Open Mic at M Cafe

I've been attempting to play in public more frequently, to combat my phobia of the stage. It's been working pretty well so far! Here are some clips from last Saturday's open mic at a cafe in Dunsan.
First song is "Exile Vilify" by the National.
Second song is "Umbrella" by Rhianna, with the talented Claire as vocalist.

Also... I want to start blogging again, so let's see if we can keep this going, eh?

한국어 연습 #2- pages 29-

18. 가: 치금 영어를 공부해요?
나: 네, 미국인 친구가 가르져 줘요. 아주 재미있어요.
~ 여자는 미국인 친구와 영어를 공부합니다~

19. 가: 오늘 시간 있어요?
나: 오늘은 일이 많아서 시간이 없어요. 무슨 일인데요?
가: 영화표 두 장이 상겼어요
나: 아, 미안해요. 다음에 같이 가요.
~여자는 오늘 영화를 보고 싶습니다~

20. 가: 숙제 다 했어요?
나: 아니요 아직 못했어요. 지원씨는요?
가: 저는 다 했어요 숙제를 빨리 해야 해요.
나: 네, 그런데 너무 어렵네요
~두 사람 모두 숙제를 해야 합니다~

21. 가: 오늘 저녁에 산책을 갈까요?
나: 어디로요? (잠시 후에) 아, 옆 동네에 좋은 산책길이 생겼대요.
가: 정말요? 거기로 가면 되겠네요.
나: 그래요. 아직 좀 추우니까 옷을 따뜻하게 입어요.
~여자는 오늘 산책을 갈 겁니다~

22. 가: 오늘 회의가 (meeting) 몇 시에 시작합니까?
나: 회의는 세시에 시작합니다. 보고서 (report) 준비는 (prepare)다 됐습니까?
가: 조금만 더 하면 됩니다. 보고서 준비하느라 (because I was preparing) 어제 잠을 못 잤습니 다. 민기 씨는요?
나: 저도 거의 (almost) 다 해 갑니다. 회의 장소는 삼층 회의장입니다.
~두 사람은 보고서 준비를 아직 다 못했습니다~

한국어 연습 #1- pages 25-29

1. 감이 좋아요
2. 불을(lights) 꺼요
3. 이거 신문이에요?
네, 신문이에요.
4. 숙제가 많아요?
네, 많아요.
5. 음악회를 좋아해요?
아니요, 안 좋아해요.
6. 치금 공부하고 있어요?
네, 공부하고 있어요,
7. 도와주셔서 감사합니다.
천만에요. (You're welcome.)
8. 같이 점심 먹을래요?
네, 같이 먹어요.
9. 가: 봄에는 개나리가 많이 펴요.
나: 네, 정말 예뻐요.
(꽃)
10. 가: 이 식탁 (dining table) 얼마예요?
나: 이십만원이에요
(가격- price)
11. 가: 김치찌개를 좋아해요?
나: 아니요, 너무 매워요.
(음식)
12. 가: 펜 세 자루 살게요
나: 모두 이천백원입니다
( 문구점)
13. 가: 비빔밥이 아주 맛있네요
나: 네, 여기가 유명해요
( 식당)
14. 가: 요즘 사람들이 많이 가는 여행지가 어디입니까?
나: 요즘에는 북경에많이 갑니다. 중국에가 보셨습니까?
(여행사)
15. 가: 이번 주말에 어디에 갈거예요?
나: 친구와 같이 산에 갈거예요.
16. 가: 어디가 아프세요?
나: 네, 일주에 전부터 이가 (tooth) 많이 아팠어요. 오늘 병원에 가려고요
17. 가: 실례지만 안경점이 어디에 있어요?
나: 저 사거리에서 왼쪽으로 가면 오른쪽에 안경점이 있어요
가: 감사합니다

October Update

It's been a long time since I've posted which either means I've been having a splendid ol' time here in South Korea or I've done absolutely nothing and have had squat to write about. Well readers, it is my pleasure to inform you that the former is in fact, the truth.

Since my last post, almost four months ago (wow), there has been a monstrous amount of change in my life. I'm working at a new school, and it's going really well so far! I've changed apartments, it's much larger and actually feels like a home! Very exciting! I've traveled around Korea a bit, been to some festivals, drank my face off (far too often), and I even had my fortune read. Simply put, it's been a wonderful couple of months.

