I made it back from China. It is going to take me a few days to upload my pics and tell you everything. It will be a massive post. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I am pretty exhausted and get to teach all day. Wohoooo!
My best friend, Erin, (since 1st grade :) ) got engaged on Christmas! I'm super excited and did a little dance for her in my classroom... Yeah! Congrats Trent and Erin!!!!!!!
k. Time to go teach and wake up! Have a fabulous day!
peace out.
xoxoxoxox
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas- EARLY
Hello! Well, tomorrow I am leaving for Beijing, China. I am super pumped. I am starting to come down with a cold, which really sucks. Hopefully, it won't get any worse and ruin my trip. I am not sure what to expect, which makes it very exciting. I am staying in a hostel with my two other friends. It was really expensive... 5 dollars a night. Can you believe that? We have nothing planned, really. We have a few destinatons that we want to see, but otherwise we will go where the wind takes us. It is going to be cold and possibly snowy. I am bringing my boots and warm clothes. Last night, we had our "first" real snow here. It maybe snowed an inch, but it was great. I made my friend Megan go for a midnight walk with me along the Han river. It was so pretty with all the snow. I felt like a little kid again. Ahhh.. I love the first snow! It officially feels like Christmas. The snow makes me think of home... but I am not envious of YOUR weather. I hear it is cold, snowy, and awful. (Chuckle, Chuckle.) Sorry. :)
I went to Missionaries of Charity today and had a wonderful time. I had lunch with them and hungout for a few hours before school. They made me introduce myself to the new volunteers. Along with that, they asked me to sing a song. Yes, a song- infront of everyone. I started laughing and turned red. I told them I was horrible at singing, but they insisted. I couldn't think of anything to sing, so I sang "Twinkle, Twinkle". My voice was shaking and my stage fright kicked in. I'm sure I looked ridiculous, but they seemed amused. I'm not sure if it was because of my fabulous singing or at my foolishness. Either way, it was a fun day and I hope I never have to sing infront of them again. haha.
Time to go teach. I will put up pics early next week. Merry Christmas. Tell Santa hello for me. I forgot to give him my new address, so I don't think he will be coming this year. So sad.
ps. Yesterday, I convinced my students that Americans can fly. haha. They believed me! Of course, I told them I was joking after a few minutes. Ahhhh.... I love being a teacher.
Ho Ho Ho. Merry Christmas. I hope you all were good this year. Celebrate each other and everything that you have! Don't stress about tomorrow, enjoy today! Blessing to you all.
k. I am really done.
xoxox
I went to Missionaries of Charity today and had a wonderful time. I had lunch with them and hungout for a few hours before school. They made me introduce myself to the new volunteers. Along with that, they asked me to sing a song. Yes, a song- infront of everyone. I started laughing and turned red. I told them I was horrible at singing, but they insisted. I couldn't think of anything to sing, so I sang "Twinkle, Twinkle". My voice was shaking and my stage fright kicked in. I'm sure I looked ridiculous, but they seemed amused. I'm not sure if it was because of my fabulous singing or at my foolishness. Either way, it was a fun day and I hope I never have to sing infront of them again. haha.
Time to go teach. I will put up pics early next week. Merry Christmas. Tell Santa hello for me. I forgot to give him my new address, so I don't think he will be coming this year. So sad.
ps. Yesterday, I convinced my students that Americans can fly. haha. They believed me! Of course, I told them I was joking after a few minutes. Ahhhh.... I love being a teacher.
Ho Ho Ho. Merry Christmas. I hope you all were good this year. Celebrate each other and everything that you have! Don't stress about tomorrow, enjoy today! Blessing to you all.
k. I am really done.
xoxox
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Dude. Longest Post of My Life! Geesh..
(Remember to click on the pictures to make larger)
Our first stop was a little town/village near the DMZ. We had lunch, which was KOREAN food. Can you believe it? We were with about 80 other foreigners. The people at my table would only eat the rice. I'm not sure how they survive here. I like the food...most days. I think I would hate my life if I only ate white rice everyday.
