A Korean Sound of Music

South Korea- Daily tasty rice and public transportation, time alone and caring friends, ginseng roots and pepper pastes, breaking language barriers and experiencing new cultures, ...these are a few of my favorite things.


Artillery shells and blasts, dog farms and kimchi, machine gun fire and chinooks, pig intestine soup and cutting food with scissors rather than knives, ....these are a few of my suprising things.

Octupus and makali, friendliness and reverence, mountains and silence, wisdom in simplicity and friendships with teachers around the world, everyday challenges and new experiences, rice fields and mini-farms, rainy seasons and friendly soft rains, common ice cream treats and wines in public parks, an active lifestyle and people bonding through soju, climbing mountains and daily walking, public exersize facilities and old people out of thier houses in force, ....these are many of my favorite things.

K-pop and korean music taste, mirror-checking and some focus on external beauty, ....these are a few of my least favorite things.

Click the sideways triangle to watch the video below:)

African Field-Trip. On this day.

Popcorn shaped corn puffs, fried sausage bites, capri-sun, fun-yun balls, chocolate covered pretzels, crispy fries, and pineapple filled candies are a few of the treats i consume on Friday's field trip bus ride to a forest museum and African culture center.
These treats come courtesy of the kindergartners... It becomes quickly apparent that each parents has equipped their child with a backpack full of fun.

Rainbow lights line the bus ceiling as intricate baby blue curtains line the entirety of the ceiling, catchy sing along music is played, which is a mix between American childrens tunes, "k-pop", and techno. The recorded voice which comes over to relay messages literally sounds like a kindly fairy creature taken from a Disney movie.

It is pleasant ride, and an interesting time upon arrival.

We have a charismatic guide which makes the forest come alive a bit for the children. He pulls up plants which 'bleed' from the stems, blows floaty seeds through the air, picks leaves that smell like bananas, fruit which resemble mini banana bunches, and finds ripe blackberry bushes. Afterwords, a thunderstorm, threatens but never comes. Mist, drizzle, and thunder accompany the rest of the trip and the kids runaround wild happy and engaged finding caged animals and shouting their names in English "wild duck" "tiger" "bear" "big pig."

At the African cultural center we watch a concert show of an African dance team. Towards the end they pull some of the kids and ME up to the stage where i am required to dance an African dance with a member. White mud paint is placed on my face with drawing African fingers symbolizing good luck for the day.

My job is a good one on this day... i feel especially special to be doing the things i am and getting paid; on this day.

thunderstorms

What are the most lovable aspects of kids? It's something to think about for someone within a embarkment into teaching. I thought of one of those somethings as I walked through the streets today greeting students and not-students. It is perfectly acceptable to display what would equate to the happiest day of your life upon seeing... and greeting... a child. I suppose for a youngster...you don't have to have a reason to be happy...or a reason to be toooo happy.

Rather, it is more typical that a smile a bit too big from me to a stranger or a friend is apt to set their mind wondering.. what the joke is?...or... whats going on?
what are you smiling about? what are you thinking about?
ehhh?

There are no questions or suspicions. Just a reason for that child to become exceedingly happy. It makes me feel a little more at place.

Friendly thunderstorms take some time getting use to.
Even since i arrived here thunderstorms have lurked around many an afternoon corner. And, as walking to destinations is a daily activity there is an inevitable confrontation.
(rainy season will hit full swing this month)
As I come back from the market,.. scattering drops and thunderbolts are enough to set my mind to worry with subsequent thoughts of jogging. But,... as I look around I see old women peacefully picking lettuce in their gardens, people tending rice fields, and a soccer field of children.
From past experience, those last moments before a thunderstorm can be quite breathtaking as the wind whips up, the sky becomes beautiful and threatening, and those lucky; few; first;... -bigdrops- find your forehead.
But, as i was getting to, thunderstorms are liable to hang in the air all night here before hitting in the morning. And, furthermore, weather overall is just much more a way of life here. Rain for an hour, or a couple days..there doesn't seem to be much of a concern.