All this being said... I've been here for about 14 months now, and that's 14 months away from friends and family back home, lately I've been feeling quite lonely- which has certainly contributed to my keeping an active lifestyle- so it hasn't been too bad. Ever the optimist that I am, I really do try to stay positive. This winter I am planning a trip back to the states for about two or three weeks. It will be really great to see everyone again!

So, I am alive and I am mostly happy. :) I really want to hunker down and study a lot of Korean this year! I've been thinking of writing a few blog posts in Korean, a good study technique I reckon. Vocabulary is really what's killing me lately, it is unbelievable how many words this language has in it... that's a joke, of course there are a lot of words.

Expect another update about this past weekend and how amazing it was!

<3 Aaron

End of Year Happenings

The end of my contract year is just about upon me. This has been an interesting year filled with highs and lows; though it's certainly going out with a low. My coteacher for the first six months was amazing- seriously. We're still friends and I wouldn't have it any other way; but the powers that be deemed it time for her to move to a new school for my second six months. *Korean teachers move schools every five years.* It was simply her time to go.

The second 6 months have been a bit harder to get through, though I've still managed to do so- with grace and style! The first words that my new coteacher ever spoke to me in English were, "I really do not want to teach English." I've heard that just about every day since she arrived in the classroom. The sad part is, she doesn't teach English... I've been solo teaching four days a week while she either doesn't show up for class or sits at the computer doing paper work. Last week we had an Open Class together and it was the first (and only) time I have ever actually taught with her.

This semester, at times, was brilliant- students paying attention and delivering recently acquired English phrases with smiles and understanding! All of my classes receiving the coveted "3 Stars" grade for the day.

At other times it was dreadful- the blank stares as I struggle to explain new and difficult vocabulary without the help of a Korean translator; or controlling the classroom without the use of a Korean Whip!

Through it all I've grown and I've signed on for another year- with a catch. I plan on changing schools! I've already been informed that one of my choices has been filled~ boooo~ However, my second choice is still very possible. A great school in a better area of the city and close proximity to some awesome chingus of mine, and beer. And beer. I met with the current foreign teacher and one of the Korea teachers today, I think they are both in favor of me hopping on board, which is great. There are some obstacles to consider though...

* My current coteacher doesn't want me to leave. Why would she? She doesn't have to teach and can just do her paperwork while I'm around. It's a four day a week paid vacation. I'm worried that she'll sabotage my request to change schools by giving me a poor recommendation...

* Principal at the new school has to want me on board. Maybe not an issue, but if he says he wants a blonde-haired blue-eyed 20 something female, he'll get it.

* An English teacher at the new school is apparently crazy. The teachers at school refer to her as "마녀" or "witch". Would make for interesting work stories, but she currently hates the foreign teacher there, so him recommending me may be a bit difficult.

-currently 11:34 pm and I'm tired, so I'm going to sleep now-

G'night!

Installment #1: Things You May Not Know About Me

I can throat sing. (May want to turn volume down a little.)

Throat Singing- Bored at Home 1 by Banjo Jackson

Foodly Goods

Compiling a google map of delightful Daejeon eateries (restaurants).

Tell me if you'd like to make an addition! Although, suggestions must first be tested by ME! Or not... I suppose I can trust the opinions of others. Let's get our eat on!

View Awesome Daejeon Eateries in a larger map

New School Year

Today is the first day of the 2011-2012 school year here at Shinhueng Elementary School. Although, really we can just say the school year is 2011... as nothing actually happens from January-March.

There is much that is different this year from last year, for instance, I no longer work at two elementary schools- I will miss the small class size of Dong Myoung, the commute, however, I will not, miss. The punctuation in that last sentence was just as annoying as my commute to Dong Myoung.

Aside from only being at one school I have a brand new set of coteachers. My old Shinhueng teachers, Youngers and Amy, have decided that they no longer want to be associated with me due to my ever increasing demands and the fact that my good looks were a major distraction during planning. Not really... I don't have many demands. I miss them already! The good news is we're still friends and they are easily my favorite Koreans in THE WORLD.