The pots are for the fermenting process of ....KIMCHI!! Woop, woop! People where eating right out of the pot that is shown. Kids were crowding around the pot to get a taste. Gross. It looks like vomit. Blehhh
On our way to the DMZ, we were able to see more of the village. The population is near 200 - all farmers who produce soybean and ginseng. They pay no taxes and are making the big bucks. I think our guide said they make around 100,000 US dollars a year. There is an United States military base in the village, but it is currently vacant. Almost everyone at that base is now serving in Iraq. :(
Well, just in case you were dying to go to a small crappy "amusement park", there is one right next to the DMZ. Who needs history, when you can ride on the Viking! haha.
This is the memorial for the United States- thanking the US for their efforts in the war and honoring those who were lost.
This is the "Freedom Bridge". This bridge is where NK brought POWS to their camps. It is also where they were released after they signed the armistice in 1953. The bridge is blocked off, because it leads to NK. The memorial is located where the bridge is blocked off. It is covered with posters, pictures, and writings.
The group of people next the statue were singing songs. I am guessing they were mourning the losses of loved ones during the war or the continued separation of family members.
The fence along the path to the bridge was lined with ribbon. All of the ribbons were written with messages- possibly of encouragement, hope, or of loss. It's interesting that almost everything is in another language. I am so nosey- I wish I knew. I wonder what I would want to say if it were my country? I can't imagine how frustrating it would be- to border an enemy that took someone you loved or still has someone you love. To know they are so close, yet you can't do anything.
The border fences are barbed wire. Be careful if you are planning on climbing over them.
I took the picture of the military dude (SK) in the watching post from fairly far away. Thank you zoom lens. Then, I read the sign when I was looking at my pictures. OPPS! Glad I didn't get shot! :)
The other picture is the walkway to the 3rd tunnel that SK found in 1978. I believe there are 5 total that they have been found? NK built them to attack Seoul, but they never did. This tunnel had the potential of sending 30,000 troops through within an hour. We couldn't take photos in the tunnel. The tunnel was very wet and we had to crouch down to walk through. Everyone was complaining that they had to wear helmets, but I'm pretty sure I heard people's helmets hit the rock ceiling at least a dozen times. haha. I can't imagine what the conditions were like as they built the tunnel. They must have been soggy, wet, and cold for months. blehhh.
The statue is supposed to symbolize the two parts of Korea coming together as one. I was trying to give them a hand, but it is harder than it looks- literally.
Before we went into the tunnel, we watched a short video on the DMZ and went in their small museum. The video was completely ridiculous. They made the DMZ look like it was now one big park full of flowers, animals, trees, and benches. Like we were going to take our families there to frolick with the flowers and hangout ...they forgot to mention the occasional bullets that be flying at your head. Sure, it is full of trees and nature, but there is no peace in sight. I'm not sure what they were trying to show, but they are delusional. For those who aren't sure what the DMZ is, it stands for Demilitarized Zone. It is along the 38th parallel and cuts Korea in half. It is a buffer zone along the border and is very heavily secured. There is no "border line", but the zone is 2.5 miles wide. The DMZ is controlled by many barbed wire fences, soldiers,cameras, and super sweet spies (I'm guessing).
NORTH KOREA! Woop, woop! Well, they were very strict about taking photos, so I had to literally stand on my tippy-toes and hope that I was aiming towards land and not the sky (see pic of other people looking ridiculous). The soldier dude was watching our every move, so I thought I should maybe follow directions. :) The pictures were disappointing, but I feel like you can tell what it is like over there- the land anyways. As I looked in the binoculars, the houses looked like they fairly new or in good condition and they were all the same. Like right out of a suburban development. I saw no people or any movement over there. I have read, that it is more like a " mock town" for only the outside observer to see. I'm sure the other side of the mountain, out of everyone's view, is full of shacks and poverty- little to no running water. North Korea is facing a near famine, thus they are placing stricter laws on the people. If they try to escape, the punishments are a lot harsher and they face more jail time. It's hard to know what is truth and what are lies, but either way, North Korean people are suffering even more.