....The way we get by

COOL BLUE REASONS... Brightly colored shirts, lining occasional streets.  Neon greens contrasting against bright pinks.  -Inside them are Koreans who greet every passing car with a deep bow and a cheerful phrase. 

Here in South Korea, we are within a week of elections.  A serious politician, knows nothing of planting crowded rows of plastic signs along the highways,... rather his advertisements are alive and surprisingly happy to be out and about on the streets greeting people with repeatedly surprising and sincere smiles.  Big box trucks roll through neighborhoods and past rice fields with megaphones full of poppy catch tunes....  they display larger than life faces of  politicians whose images are surely too happy. 

BASKETS OF RED leaf lettuce and many tasty leafy green things with names unknown to me are being served steadily with lunch the past couple weeks - which is more often than picked by the principal?....then prepared by the lunch ladies...which consist of an odd mix of students, assistants, and the occasional vice principal. 
There is a stricter sense of hierarchy here.. but it is served with consideration and humbleness.
The schools garden is producing a tasty harvest.

SHINY NEW GYM, is where i now play badminton once a week with my local friends.  It is hard to complain...I am always meeting new people who are all at once very friendly.  And I am sliding slowly into eating better and exercising more...next weeks project...start taekwando lessons.                                                           

TEACHING?

TEACHING, ..WHAT ARE MY EXPERIENCES? What do I find challenging; what do I love? I know of a few teachers who may come across reading this; and as I am slowly becoming one( or not),…. I think it a good subject to write around.
(Prelude,-turns out I teach alone, the students speak minimal English, I speak no Korean- and before this month I’d never been alone in a room with a small child for more than 5 minutes)(I had originally hoped to teach middle or high school because of a complete lack of experience)
I have to say… what is most challenging by far is maintaining the control and discipline of such a wide range of ages and levels. I am fairly psychologicaLYl adept; however, switching from kindergarten, to fourth grade, to 1st grade, to sixth grade, to second grade, to the ever-rowdy after-school 4th grade bunch in one day boggles my mind and challenges my mind to its very extents. The kindergartners are free-spirited fun-loving mischievous critters demanding my every last whit, what’s left of my strength, the reserves of my creativity…and in the end. Well,- you know-, I stand defeated. My surviving grace is via the kindergarten teacher-the only class I teach where another teacher is present. SWITCH Sixth grade-ok, I can handle, by far my favorite class, I know already there will be crying all around when we part. SWICTH 1ST grade, it is my unfortunate second week discovery that this age group is much more understanding within reward and punishment. But seeing the bright side, (THANK YOU SARAH G.) ,some advice from my sis sets me on the right track. SWITCH 3rd grade-leaders are emerging in this age group-I have to quickly identify the mischievous ones-those developmental psychology classes come back to me and I start to regain control; if you don’t nip them in the bud -quickly- they will set your whole class and year into chaos…lessons learned the hard way, but, I am, how you say?, a rookie!

Entertaining at a farm deeper in Korea than I'm use to.

FROGS AND STARS

FLOODED RICE FIELDS are what you will encounter around most corners as you walk (and you will walk much very much- (as well as separate your organic metal and plastic trash-its the law!)) as in south korea the preferred way to grow rice is a under a foot of water within pristine landscapes. Frogs,- from their respective flooded rice fields-, are singing and whisk me to sleep,- or to a peaceful mood, as they did back in Tennessee.
Also, You will encounter free outdoor gyms close to every train station with 90% of the exsercizeees being women over 70(very popular to exercise and eat healthy in korea)..
It is not uncommon to see men holding hands or for people to scrub each others backs within public bathhouses(very popular),…. it is not uncommon for an old man to walk up to you and point out that there is only one star in the sky in a picturesque place close to the moon (happened this very night) or for them to happily chatter and laugh with you for 15 minutes as you wait at the train station (even if they know you don’t know a touch of Korean!!!!)
At this point in reading, I think you will be of the strong opinion for or against living in korea. I think it is not for everybody, but that it is made for some.

a day to be reckoned with

A RENEGADE FROM.., a small business owner, an escapee, a philosopher, a chinese teacher, a humble one, a charismatic, a south africa, scotland, new zealand, canada, japan, california, virginia; a trip round the world at a korean floor table, -  a social gathering where on can wander with profound interest in and out of interesting conversations at will. There are around 20 people-english teachers in my area-that meet around three times a month.