My new coteachers seem alright thus far, though we haven't taught together yet so I bite my tongue. It looks as though I will be doing the majority of the planning and teaching when we work together, which is fine by me! I did come here to teach, after all. I recieved my new schedule today: #grade-#class-- 1 hour lunch in between 4 and 5.
Mon Tues Weds Thu Fri

1. Free 5-1 6-1 5-1 6-1
2. 3-1 5-2 6-2 5-2 6-2
3. 3-2 5-3 6-3 5-3 6-3
4. 3-3 5-4 6-4 5-4 6-4
5. 3-4 5-5 Free 5-5 Free

Notice anything missing? Grade 4, perchance? I'm guessing here... but I'm fairly certain one of my coteachers, and this is a quote of the first sentence in English I ever heard her say, who said, "I don't want to be an English Teacher, but they are making me." Well, she teaches grades 3 and 5 and has 23 classes in total- the fact that I have grade 3 and double classes for 5 means that she will really only teach 9 classes solo a week. Before my old coteacher left the new one asked her if it was alright if she left during class when I am teaching- the answer was "He will probably call the MOE (office of education) on you!" I don't think she'll abandon me, but I don't expect much assistance from her. Anywho, I just like to see all the kids and I'm a little annoyed that I won't get to see grade 4... I'm contemplating an after school club just for grade 4 students. Even then I will maybe only see 10 to 15 of them.

Anyways, I'm glad to be back in school and teaching again! I do feel a little awkward in the Lady's Teacher Room without Younglan around though... but the Guy's Room is smoker-friendly and the lack of my own office really doesn't give me other places to go. That being said, I've slowly been getting closer with other teachers at my school, it's nice to walk around and get genuine smiles and greetings! Some teachers even told me to call them "hyung" or "nuna", Korean for big brother and big sister. Part of the whole Confucian hierarchy idea, but one that I find kind of endearing if you're on the 'in'.

Also, the students are in awe of my hearty sideburns.

A Novel Quest

As of late I've gotten zealous inclinations to start writing and reading more. A result of this zeal has been my desire to find bookstores in Daejeon, more specifically, bookstores with an English section. A mission that is proving to be somewhat difficult... although Daejeon is a city with about 1.5 million people, there is not a large ex-pat community, compared to other major cities in Korea. Thus there aren't many foreigner friendly bookstores. That being said, today I had a small success!

I went to Eunhang-dong in search of a supposed bookstore, 계룡문고 (Gyea-rong-mun-go... approximate). This bookstore is actually listed on the Daejeon city website- which it turns out gave inaccurate directions, as it had moved and was no longer in the listed locale. Today I learned that the internet cannot be trusted when it comes to matters of such import as a bookstore's location.

It was disheartening to get to where the store should have been only to find it had been replaced with Noraebangs and Cafes. I wandered for a while thinking that maybe I would chance upon it- no such luck. Fortunately I have a Korean informant who's quite familiar with the happenings of Daejeon and I had the grand idea of contacting her. She informed me that the bookstore I was looking for had moved and that it wasn't that far away. Huzzah! I was given a general area to search and a typed out sentence to show people if I needed help. (계룡문고 어디로 가는지아세요? Do you know how to get to Gyearongmungo?) Thanks, Luka!

Off I went! I didn't end up having to use the sentence, my bibliophiliac sense kicked in and brought me straight to the store. It's the basement level of a building about 100 metes past the Galleria out Exit 6 from Jungangno Subway. There's a pole with the store name on it, 계룡문고, as well as a few signs on the building. Here's a map that should be mostly accurate.

View Daejeon Bookstores in a larger map

As far as the English section goes... well... small. I've recently become fascinated with Mark Twain, so I bought out the entire Twain section- all two books, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Total cost was 15,100 Won- not bad at all! Other than Twain, which I feel very lucky to have found, the pickings were slim. One Hemmingway novel (19,500 won paperback), Lord of the Flies, Of Mice and Men, Johnathan Livingston Seagull (I taught this book two years ago to 7th graders in the US), Harry Potter, Twilight, Chicken Soup books, and not much more... they had a lot of abridged books with both English and Korean- think Heaney's Beowulf- which might be cool? I guess... Anyways, the "Paperback" section was a little despondent, but I still managed to find books to bring home! The best part of the experience was just being in a bookstore and browsing some English books for the first time since my arrival in Korea. There are supposedly more bookstores in Daejeon that await my discovery... I'll let you know how it goes.

So here's something new

The revolution that's occurring in Egypt at the moment is a very serious and real thing. I wrote this song to submit it to a song contest on a website- the topic of the contest is Egypt. No, I don't plan on winning. If you don't know what's happening in Egypt at the moment then allow yourself some time to browse these news links.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12357891

http://english.aljazeera.net/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/feb/03/egypt-protests-live-updates

and this blog

http://blogs.colgate.edu/khanegyptprimer.pdf

Of course there are plenty of more sites out there- this should get you started!