The last stop on the tour was Dorasan Station. South Korea built this train station for the future. Seriously. They are hoping to have this train run through NK, China, Europe, and eventually Great Britain. They are putting all their marbles in one basket and assuming the other countries will be SUPER EXCITED for this new line of transportation. As for right now, the train goes to the Unification village- when it was open. They (SK) are waiting until a certain president (I'm sure you can guess which one..) changes his mind or dies... The tour guide said they thought four years. Hmm... I wonder where they got that number from? Do they know something we don't? Personally, I think he is dead already. The papers here seem to think so, as well.
I was so surprised to see Mr. President Bushy at the train station. I guess he was there during the grand opening and signed those materials- railroad stuff. If you look closely at the picture, he is signing with the marker upside down. Even South Koreans can get a good laugh at our brilliant president. I mean that with the utmost respect. wink. :)
First of all, I am writing this in South Korea. I decided that Communism wasn't for me, so I came home to my fabulous apartment. The DMZ tour was very cool, but I was a little disappointed that I didn't get closer to the border of North Korea. The tour usually goes to Panmunjom (Unification Village), which is the site where North Korea and South Korea signed the armistice in 1953. An armistice is a contact to stop fighting during war and negotiate peace. It does not mean the end of the war, as we can see with the two sides relationship today. There has been more tensions between the two sides in a recent months. A Korean women was shot on the North Korean border. She was on a tour on the NK side and walked too far away from her designated area. According to the NK side, they told her stop and turn around. She did not listen, so they shot her. Most people say that it was the women's fault, but she still didn't deserve to die. Also, there has been issues with some SK protesters. They have been launching gas balloons over the border that contain propaganda leaflets. Thus, this has led to stricter border restrictions, so little tourists like me, can't soak up some history in NK. SO SAD. Geeez. Don't they know how important I am? Apparently, not.
Christmas is next week! Yeah! Can't wait! Have a fabulous week getting ready and baking massive amounts of food! Safe travels to all who are getting in a car and venturing out in the snow. I will be thinking of you. I will leave you with my "Christmas photo". I went to a professional establishment called Miller Time. They were really great. They even offer you a beverage..or two. :)
oh...here is a new friend of mine. Her name is Angelina. She says, "hello."
Our first stop was a little town/village near the DMZ. We had lunch, which was KOREAN food. Can you believe it? We were with about 80 other foreigners. The people at my table would only eat the rice. I'm not sure how they survive here. I like the food...most days. I think I would hate my life if I only ate white rice everyday.
The pots are for the fermenting process of ....KIMCHI!! Woop, woop! People where eating right out of the pot that is shown. Kids were crowding around the pot to get a taste. Gross. It looks like vomit. Blehhh
On our way to the DMZ, we were able to see more of the village. The population is near 200 - all farmers who produce soybean and ginseng. They pay no taxes and are making the big bucks. I think our guide said they make around 100,000 US dollars a year. There is an United States military base in the village, but it is currently vacant. Almost everyone at that base is now serving in Iraq. :(
Well, just in case you were dying to go to a small crappy "amusement park", there is one right next to the DMZ. Who needs history, when you can ride on the Viking! haha.
This is the memorial for the United States- thanking the US for their efforts in the war and honoring those who were lost.
This is the "Freedom Bridge". This bridge is where NK brought POWS to their camps. It is also where they were released after they signed the armistice in 1953. The bridge is blocked off, because it leads to NK. The memorial is located where the bridge is blocked off. It is covered with posters, pictures, and writings.
The group of people next the statue were singing songs. I am guessing they were mourning the losses of loved ones during the war or the continued separation of family members.
The fence along the path to the bridge was lined with ribbon. All of the ribbons were written with messages- possibly of encouragement, hope, or of loss. It's interesting that almost everything is in another language. I am so nosey- I wish I knew. I wonder what I would want to say if it were my country? I can't imagine how frustrating it would be- to border an enemy that took someone you loved or still has someone you love. To know they are so close, yet you can't do anything.
The border fences are barbed wire. Be careful if you are planning on climbing over them.
