish her lunch. I'm only painting all the detail cos of the end-result.... This kid totally transformed after that. Now, in class, the little mouse suddenly has so much confidence. She now confidently raises her hand in class to contribute answers, not caring what anyone else thinks. I actually caught some of the other girls telling her to 'mind her place' or whatever it was in Korean, but the meaning was clear. She blatantly ignored them and continued to shine, where before she was happy to go unnoticed.

Things like this remind me that indeed, I must be here to make a difference in someone's life, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Generally, things here are going very well. So well that it's noticeable. I know one shouldn't question when good things happen, but I can't help but notice and wonder at it all. First of all, my co-teacher, Lee, the one I used to complain about, is like a different person. He is sooo respectful of me now, he even cracks jokes and teases me! He gave his homeroom class such a telling off the other day cos in his opinion they were being rude and disrespectful toward me (meanwhile they are actually one of the best-behaved!). We now have a really good understanding in the classroom and work together very well. He's actually an intelligent, practical guy who can think on his feet. I am now extremely grateful that I ended up with him as a co-teacher.

Next, my female colleagues - especially the older ones - seem to have adopted me, or something. I get apples and watermelon peeled and cut for me, even skewered onto a toothpick or fork and placed in my hand. I get backrubs and shoulder massages, if I look tired or stressed. Even my exercise has become their concern. At one time, this weekend, I came very close to telling everyone to just back off for a moment and let me breathe, let me work! On Saturday morning, breakfast (a plate of apple and a chocolate pie) was placed before me. The admin lady is constantly bringing me iced tea or iced coffee. The minute I express any kind of sentiment, like, Oh, it's hot! or Oh, I'm tired!....yes, you guessed it, there comes a massage, or something cold, or the aircon goes on at full-blast....or I get a fan waved on me! Good grief, for all the jokes I used to make about Cleopatra being my great-grandmother....I suddenly feel like Cleo herself!

There's a boy here, who, whenever he sees me, bows very deep and low, then takes my hand in both of his, and says whatever little English he knows. (I found out today, that his mother is Phillipino. When I first arrived in Gunwi, some older Korean folk thought I was from the Phillipines. Maybe this kid feels a special kinship, who knows?)

Then, I actually couldn't believe my ears! My high school Vice-Principal actually asked me if I'd consider spending a vacation with him! And he wants to see photos of me and Kim Gyo Lim in our bikinis in Thailand!!! FREAKY!!! I'm telling myself that he was teasing....

I also ordered and received biltong and droewors from THE BILTONG GUY here in Korea. Made with Australian beef, local spices and a South African recipe. It tastes good, just like home. And it's soooo much cheaper than in SA!

School closes on Wednesday for 'vacation' - no idea why they call it vacation when the kids and teachers have to continue working! On Wednesday, after school closes, our teachers are going on a field trip to another province called Jeolla-do. Apparently there's a really beautiful beach resort there. 4-5 hrs bus ride to get there, so we'll stay the night and come back the following evening. More news on that when it happens.....

Anyway, that's all for now, I think....

Lots of love to everyone!

Andrea

My First Weekend Camp in Korea

Hi guys!

Last week, I said that I would have to pay for my sinful week of laziness....well, it's arrived! Punishment time! I have camp planning coming out of my ears!

Anyway, this past weekend saw my first English camp in Korea. It was a lovely introduction. I helped out at a school in a neighbouring town. Oh my word! Talk about rural! Absolutely beautiful country scenery on the drive in. It's a middle school which has...wait for it....ONLY 29 students in the entire school! Three classes consisting of 9-10 students each! Isn't that any teacher's dream? 18 students pitched for the camp, which basically means...almost the entire school student body was at English camp! (Funny, hey?!)

I enjoyed it. The kids were great, although their English ability was generally quite low. But English camps basically focus on just getting the kids to have fun in English! So after ramming SA culture down their throats with our National Anthem, stunning videos of SA and Cape Town, Freshly Ground, bobotie, boerewors, chakalaka, biltong and mopani worms (eeuugh! was their reaction, too - which is rather rich coming from Korea, considering some of the weird stuff THEY eat!). Anyway, I then got them making bookmarks using Ndebele colours and patterns, and I even taught them the Jabulani step, so I could get them to dance while they sang THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT. :)

Geoff teaches at that school, so we had a class each (9 per class!!!) YAY!

