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