I took the picture of the military dude (SK) in the watching post from fairly far away. Thank you zoom lens. Then, I read the sign when I was looking at my pictures. OPPS! Glad I didn't get shot! :)
The other picture is the walkway to the 3rd tunnel that SK found in 1978. I believe there are 5 total that they have been found? NK built them to attack Seoul, but they never did. This tunnel had the potential of sending 30,000 troops through within an hour. We couldn't take photos in the tunnel. The tunnel was very wet and we had to crouch down to walk through. Everyone was complaining that they had to wear helmets, but I'm pretty sure I heard people's helmets hit the rock ceiling at least a dozen times. haha. I can't imagine what the conditions were like as they built the tunnel. They must have been soggy, wet, and cold for months. blehhh.
The statue is supposed to symbolize the two parts of Korea coming together as one. I was trying to give them a hand, but it is harder than it looks- literally.
Before we went into the tunnel, we watched a short video on the DMZ and went in their small museum. The video was completely ridiculous. They made the DMZ look like it was now one big park full of flowers, animals, trees, and benches. Like we were going to take our families there to frolick with the flowers and hangout ...they forgot to mention the occasional bullets that be flying at your head. Sure, it is full of trees and nature, but there is no peace in sight. I'm not sure what they were trying to show, but they are delusional. For those who aren't sure what the DMZ is, it stands for Demilitarized Zone. It is along the 38th parallel and cuts Korea in half. It is a buffer zone along the border and is very heavily secured. There is no "border line", but the zone is 2.5 miles wide. The DMZ is controlled by many barbed wire fences, soldiers,cameras, and super sweet spies (I'm guessing).
NORTH KOREA! Woop, woop! Well, they were very strict about taking photos, so I had to literally stand on my tippy-toes and hope that I was aiming towards land and not the sky (see pic of other people looking ridiculous). The soldier dude was watching our every move, so I thought I should maybe follow directions. :) The pictures were disappointing, but I feel like you can tell what it is like over there- the land anyways. As I looked in the binoculars, the houses looked like they fairly new or in good condition and they were all the same. Like right out of a suburban development. I saw no people or any movement over there. I have read, that it is more like a " mock town" for only the outside observer to see. I'm sure the other side of the mountain, out of everyone's view, is full of shacks and poverty- little to no running water. North Korea is facing a near famine, thus they are placing stricter laws on the people. If they try to escape, the punishments are a lot harsher and they face more jail time. It's hard to know what is truth and what are lies, but either way, North Korean people are suffering even more.
The last stop on the tour was Dorasan Station. South Korea built this train station for the future. Seriously. They are hoping to have this train run through NK, China, Europe, and eventually Great Britain. They are putting all their marbles in one basket and assuming the other countries will be SUPER EXCITED for this new line of transportation. As for right now, the train goes to the Unification village- when it was open. They (SK) are waiting until a certain president (I'm sure you can guess which one..) changes his mind or dies... The tour guide said they thought four years. Hmm... I wonder where they got that number from? Do they know something we don't? Personally, I think he is dead already. The papers here seem to think so, as well.
I was so surprised to see Mr. President Bushy at the train station. I guess he was there during the grand opening and signed those materials- railroad stuff. If you look closely at the picture, he is signing with the marker upside down. Even South Koreans can get a good laugh at our brilliant president. I mean that with the utmost respect. wink. :)
First of all, I am writing this in South Korea. I decided that Communism wasn't for me, so I came home to my fabulous apartment. The DMZ tour was very cool, but I was a little disappointed that I didn't get closer to the border of North Korea. The tour usually goes to Panmunjom (Unification Village), which is the site where North Korea and South Korea signed the armistice in 1953. An armistice is a contact to stop fighting during war and negotiate peace. It does not mean the end of the war, as we can see with the two sides relationship today. There has been more tensions between the two sides in a recent months. A Korean women was shot on the North Korean border. She was on a tour on the NK side and walked too far away from her designated area. According to the NK side, they told her stop and turn around. She did not listen, so they shot her. Most people say that it was the women's fault, but she still didn't deserve to die. Also, there has been issues with some SK protesters. They have been launching gas balloons over the border that contain propaganda leaflets. Thus, this has led to stricter border restrictions, so little tourists like me, can't soak up some history in NK. SO SAD. Geeez. Don't they know how important I am? Apparently, not.
