Blogging On A Saturday Night

The Umbrella Corporation is Starting with Seoul
It's raining today. As much as I dislike rain, I know how much better it is than the immaculate amounts of snow that breaking records in Ottawa. Lucky for me, the last teacher that lived here left me a nice umbrella. I've never actually used an umbrella before, but I thought the idea of not having cold rain drip down my bald head seemed great. As I began walking to school, I realised how great this invention truly is. It's almost like its not raining at all; as far as my head is concerned. I quickly noticed how many other people were smart like me and staying dry under their wonderful umbrellas. Then I noticed how many people were ignorant to the umbrella, like I used to be.... none! Actually, of all th people I saw as I walked to school, which was well over a hundred, there was one single person who didn't have an umbrella. I understand that people using umbrellas is a very normal, but the sight of all these umbrellas everywhere just made me giggle like the school girls in uniform who were piling into the high school next to me. All of them dry under their umbrellas.

It's Like Going to Costco
Most of my classes are short, so we don't get snack or lunch time like the other classes have. Saturdays are the exception. We get a snack time, and this is the one time when the kids show you how great they are. Even the little hell raisers that I yell at all day want to share some of their snack with me. It's like when you go to Costco and they have samples in every isle. You nibble on a little of everything until you're full, buy nothing, then go home. I get to try some pretty neat food, but sometimes I am forced to eat things I just don't enjoy, for example tomatoes. Today though, I had to eat sushi. I do not like sushi. Not only do I not like sushi, I don't even like people like sushi. I ate it though, what could I do. Any sushi lovers reading this: YOU OWE ME!

Week 3

I have now been in Seoul for 3 weeks, though I feel like I've been here for several months. As far as I know, the there's nothing that exists beyond the 1km stretch between work and home. On most days I begin work at 09:00 and finish at 19:00, sometimes without breaks. By the time I get home, I'm mentally and physically exhausted. I usually just eat, watch a movie and go to bed. I spend my weekends preparing lessons for the upcoming week, and doing a little cleaning in my apartment. I feel like I came all the way to the other side of the world just to be back at Corel. Before I came I heard so much about people having a great time teaching English overseas, but right now I'm failing to see how this is going to be a good time for me. It's not just me though, the other teachers don't exactly seem to be having a blast either. The one thing stopping me from looking for another job here is that my hours are supposed to be drastically reduced next month. Hopefully then I'll have some time and energy to see a little of the city and begin enjoying myself.

As far as my classes are going, I have some good days and bad days. I hit a low on Thursday when for two hours I had to deal with kids constantly bickering, getting up and leaving class, and a little girl crying at the top of her lungs. I don't really blame her though, I'd probably cry if i was the smallest kid in that class. I've talked to other teachers about these kids and they seem to just not respect foreign teachers. Of course, their teacher last year had a TA to help her. I really don't know why they feel I don't need TAs, but if things keep up, I will demand one and possibly leave if I don't get one.

To end on a positive note, the people here seem to be really friendly. Though English isn't common, there's usually somebody willing to help you when they notice you looking lost or confused. I had heard mixed reviews on the locals before I had arrived, but my experience so far has been very positive. I still maintain that this is a very easy place to live. At least my neighbourhood is, as it might be the most affluent in neighbourhood in Seoul. I don't really miss much from back home, especially after hearing how much snow has fallen on Ottawa. Aside from the people closest to me, the only thing I really miss is a sofa. I'm considering trading my elliptical machine for a good sofa to lie down on.

Go Forth And You Shall Be Known As Emily

One of the greatest challenges to new surroundings is remembering peoples names. I've taught 8 different classes in a week so I think I can be excused with forgetting the names of the children for now. There are only 7 foreign teachers at the school, including myself, so I think a week is enough time that I should know all of my co-workers' names. Still, for reasons unknown I've been calling everyone Emily. It started with Kim then quickly moved on to Elizabeth and eventually spread like frogs had just fallen from the skies. I don't know any Emily's, and the names aren't even close enough for me to be constantly making the mistakes. Still, Emily, if you're out there, I just want you to know that I'm thinking of you. Also, please send pics.

Most Koreans have English names, but contrary to my assumptions their Korean names do not translate into English. The children actually get to choose their own English names. When I learned this I started thinking about how cool it would have been if I got to choose my own name when I was little and what I probably would have chosen. I would probably have a bland name like James or Gordon. These kids are clearly smarter than I was though... at least Dragon and Slime are.

In my class of 4 year olds, it's quite common for students to not have an English name yet. This makes it considerably more difficult to remember the kids, but I still try my best. Before my first class on Saturday, as the little people slowly filled the room and the tension of the nervous children grew, Dawn approached me telling me that one little girl didn't have an English name and her mother wanted us to name her. Initially I was quite overwhelmed, this is quite the responsibility. Then began to get excited, I actually get to name something more important than a plant (no disrespect Ashley). Deciding on the name, I asked the little girl what she thought of Emily. Her face lit up and so did my heart. I love my special little Emily.