I end up in a private karaoke room the techno lights are flashy, the mood is free, and the soju is bound to make another reappearance and someone is doing a decent justice to "brown eyed girl" what a song! (in my opinion).....(by the way, left early:)
I get off a train not far from my apartment and i am completely lost (although i am within 200 feet of the correct train stop which leads to a dirt road which through the fields and hidden community leads to my apartment)...i am a lone hobbler through a cobbled street...and my constantly popping knee is a barking dogs only companion...i wonder without hope down a few dead end alleys (there is no dramatizing here...i am utttterly and completely lost)

after alot of thinking...and quite a bit more walking i make it back home...
it is an easy Epiphany at this moment that my life is already forever changed...and forever to change even more constantly...i have been invited to a rooftop barbecue at veteran English teachers house tomorrow afternoon

a day to reflect of....

CUDDLEFISH(tt), Roasted duck, duck soup, ginseng roots, rice cakes, bok choy, more green vegetables than I could ever identify, and soju (20 % alcohol) I have just had for dinner at what my co-teacher say is the “second best restaurant” of my local area ( the #1 one was closed for an unknown reason). All teachers have dinner together on Wednesdays (today my first time). The principal has taken a special liking to me (thank goodness) and he always makes sure my plate is full of cuddlefish, ginseng, that my legs are stretched, and sends several toast my way. A prevalent Korean philosophy is living and eating healthy and so I am wished to a healthy life and find myself eating a lot of greens and ginseng (which they regard as restorative) FINALLY!!! (GOODBYE CANCER, HEART ATTACKS, AND FAST FOOOD). In fact, as we walk into the restaurant we pass women carrying in vegetables to prepare from a garden right outback.

After a couple small cups of soju, me and the 6^th grade teacher chat (the person of closest age to me -30-) he informs me his students think I am a movie star (which I am aware of, in that, the girls ask for high fives and then run around yelling and saying something to the effect of ‘’oh my’ just as certain women would try to touch brad bitt and run away yelling). Crushes are also apparent, as one girl likes to stand at my desk during planning periods. Her favorite activity is bringing objects like fruit and saying “Wiley teacher do u like apples? Yes? Ok, then I like apples”. “Whats this?” A mango. “Do you like mangoes?” Yes. “Ok, then I like mangoes”….to which the other girls giggle.

The 6^th grade teacher also informs me that his favorite hobby is boxing, and that he is soon to be a father.

Korean cities equate to American rivers as mountains are everywhere and here and there are small linear cities squinched in between the mountains. Everywhere multiple levels are dug into the mountains forming climbing gardens level up on level… And so even though I don’t live on a mountain…I feel as though I live in the mountains…and the effect, I imagine, is quite similar…quite wondrous…. … I ask my co-teacher does anybody live in all these mountains?” “The monks” he says…and I entertain my next adventure…

There is much to say, much to write, but I must be content in limiting myself to pointing out things- such as- that I am learning an incredible amount each day…everything is something new to learn, a challenge, and opportunity…and at this point my job is quite difficult but rewarding…

What is my favorite part of the school besides the beauty, the people, the kids, the culture? There are small things too, yes. As I go into the bathroom, a sign above the stall says “art is long, life is short” and as I listen I hear the most peaceful song I ever heard on loop in the men’s restroom…also my title “wiley teacher” is liable to make my day….