Christmas is next week! Yeah! Can't wait! Have a fabulous week getting ready and baking massive amounts of food! Safe travels to all who are getting in a car and venturing out in the snow. I will be thinking of you. I will leave you with my "Christmas photo". I went to a professional establishment called Miller Time. They were really great. They even offer you a beverage..or two. :)
oh...here is a new friend of mine. Her name is Angelina. She says, "hello."
Friday, December 12, 2008
North Korea or Bust...
Hello! Well, tomorrow I am headed to the DMZ! Yeah! I'm so excited! I never thought I would have the chance to see it. I'm not sure what to expect, but I will be on a history high. Woop, woop. I will post pictures as soon as I can.
Some of you know, I just got a new number on skype. You can call me for free, just like you would call anyone. It still calls to my computer, but you can leave a message if I'm not online. 952-388-0626. As of right now, I can only receive calls, but I am trying to change it.
Did you know...
-Koreans use thinner, metal chopsticks, rather than wooden ones. They believe that their version will help improve their children's math ability. I'm not sure if I buy that, but I know it is very difficult to eat with their "smart sticks". I think they are just trying to help us foreigners lose weight. They are so kind.
- I found out why my middle schoolers were SO tired last week. They had 11 exams - - science, social studies, Korean etiquette/morals, gym, art, music, Chinese (Mandarin writing), English, Korean (grammar/writing), health, and one more (crap, I forgot). My students had been studying for a month to prepare for these tests. They need to do well, so they can get into a good high school and eventually college. Their high school selection determines there success in life as a working adult. As for right now, middle schools are not ranked. This will soon change (new laws were just passed), so the high pressure of academics will start at kindergarten. A university will accept a student who has lower grades from a prestigious high school over someone who is valedictorian of a lower ranked high school. Lame.
- Most of the information that I share with you is from other people that I meet. So, believe what I say with caution. I could be misinformed.
xoxo
Some of you know, I just got a new number on skype. You can call me for free, just like you would call anyone. It still calls to my computer, but you can leave a message if I'm not online. 952-388-0626. As of right now, I can only receive calls, but I am trying to change it.
Did you know...
-Koreans use thinner, metal chopsticks, rather than wooden ones. They believe that their version will help improve their children's math ability. I'm not sure if I buy that, but I know it is very difficult to eat with their "smart sticks". I think they are just trying to help us foreigners lose weight. They are so kind.
- I found out why my middle schoolers were SO tired last week. They had 11 exams - - science, social studies, Korean etiquette/morals, gym, art, music, Chinese (Mandarin writing), English, Korean (grammar/writing), health, and one more (crap, I forgot). My students had been studying for a month to prepare for these tests. They need to do well, so they can get into a good high school and eventually college. Their high school selection determines there success in life as a working adult. As for right now, middle schools are not ranked. This will soon change (new laws were just passed), so the high pressure of academics will start at kindergarten. A university will accept a student who has lower grades from a prestigious high school over someone who is valedictorian of a lower ranked high school. Lame.
- Most of the information that I share with you is from other people that I meet. So, believe what I say with caution. I could be misinformed.
xoxo
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....
You KNOW your student is tired when he falls asleep mid-sentence. It was probably my funniest moment as a teacher. My student, James, was reading out loud to the class, when he stopped. I thought he was having trouble with a word, but there was no reaction after I pronounced the word for him. I went over to him and tapped his shoulder. He started reading again, but was soon asleep again- mid sentence. After I stopped laughing, I decided to let someone else finish the reading. I let him sleep for the rest of the class. Obviously, if someone is that sleepy, they need to sleep! haha.
Sadly, all my students had huge tests all week and he probably didn't sleep very much. I think he is 10 or 11 years old. I don't even remember studying that much in high school and he is in elementary school. Sucks to be a Korean student.
Sadly, all my students had huge tests all week and he probably didn't sleep very much. I think he is 10 or 11 years old. I don't even remember studying that much in high school and he is in elementary school. Sucks to be a Korean student.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Bongeunsa Temple... The Return
Hello! Well, I went back to the Bongeunsa Temple and brought a full battery with me. It was great, again. I went by myself this time and I didn't get lost. Woop, Woop! I am starting to get the hang of the subway and finding my way around this HUGE city. I say this now, but I'm sure I will get lost tomorrow. :) Oh well!