Korea: Week 1

I arrived in Korea on Sunday. So much has happened in the last week, I don’t know where to start. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had the time to record the many thoughts I’ve endured, however I will attempt to relive them here without boring you. I should warn you right away, however, there’s much to be said, to this entry will not be brief.

I arrived in Seoul Sunday evening. I was picked up at the airport with Dan, a fellow teacher who is also from Ottawa. I was fortunate enough to meet Dan in Ottawa before we left. I really like him. When we got here only one room was ready, so Dan and I shared a very small bachelor for the first few nights, and I slept on the sofa. This was slightly frustrating only because they pressured us so much to at a certain date, but when we do finally arrive, they’re not ready for us. I eventually moved into a very nice loft that could make any young professional jealous. I am very fortunate to have such a nice place, as Dan’s place is not nearly as nice. I also think I may have a crush on my door. When I am lonely I talk with her. I don’t understand what she is saying, but she sounds very sexy.

After arriving Sunday evening I spoke with my boss on the phone and she informed me I would not be starting work till Tuesday. She wanted me to come to school on Monday just so she could meet me, which is completely understandable. I was anxious to get to school for the same reason. When I got to school in the morning though, they told me I would be subbing for a class. No prep, nothing, just thrown into a pit of lions. This is considerably more difficult than you might think. I’d rather swim with piranhas then have to do that again.

So immediately after landing, I worked my day off. This means six straight days of work without a chance to deal with jetlag, cultural differences, and not having a bed.… Welcome to Korea. The job itself is the most challenging job I’ve ever had. The children lack anything that could even resemble discipline. I teach children anywhere from 4 to 8 years old. Preparation is the key to success, however, everything I seemed to have prepared has failed, and I have struggled to control many of my classes. I’ve already had to yell at one of my classes. I scared the shit out of them, but it was the only way they would listen, though they continued to kick, scream, throw, hit each other and disrupt the class with obnoxious noises.

I’ve been very fortunate with a light teaching schedule, however all the other teachers get Korean Teaching Assistants (TAs). For the most part, I don’t get to benefit from their hard work. The TAs are all fantastic people, great with the children and like most Koreans they work extremely hard. I do have the help from a TA for my young Saturday classes though. My TA, Dawn is fantastic. She’s like that cute girl in the Japanese movies with the annoying high pitch voice. I find the combination of the high pitch voices with the silly language kind of endearing. I love Dawn though. She is very smart, helpful and incredible with the kids. When it comes to teaching 4 year olds who don’t speak a word of English, Dawn is the Ying to my Yang. I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

Adjusting to life in Korea has not been very difficult so far. I am very indifferent about being here. I’m not nearly as excited as I was about Europe, though I’m not regretting coming here. I haven’t had the time to see much of Seoul yet. Today was my first day off and I spent it unpacking, cleaning and preparing for class. I feel like the city is difficult to love. There’s tall buildings and concrete everywhere, combined with colourful lights. There is very little grass, trees or anything green. Even when it’s sunny here there’s never any need for sunglasses as the smog provides shade for even the most sensitive eyes. In general though, the city lacks the character or charm that I experienced everywhere in Europe, and I’ve come to appreciate in Ottawa. Hopefully after seeing more of the city I will be convinced otherwise.

Conveniences make the city easy to live in. There are small stores everywhere and many are open quite late. Though most people in the stores do not speak English, they are usually very helpful and pleasant. In addition to stores, in the evening the streets become littered with vendors offering great deals on fresh fish, clothes, shoes and Korean street food, among many other things. I haven’t tried any of the street food yet, because I’m trying to avoid grease right now, but Korean food is delicious. Advice for anyone who plans to come to Korea: Learn to eat spicy food and learn to use chopsticks. The food is spicy even for me, and I generally enjoy a lot of spicy food. Though forks do exist here, you’re not often given the option. They give you one or the other. I suppose you could survive on McCrap or fried chicken as they can easily be found. Though most places are Korean, it’s not difficult to find corporate America. There’s even a Roots store (Canadian clothing company) in the mall close to me. There’s a very big mix of Korean and Western culture which is probably why all the teachers are finding it quite easy to adapt to living here.

A few random things I’ve noticed while here:
Though drivers pass on the right, pedestrians typically pass on the left.
Drivers do not yield to pedestrians, even at crosswalks.
Churches are in normal tall buildings indicated by red glowing crosses. Do not try to use these crosses as reference points. You will get even more lost.
Appearance is everything. Even cars are polished regularly. Every single car looks shiny and new.
Unlike China or Europe, cars are large like in North America, maybe even larger. SUVs are common, though minivans are not.
Kids are easily frightened by me as I do not look like everyone else. Sometimes I’m the first time they’ve seen someone that isn’t “black hair, and ….” It’s funny how they trail off after that. I do have black hair too!
Bowing is important, but often a head nod passes as a bow.

Note: In the interest of posting something for you to read as quickly as possible, I did not properly edit this publication. As a result you may find this to be long winded and/or poorly written. I do apologies for that.