Check out Geoff's photo. Just look at what he wore to a school camp! (Read what his t-shirt says!) ANYWAY!!!

So I am now planning for my own school camp this weekend....FRI, SAT, SUN..... Please feel sorry for me :)

I'm actually enjoying the planning though, even though its extremely time-consuming. Nice thing is, I get to do more drama stuff! And YouTube is now my best friend! I'm using it more and more in the classroom, since these kids are so visually-inclined. The best way to hold their attention, is to get them watching images on a big screen! (How things have changed since our school days, hey?)

Anyway, lots more work for me to do.... So this is a shorty...

Lots of love to all,

Andrea

Laziness

Hello again to you all...

Still coping in the Cape Winter over there?

I have had a nice calm, restful (lazy week). Thanks to exams, I didn't have to teach, so let me indulge you in what I can get away with here at work....

Monday and Tuesday, I spent both days, beginning and finishing a book - which wasn't hard at all, since it was a Jodi Picoult can't-put-down-page-turner (Perfect Match). Monday evening, we had a staff dinner. This time, they served angler fish - the ugly old fish that sits on the ocean floor, waiting for innocent wandering little fish to pass by. It dangles a fishing rod-type protrusion from its head to entice its prey. Once the prey fall for the joke, the angler snaps open its massive jaw, engulfing poor little fishy :( . Well, this time, I got to eat the angler! My word, what a weird fish! More big bones and spiny stuff than actual fish! At least the fish itself tasted like...fish :) . Its served with wasabi and soy sauce, like sushi.

On Tuesday afternoon, all the ladies were invited to my downstairs neighbour's (English name = Regina) apartment for noodles. Of course, it's noodles in broth, plus accompaniments, and fruit for dessert. Remember, Koreans always serve fruit for dessert. So the good thing is, I am definitely eating more fruit in Korea than I ever would back home!

On Wednesday, at high school, it was the last day before they were to start writing exams, so all I did was spend 5min wishing them well, and then left them to study, while Gyo Lim and I could finalise booking holiday accommodation! (We are so excited!) In Hong Kong, we'll be staying in a Korean Guesthouse - which saves us a ton of money, as the hotels in HK will be quite pricey. In Bangkok, we also found a nice hotel centrally located to the shopping areas, at a good price. We saved quite a bit there as well, so could use the savings towards a villa/bungalow at a really nice, small, luxury beach resort hidden away in a remote area - private beach, private pool, which is great as neither of us really want the rowdy tourist scene. Quiet solitude to get HK and Bangkok shopping fever out of our system. And when the shopping and excitement cravings start up, hop on a boat with local fishermen to nearby islands, city, etc.

Wednesday evening, one of my middle school colleagues phoned me, barely able to speak English, but managed to communicate that they were at school, exercising. Would I join them? So, off I went, and 4 of us spent about an hour walking round and round the sportsground. We have now made this a daily routine, which I much prefer to walking up a mountain before school at 5am!

Tonight, Thursday, it began raining lightly while we were walking. Naturally, we ended up singing Raindrops keep Falling on my Head! A lovely way to destress at the end of the day. They are learning English, i am learning Korean, we are keeping fit and healthy while doing it.... Win-win situation :) . So, as you can see....they are certainly taking good care of me.

I am working at an English camp this weekend, and I'm looking forward to it. I have been doing a ton of prep for it, but it was good cos they want me to do a lesson on South African culture. I'm going to teach the Korean kids how to make an Ndebele artwork; we gonna sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight; some African dancing for good measure; I'm also promoting SA and CT; plus all the food!!! I have been driving the other SA teachers here in Korea nuts, cos I keep posting notes and videos on facebook about CT and unique SA food!

Anyway, more news next week only, cos poor me will be working all day Sunday to pay for my sinful week of laziness :(

Luv you all

Andrea