9 years ago
I haven't written here for a while... mainly because nothing has really happened. My cold is almost gone, just a few coughs and a runny nose, but getting better ^^
I went to Yeonggwang with 관장님 on sunday. It was really good. i think 관장님 is one of my best friends in Korea ^^ His baby son is very cute too ^^
Still haven't sold my old computer... I might have to try selling it online if I dont sell it soon...
Looks like my week is getting better ^^ I got a call from a friend last night, and we talked for about 40 minutes ^^ It was good to hear her cute voice, and it really cheered me up. Also, I got a call from Akil this morning, we talked about about 30 minutes... It was good to hear from him too. It was the first time we had heard each other's voices since Akil left about 2 months ago.
I'm so glad that today is friday... I'm looking forward to the weekend ^^
I bought a wireless AP for my apartment yesterday, so, i am getting used to it. Sometimes, it doesn't work, but I'm getting used to it. Anyway, its cool ^^
This week has been okay for me... Just been a bit tired. At the start of the week, I was tired from going to 부산, and I missed a day of 검도 because I was tired.
I decided that I will change my exercises using my weights, and wil try to go to 검도 4 times a week (for the past few weeks, I've only been going 3 times a week). I just need to try harder.
This week has been okay for me... Just been a bit tired. At the start of the week, I was tired from going to 부산, and I missed a day of 검도 because I was tired.
I decided that I will change my exercises using my weights, and wil try to go to 검도 4 times a week (for the past few weeks, I've only been going 3 times a week). I just need to try harder.
its been about a week, since I've slowly trying to change my life. The good news is, I feel good ^^ I've been waking up at 8am every day (I used to be lazy, and stay up late, and wake up late). I've been doing exercise (using weights and doing 검도), and I've been trying to eat healthy (well, most of the time ^^)... And, i feel good ^^
I'm looking forward to 검도 today (I didn't go on thursday, because I ahd to work late.), and also looking forward to the weekend ^^
I didn't go to 광주 on sunday... Instead, i just went for a walk around town and returned the 미스터 소크라테스 DVD i hired for the weekend. But, I called my grandma for her birthday that day.
When I called her, I forgot that Daylight Savings started. In Australia, Daylight savings time starts one the last sunday in October, and ends on the last sunday in March. In summer, the sun rises very early in Australia. So, to get more sunlight during the day, we move our clocks forward one hour... So, it feels like we have more daylight later in the day.
On saturday, 검도 관장님's wife gave birth to a baby boy. 관장님 sent me a picture of the new baby to my mobile phone today. I'm very happy that everything went well... But, now the hard part is shopping for a gift ^^ haha
I just finished eating dinner. I re-heated the vegetable curry that I made last night. It's spicy. I added some of the curry powder that Akil gave me when he left. It really helped the flavour of the Korean curry mix.
I started lifting weights again yesterday, after not doing it for 2 weeks (1 week in Seoul, other week I was lazy). I'm a little sore today, but, that is a good thing. 검도 is still going well, but getting more difficult ;)
Its been 1 year since I've been here in Korea, here in 전남... And, there are time, where i can't help reflecting back on my year in Korea... Thinking about the high points, and the low points of my experiences so far. I guess there must be more high points than low points, since I am staying for another year ;)
I like relaxing weekends ;) I stayed home yesterday, washed dishes and clothes, cleaned my apartment... I watched a korean movie 작업의 정석 (The Art of Seduction). It was okay... not good, not bad...
Today, I went to Gwangju to meet a friend ^^ I had a great time with her, and i think she had a good time too ^^ I went to Emart ofter meeting, and bought the usual things I can't buy in my town. I got the 5:35 bus back to my town... it was jam-packed full of young soldiers, going to 상무대... some of them looked so young!
I also didn't make it to Gwangju this morning ^^ I woke up at 8:30am, and just felt tired... maybe it was because I went to sleep at 3am. I will try to go tomorrow. I dont think I want to go on the weekend, Emart is always too busy during that time.
I was 10 minutes late to work today. On tuesdays and thursdays, I stary 1 hour earlier, and I thought today was wednesday... oops! :p Also, my boss said I could finish early today. ^^
I planned to go to Gwangju this morning, to visit Emart and a bookstore, but when I woke up, I had a bit of cold. But, its gone now. So, I will try to go to Gwangju tomorrow.
I've been a bit lazy with used my weights. Since I plan to go to Gwangju tomorrow, I will try to get back into lifting weights on friday.
I went to 검도 last night - the first time in almost 2 weeks... it was difficult ^^ But, i remembered almost everything. Having some time off from everything, was really good. I needed a break from things. It made me feel refeshed, and gave me time to think about things. I have been in Korea for 1 year now.
I just got back to my apartment in 전남 this morning. I got out of bed at 5am (after getting to bed at 1am, and then being woken up at 2am, and couldn't sleep after that) to get the bus back to my town. I got the 6:40am bus, which was a little late, because of traffic, but got back to my town with no problems.
I should have slept when I was at the 호프, when everyone was speaking korean :p
Sunday! wow...