Probably shouldn't take the musicianship or songwriting too seriously here...

Something really sphinx here

A pyramid scheme turned upside down

Me mummy and me dad raised me right

Ankh if you want Mubarak out of town

The tootin' common people gather

Cause we all cairo about the future

You can scare some but you can't scarab all

Living in fear~ oh is no way to live at all

He gypts us of our natural rights

More lethal than a cobra bite

Cleopatra was less of a pain in the asp

A khopesh is all I need to end this regime

Isis peaceful revolution though

We don't want tombs to appear in the ro

Mubarak just doesn't want them to show

We've delta lethal blow

From Alexandria down to Aswan

We're ready for a new dune- I mean dawn

So grab your qoran or bible or whatever others use

And let's start everything anew

Something really sphinx here

A pyramid scheme turned upside down

Me mummy and me dad raised me right

Ankh if you want Mubarak out of town

겨울 Happenings

I made it to the Busan Aquarium a couple weeks back. It was my first time in Busan and probably not the last. The city was wonderful, I wish I had spent some more time there, I'm thinking I should have spent the night but decided against it at the last minute and just got a train home. While in Busan I also went to the Museum of Modern Art- they had some pretty cool exhibits, most notable was the Henry Miller exhibit. Eventually I made my way to Busan Tower; I arrived just as the sun was setting which afforded me a wonderful panoramic view of a city gone dark coming to light. Other than photographs and memories I only took one thing back from Busan, a seashell.

I had a week of camp after my week of vacation. Perhaps some of the most fun that I've had in school in Korea. The kids were genuinely amazing- the camp was for less fortunate children, low income, low level, orphan type- you know the lot. I also made some new friends at camp! Other Korean and Native teachers.

Insert a Saturday trip to Lotte World here. I went with a couple Korean friends, Anna and Luka- the ones that Brian and I meet for language exchange. Ou

r weekly meetings have been less about language lately and more about just hanging out with friends, totally ok with me. So we went to Lotte world, the three of us- Brian is currently soaking up sun and avoiding clock spiders in the Land Down Under with his lovely lady, so he wasn't present. The day was AWESOME. I freakin' love amusement parks- the rides, the food, the atmosphere- totally dig it. The queues were a bit long, but most of the waits were worth it. My reaction to the rides was a bit different from all the Koreans around me... laughter. Instead of screaming, I laugh. I don't remember a time that I've laughed

as much and as genuinely as I did during some of the rides. SO much fun. We plan on going to Everland during spring break- a weekday this time.

Last Tuesday I met up with some Korean teachers and we went skiing at Muju Resort. It had been maybe two years since I skied, but it comes back pretty quick when you're flying down a mountain and need to remember how to slow down. We only spent three hours there- the total damage to my wallet was roughly 70,000 won, which isn't too bad considering I had to rent everything... even ski clothes. That night I met up with a cohort that I had met during camp the week prior.

The Groove Gate is near Jungangno Station; had I not been

led there then I would have undoubtedly failed to find it. The interior is something akin to the Ethnic Bar in Dunsan-dong, though a bit more open and sans hookahs. The owner is an ex-music producer named James (english name) who's really quite enjoyable to talk with. He's one of those guys that you just want to succeed- reminds me a bit of the owner at House Grill. We drank some beers while waiting for one more compatriot to arrive. Once she arrived and introductions were issued we ordered food, Pad Thai- only thing on the menu that night. I guess there's normally a cook that can do all sorts of Thai food, but he wasn't around that night so our host, James, offered us a dish that he would cook himself. Yes, it was delicious! I really want to make it back when the cook is around so I can try some other delicacies, I'm told the red curry is choice. James found out that I play banjo and I've been asked to return sometime in the future with the banj, I get nervous when I play in front of people, so

I've been practicing a bit more since Tuesday- I've even managed to get two new songs in my repertoire, 'Crazy' by Patsy Cline and 'Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps' originally by Osvaldo Farres. I should also mention that after a day of skiing with Koreans, a night drinking with two well-spoken Brits was just what I needed.

I suppose this is sufficient for now. I'd like to start writing more- not just blogging... fiction too. Here's a picture of Hemingway boxing in Africa. (Current desktop background)

I can do a pretty rad Tom Waits impersonation.

Just made French Toast in a pot with a spoon.

A Week Off!