chapter three- arrival at school

AS I GET OFF THE TAXI, HAVING NOT SLEPT OR SHOWERED FOR A COUPLE DAYS NOT TO MENTION JET LAGGGGGGGGG, I SEE THE PRINCIPAL, VICE PRINCIPAL, AND OTHER SUCH IMPORTANT PEOPLE SMILING WAITING TO MEET ME. OKAY, GAHH, I MADE IT THROUGH THAT OK, BUT THE PRINCIPAL AND COMPANY WANT TO TAKE ME TO DINNER! (I AM IN BAD SHAPE). SO I HOP RIGHT BACK IN ANOTHER VEHICLE (AT LEAST ITS NOT FLYING) AND ARRIVE AT A VERY NICE TRADITIONAL KOREAN RESTAURANT. NOW, MIND YOU, IT IS NOT EASY TO ADAPT TO NEW CUSTOMS WHEN YOU ARE SLEEP-DEPRIVED. SUCH CHALLENGES INVOLVE TAKING OFF YOUR SHOES WHEN ENTERING BUILDINGS, HOLDING YOUR LEFT HAND UNDER RIGHT HAND ANY TIME YOU SHAKE HANDS, FIGURING OUT HOW LOW YOU SHOULD BOW OR IF YOU SHOULD AT ALL, SITTING INDIAN STYLE ON A PILLOW ON THE FLOOR (I FRACTURED TOE BEFORE LEAVING THE U.S. WHEN I FELL OFF MY ROOF), COOKING YOUR OWN FOOD VIA A FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF TABLE, BIENG ASKED TO STRECH OUT MY LEGS OUT NEXT TO OTHER TEACHERS LAPS WHEN I HAVNT SHOWER (AND OHHH MY “OWWW” I JUST CANT PUT MY LEGS LIKE THAT ANYMORE AFTER I TURNED SIX), SHARING BOWLS OF FOOD WITH THREE OTHER TEACHERS (U DON’T HAVE YOUR OWN PLATE), AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE SECOND GRADE TEACHER SUCH AS “DO YOU LIKE ALCOHOL?” “HOW MANY BEERS DO YOU DRINK AT ONCE?” “HOW OLD DO YOU THINK I AM?” AND FIGURING OUT RESPONSES WHEN THE PRINICIPAL INFORMS ME TWICE THAT THE DINNER HE IS BUYING ME IS VERY EXPENSIVE.

BUT WAIT---HERE COMES THE GOOD PART-----I LOOOVE ADVENTURE AND CRASH COURSE LESSONS!!!

COMING SOON---CHAPTER 3 – ADVENTURES IN INTRODUCTION TO KOREA AND SCHOOL:

“WHY YES, THIS IS GOOD KOREAN COFFEE” “WHATTTT? YOU WANT ME TO GIVE A SPEECH IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE SCHOOL AND FACULTY ALL PACKED INSIDE THIS LUNCH CAFETERIA?????????????RIGHT NOW???”

chapter two- arrival in korea

AS I WALK OUT OF THE AIRPORT BREATHING MY FIRST FOREIGN AIR, THERE AR 30 TO 40 PEOPLE ALL HOLDING BIG POSTERS WITH NAMES. I SCAN FOR A SECOND FIND MY NAME. HOWEVER, MY ESCORT SPEAKS NO ENGLISH SO IT IS QUITE AN ADVENTURE GETTING IN A TAXI VAN AND TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO HIM WHY ALL I HAVE WITH ME IS A LAPTOP BRIEFCASE. NOT SURE HOW I WOULD EXPLAIN WHAT THE LANDSCAPE AND CITIES LOOK LIKE AS MY TAXI LEAVES SEOUL AND HEADS DEEP INTO A RURAL AREA CLOSE TO THE COAST—OTHER THAN “RRAANDDOOMM AND MOUNTANIOUS”. THERE ARE VERY FEW ORDINANCES IN KOREA SO THAT YOU MAY SEE A SKYSCRAPER NEXT TO A HOUSE NEXT TO A FARMER GROWING SOME CABBAGE. MOSTLY MOUNTAINS AND HILLS, BUT IN THE AREAS BETWEEN THERE IS CERTAINLY SOME KIND OF UNIDENTIFIABLE BUILDING PROJECT GOING ON AS WELL AS RANDOM ENGLISH SIGNS THAT MAKE LITTLE SENSE SUCH AS “MAD COWS.”