Went ten pin bowling with Sujeong and Hyunpil in the afternoon. I am no good at it, but it is fun anyway ^^ In one of my games, I got 2 strikes, and a score of over 100! that is a good job for me ^^ 연실 came to see as well, and then 현필's dad came to see us, and he played a game with us too ^^
Then, we went back home, so I could pack. We got ready, and we took 연실's car. When I arrived at the bus terminal, the tickets for the 5pm bus were sold out! So, I bought a ticket for the 6pm bus to Gwangju. But, there were some problems with the bus, so they had to find a replacement bus... That took 20 minutes from our trip time. So, instead of arriving at Gwangju terminal at just before 9pm, we arrived at 9:20pm!
But, the last bus to 사창 leaves at 9:05, so I had to get a bus to 장성 and then get a taxi to my apartment. It cost about 12000won for the taxi.
I just dumped my stuff in my apartment, then I went right over to Akil's place. As I type this, he is in a car with another teacher from his (now ex-) work, going back to America. He is really great friend, and more importantly, a decent bloke ^^ I will really miss him.
I just jot back from dinner and drinks with my friends ^^ It feels really good to be back in 창원 ^^
Went to Parkland, a small amusement park. It was really nice, then we went shopping in Favenue, which is now called New Core Outlet. Hyunpil bought some new jeans ^^
We came back home, and then went to dinner, we had 삼겹살, then walked across downtown to find an Irish/forienger bar. It felt really strange to be in a room with heaps of foreingers... I am used to being surrounded by Koreans all the time ^^
Having a really good time with my 한국 family ^^ I will have to come more often ^^
This week must just be the "every student is gonna be bad" week... I've had too many students (and kids I dont even know) be rude, disrespectful and racist to me. I've had enough of it.
I've been in Korea for almost a year now - and nothing has really changed. I'm still reminding students to call me "Andy teacher / Andy 선생님 or Andy샘"... They just can't call me Andy (expect for some of the middle school kids, i dont mind them doing it, they're old enough). They think that I am their friend, and not their teacher...
I dont know what these kids learn in school about "western" society (I hate using the word "western" and "foreign", but, with some people, its the only word they understand), but, its seems that its very distorted...
I had some kids swear at me on the way to work today. After they walked past me and said hello. I said hello back, and just kept walking. After about 10 seconds, I hear bad language being yelled at me (there was no-one else along the path), and when i turned around, they were all looking at me. So, i yelled back at them, and said a few 나쁜말 of my own.
This isn't the first time that this has happened in my town. I've had kids that I dont know say bad language (in korean and english) to me. But, what can I do about it? All I know is, is that, if I wasn't korean (or at least asian looking), they wouldn't do it. It is really sad that things like this happen.
The way I see it, is that they're the ones with the problem, not me. If young people can't show foreigners any respect, then, they will grow up, showing desrespect to foreigners. I dont want to be in Korea if too many people are going to be rude to foreigners.
When I am outside of Jeolla province (I have had similar problems in Gwangju and a few other places i've been to) I have never had a problem with this. I find it really strange.
But, I have been in Korea for almost 12 months now. I dont really give a f**k if little kids have problems with foreigners. They're the ones with the problem, not me. If they want to be rude, disrespectful, close-minded (and xenophobic), then that is their choice. I know that they are strong words, but it is a serious problem for Korea.
finished another busy day today... 8 classes... at work from 2:20pm to 10:10pm... i just feel really tired and drained after that. But, I dont mind having one super-long day, since all my others are short ^^
Going to spend time with Akil this weekend, since it is the last chance we will get. He's going back to New York soon - he's got one week to go of teaching, after this week has finished. It made me think about my time here in Korea. In 6 weeks, my contract will run out. I talked to my boss about it today, and he is going to get something organised. A year has gone really fast! But, I'm going to stay one more year - there are still many things to see and do here in Korea.
I met 동균행님 in Busan... it was good to see him again... He looks very smart when he wears his glasses ^^ It was great to talk with him, and catch up on things with him ^^ He's a great guy ^^
I think I drank a little too much soju on saturday night. It was good to see 성진, 진우 and 송철... 송철, you are the 소주 champion ^^ hehe
Sunday was a great day too ^^
To all my other friends in Busan... I'm sorry that i coldn't meet you this time... I can't meet everyone in just one weekend... I hope to see some of my other friends the next time I come to Busan ^^
But, I have to go back to work today :(, but I will go to 검도 after that ^^
I went shopping with 관장님 and 사모님 today. I've been feeling a little down lately (homesickness), and he has helped me, being very friendly and cool ^^ he is 가장좋은 관장님 ^^
I had a 검도 test on friday, but I couldn't do it. I was easily distracted, and wasn't in the right mind to do well... I will do it next time. Its kind of strange - I would practice, and I'd get it right... But, when it comes to the test, I can't do it well.
I cooked Chicken and vegetable curry for dinner tonight. I thought it would be healthier than buying pizza again :)
I'm meant to be meeting a friend in 광주 tomorrow, but they haven't contacted me since thursday... so, I have no idea what's going on...
had a very bad day yesterday... bad enough to make me seriously think about using my return ticket back to Australia... I think that is the 3rd time I've thought about is seriously in the 10 months that I've been here. The other two times were in the first 4 months I was here.