A short vacation has begun! I don't have a plan- other than to get out of my apartment on a series of day trips, or overnight trips... or multi-day trips... really depends on the wind I guess.

Some things I want to do.

-Visit aquarium and fish market in Busan

-Sit on the beach at Busan

-Return to Seoul and purchase some sort of travel instrument at the Nagwon Arcade

-Give Heather a high-five in Bucheon

-Put myself out there for adventure

-Find an art museum and feign pretension

-Drink with Koreans in a strange city

-Go to the movies (I love the movies)

What else should I do? Where else should I go? Do you have a couch?

"Marry Christmas"

I wish I could be with my grandfather when he receives all of the letters that I had my Drama Club students write to him. In the past two years he's lost a daughter and a wife, so he's a bit lonely right about now. Hoping these might cheer him up. :-)

I had them write a letter on the inside with a little bit about themselves. Of course they all felt the need to tell him what they thought of his grandson... some of the most memorable quotes being:

"I like Mr. Fitz his legs are long."

"My friends like Mr. Fitz."

"Mr. Fitz is very handsome and he has a husky voice."

-or when talking about themselves-

"I like to eat pizza and chicken so I am a little fat."

"I have one brothers and one kangaroo."

"This is my address (insert address here) PLEASE SEND ME GIFT."

I'm super thankful to have students that were willing to humor me and help me put a smile on good ol' Papa's face. Yay Christmas.

Mushroom Bulgogi

Brian and I met our two Korean friends at Hanam University last Sunday for our weekly grub and language exchange. Though it had actually been about three weeks since we had seen them last, so I feel like a liar saying they're weekly; anyways. As always, the company was fantastic and the food nearly rival.

I had eaten bulgogi before, but never mushroom bulgogi. Mushrooms are perhaps one of my favorite foods and there's not much to say about beef other than, mashifrickensoyo. Combine the two and you get a delectable amalgam of culinaryness. They brought out a giant tray of beef and mushrooms which we immediately started cooking in the center of the table- we emptied this pan three times and refilled it with roughly the same amount of food every time. Koreans know how to eat.

After the bulgogi we walked to a little cafe with a swell interior and indulged in some most excellent brews, tea and coffee. I would type to you some of the Korean I learned, but I don't have a hangeul enabled keyboard- I'm thinking I'll purchase a wireless one soon so I can be lazy and type from my bed. Well it was a great meet, I saw them again on Friday of last week, sans Brian as he was not feeling well. I tried to teach them some tongue twisters-- more on that later.

The Small Things

Seriously appreciate a self-heating toilet seat.

High-five South Korea, high-five.

La Moustache!

During Epik orientation we were told by a presenter that Koreans pay attention to appearance, a lot of attention. So much attention that if you change your hair style, for example, they will question your mental health- didn't quite make sense to me either, but that's exactly what we were told. Due to this information I had been putting off shaving my beard even though mustaches kind of annoy me. I generally change my face once every other month or so... I like change.

I shaved last night! Went from a beard to a goatee with burns- a classic me look. I expected to go into school today and have everyone comment on my newly shorn face; it was not so. In fact, I went the entire day with only one person making a comment about it- the crossing guard outside the school. I don't know if you've ever seen the movie "La Moustache" but I certainly felt like yelling "LA MOUSTACHE!!! LAAAA MOUSTAAACCCCHHHE!" On more than one occasion today. Oh well.

Facial hair for me, and maybe all men and some women, is significant in that it becomes part of my identity. When I sport a full beard I look and feel older which juxtaposes my clean-shaven self when I look like a teenager and feel younger than I actually am. Since being in Korea the beard as added yet more depth by making me feel and appear obviously foreign. It is very rare to see a Korean man with any sort of facial hair; I'm told that being hairy is a signifier of lust here. In fact, there have even been stories of teachers being asked to shave by their schools due to these superstitious complaints. Koreans have on more than one occasion told me that I look like Jesus Christ, the comment is always set-up first by asking if I'm religious/Christian, the answer being "No" never stops the comparative follow up. I'd like to tell them that Jesus was probably not a white skinned, freckly, blue-eyed, Euro-mutt... with a pinch of Native American... but I would make less friends if I did that. Needless to say, now that I've shaved I'll be curious to see how new Koreans interact with me when we meet, looking like Jesus was a good way to break the ice.

P.S. I need winter vacation ideas.