My pictures turned out pretty well. You can see a little snow in the pictures from earlier that morning. Also, look for the picture of Buddha playing peek-a-boo. I thought it was pretty funny. The piles of rock were created in a form of worship and prayer - asking for good fortune. There were many different piles of all sizes. The miniature, creepy Gods were near the rock piles.
I thought it was really interesting to see the Swastika portrayed as something other than murder and hate. The Swastika has been around for over 3, 000 years, but many people do not know its origins. So, I will give you a brief lesson. Thank you internet and the ability to "copy and paste".
History on the Swastika (courtesy of http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swastika/a/swastikahistory.htm) :
"The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" meaning "good," "asti" meaning "to be," and "ka" as a suffix.
Until the Nazis used this symbol, the swastika was used by many cultures throughout the past 3,000 years to represent life, sun, power, strength, and good luck. Even in the early twentieth century, the swastika was still a symbol with positive connotations. For instance, the swastika was a common decoration that often adorned cigarette cases, postcards, coins, and buildings. During World War I, the swastika could even be found on the shoulder patches of the American 45th Division and on the Finnish air force until after World War II."
"In 1920, Adolf Hitler decided that the Nazi Party needed its own insignia and flag. For Hitler, the new flag had to be "a symbol of our own struggle" as well as "highly effective as a poster." (Mein Kampf, pg. 495)
In Mein Kampf, Hitler described the Nazis' new flag: "In red we see the social idea of the movement, in white the nationalistic idea, in the swastika the mission of the struggle for the victory of the Aryan man, and, by the same token, the victory of the idea of creative work, which as such always has been and always will be anti-Semitic." (pg. 496-497)"
Yeah! I love learning.
ps. I am currently reading, "What is the What" By Dave Eggers. I highly recommend it! Check it out.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
America's Next Top Model Teachers
So, today is picture day for the kindergartners. Apparently, it is a HUGE deal because they are "graduating." All my students take individual photos and they have to wear a dress or tuxedo vest. The photographers brought the clothes for the students to wear. I had to pose with my partner Korean teacher and each student. In that pose I was dressed in my professional attire. Then, I had to put on my casual attire for the group photo. I think it is all pretty ridiculous. Who really care about kindergarten graduation? I felt like I was taking senior pictures again. My cheeks are sore from all that fake smiling. I can't complain, though. I had free Pizza Hut pizza for lunch. It was amazing. One kind had corn, cheese, sweet potatoes, shrimp, and green/yellow peppers. The other had shredded beef, peppers, cheese, mushrooms, and the crust was stuffed with cheese and sweet potatoes. Different, but so good!
I'm going to be a rebel and wear my jeans ALL day! I'm such a badass.
It's almost the weekend, again! The weeks go by too fast here! I'm not sure what I will be doing, but I HAVE to start working out. I am getting stir crazy and my clothes are starting to "shrink" a little bit. I hate it when that happens! :)
Have a wonderful weekend! :) Enjoy the new snow in MN. I would LOVE snow right now. I want to wear my boots.
Make snow angels. Have a snowball fight. Be merry. Christmas is almost here!!!!!
Things are getting pretty rough with the economy, so I hear. Wish you well. Hang in there.
xoxo
20 days til China. It's official. I bought my ticket. I'm going with 2 of my friends from school. yippy!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Buddha's Crib
The Buddhist temple was beautiful! My camera died before I could really get any pictures. I need to go back and take like a hundred pictures. Luckily, the temple is only a 25ish minute subway ride from my apartment. There were so many intriguing things! There was piles of small rocks everywhere that people would place and say prayers to their God(s). There were miniature statues of Gods sprinkled on the dirt in the landscaping. A man was putting up lanterns for some sort of celebration. The funny this was, the temple was right next to a huge mall. Nothing is really secluded in the city. It is very crammed together and massive. I love how you can take the subway one stop and feel like you are in a different country or world.
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