Recapitulate

Monday 11/22
A normal day of work followed by delicious grub with my coteachers and Brian. It was called 삼계탕 or "samgyetang". It's a Korean soup served in a warm stone bowl with a whole chicken in it. It was probably one of the most delicious soups I've had since being in Korean, but to be honest that's not a hard title to win... the school soups are generally atrocious.

Tuesday 11/23
Went to a movie with a coteacher and some of the fourth grade teachers and the music teacher. I had a good time hanging out, but the movie was relatively bad. Also, it didn't help that it was a Spanish movie with Korean subtitles. That being said, I don't feel as though I missed any amazing dialogue. This review makes the movie sound fantastic- please do not let it fool you. I felt like the director or artistic director took a semester long course in the "Artistry of Film" and made a checklist out of the notes he took. After the course finished he decided to make a movie about Bach and ticked his checkboxes one-by-one as the movie was filmed; "long flowing shots followed by a 20 second freezeframe... check. Self-playing piano... check. Dancing horse... check. Naked woman taking a shower... check. And last but not least [and the only saving grace] truck driver sitting in the passenger seat playing Bach on the harmonica... check." You no longer need to see the movie, instead- put in a Bach CD, close your eyes, and picture the afore mentioned.
Anyways... the theater was awesome- though unheated- there are pictures floating around somewhere on my coteacher's camera. I'll acquire them.

Wednesday 11/24
The fourth grade teachers, whom I love and adore, decided to cook kimchi pancakes in the teacher's room during the afternoon. I was there and willing to help, though took a supervisory role as I realized I didn't know how to help... that means I sat back and watched. We invited a bunch of other teachers to come and eat and drink with us; it was great! Afterwards some of us decided to go bowling! Seven of us loaded up in two cars and proceeded to go across town to a bowling alley. We rented two lanes and played one game just for fun- what I didn't know was that the first game was played to determine team makeup. Teams were split so that the team of three had the 1st, 4th, and 5th best and the team of four had the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th scorers. Having scored 3rd, I was on the team of four. As a preface... noone in the initial game scored over 110, with the lowest score being around 30 (her first time bowling, ever, seriously).
The 1st place player, a 4th grade teacher by the name of Park, opened up with a strike... followed by four consecutives strikes during his next turns. It was unbelievable! By the 5th frame he had already beaten his top score of the last game, and I was sitting at a lowly 30. I felt the pressure and I knew I had to impress my Korean entourage so I channeled by bowling chi and scored three strikes in a row! Little did I know this would be the only turkey I would see this Thanksgiving season. Needless to say, our team of four just barely managed to win. Park scored a 204!!! Next was Sonny with a 133, me with a 132, and the numbers just get lower from there.
Afterwards we all went out for takalbi which was DELICIOUS. I love that stuff.
Three teachers left, including my coteacher, so there was just four of us. When my coteacher left she said "go with them" and she was smiling about it, I'm fairly certain it was because she knew what lay in store for me. Turns out that we were going to eat a second round (Koreans can seriously put it down). I don't know how to say this... but I ate korean barbecued pig intestine- not the normal looking kind that just looks like a long sausage, but little bits of it. I can't even find a picture online to show you. I'll have to make that a mission.
This was a fantastic day! I finally got to hang out with teachers outside of the school environment and we had a blast! Apparently they felt sad that it didn't happen sooner and they are pretty eager to make it happen again, next time we'll be going for 삼겹살!

Thursday 11/25

Friday 11/26

Saturday 11/27

Slack

A lot has happened in the past several weeks and perhaps I'll mention most of it here.

I went hiking two weekends ago! It was so much fun although incredibly tiring. Korean mountains just go straight up, there are no switchbacks like you see on US trails- they opt for ropes tied to tree as extra balance for the really steep parts rather than zig-zag trails. One of my co-teachers took a few pictures; I plan on stealing them from her at some point.

Brian and I have established contact with two Korean English Teachers that we met whilst Noraebanging with friends on Halloween. We met them for dinner the day after the norae experience- I was so hung over I couldn't even touch the food (first somaek experience)... not the best first impression. Luckily, they stuck around and we're now meeting them once a week for language exchange. Learning Korean is super fun!

Today, 11/11, was Paepaero day. Look it up.

I'll add more later, I'm super tired... experiencing my first cold in Korea ("that's too bad") and I also kind of lost my voice... which made teaching English a difficult task today. Luckily my goal for most classes is to get the students to speak WAY more than I do, so it could have been worse had I failed goal.