I am hoping today will be better.
Not much has happened since my last entry... Just work, and going to 검도. I stayed home this weekend, just relaxed. Summer is too humid here to do anything. I cleaned up my apartment (which I still haven't finished yet... almost done).
This week, students go back to school, so no early wednesday's, just late wednesdays now. But its okay ^^
Today at 검도, 6 new people turned up. 5 guys and 1 girl. 2 guys are older than me (형), one guy is the same age as me (친구), and the other two guys are younger than me. The girl is also younger than me. They seem like nice people ^^ It will be good to have some more adults in the 검도장... I dont know about their English level yet, we didn't talk much today... But, they were surprised when 관장님 said how much 소주 I can drink... haha
Went to 광주 and VIPs with Akil on tuesday. It was really good. Then walked around eMart, and a few other shops in the area. I bought a new mouse for my computer - i didn't like the Microsoft mouse I was using.
Wednesday was one of my worst days in Korea... Summer, and 9 classes, is not a good combination. I'm glad that it was the last early start for a while.
Just cant wait for the summer to be over!
KOREA! YOUR WINTER IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOUR SUMMER! ^^
I got back from Seoul last night, at about 9:50pm. Left Seoul in the afternoon, and went to Emart for a bit of shopping. I found some (expensive) Salami and some Camambert cheese, and some dry biscuits to put it on... Something I haven't eaten for a long time.
I had a really good time in Seoul with my friend. We spent time in COEX mall (which was busy, but was good - I almost bought a notebook bag, and I wanted to buy some Noise reducing headphones, but didn't - maybe next time), and watched the korean movie 괴물. It was the first time I watched a Korean movie at the cinema (because they dont have English subtitles in the cinema). I have different interpretations of the film because, I was paying attention to other details of the film, rather than the dialogue, since I didn't understand most of it... It was a very easy film to follow for me - very predictable.
Went to 교보 bookstore in 광화문 as well... it was okay, a little busy. Found that Se7en has re-released his 3rd album, with a DVD of a 2006 Concert, Photobook and something else that is a bonus. I like Se7en, but not enough to buy it again :p
Had another long wednesday, 9 classes... But, its okay... Every other day is only 4 classes. I was too tired to go to 검도 today... Its been almost 9 months of doing 검도, and I'm still enjoying it ^^
I decided to go to Seoul this weekend. I was going to have the 14th (monday) as a holiday from work, and have an extra long weekend (since the 15th in a publich holiday here). 광복절, the day celebrated for when korea was liberated from Japan - is a public holiday (of course). I think I will just relax on that day... clean the apartment, or maybe to go 광주. See what happens.
Another summer's day here... hot, humid and sunny. But, there is a nice breese comping though if you have window's and doors opening. Just relaxing this weekend. I did plan to go to Busan to visit friends, but, needed some time to relax after my vacation, and also, don't have much money left.
Like I said, just relaxing at home today. I need to clean the apartment - but, I think I might do that tomorrow. I'm just feeling really tired, really drained... Can't even be bothered walking to the bank, so I can get money out and order pizza... haha.. But, i'll have to. Money is what makes this world go round, and if you don't have any, you don't get what you need...
My gf & I broke up last night... Well, decided to be friends. As a couple, we've hurt each other too much, so, we think, as friends, we can be more successful. I will always remember the special times we had together, and the things she did for me to make me feel happy... My only wish, is that she remembers the times when we were happy together, and that there will always be a special place in my heart for her, and what we had.
I just got back from my 5 day vacation! I'm so tired! It was good to see 현민 and his family in Seoul (헌민아.. thanks for driving me to the 버스 터미널 and for the bread... my girlfriend and I said its very delicious). It was good to see my gf again in 대구, but, it was too hot. Its kind of strange... my gf and I have many opposites.
Then, met Akil in 대전 and went to 대천 beach, near 보령 in 충남. It was really nice there, but was way too hot. Thinking about going back there for a weekend before Akil goes back to the US in mid-September.
I was so tired after teaching 9 classes on wednesday - I slept for 10 hours! Even today, I'm still a little tired. Only had 3 classes today, which was nice.
Starting to learn 8번 in 검도 today... I think this one is going to be more difficult that 7번 ^^
태진아... I finally wrote back to you... I will send you my letter tomorrow. I hope you are going well in 강원도 with your military service.
Really looking forward to my vacation... ^^
I had a really good day today. New Timetable for work, and 검도 was good too. I feel a little sore after 검도, which I think is good ;)
I had a great weekend with HP (현필) ^^ Thanks for visiting me in my sleepy town (especially on sunday - haha). It was good to hang out with you and spend some time with you... See you in a couple of weeks ;)
If I get up early enough, I might go into 광주 for some shopping tomorrow, before I start work tomorrow afternoon.
I feel so tired... so drained...
I think it has to do with the following things:
*only eating instant noodles (라면) in my 40 minute break between my classes...
*having 7 classes in one day
*not being able to sleep because of the weather
*having a big emotional chat with my girlfriend last night
i've got 5 classes today, then 검도 training. Feeling really tired... and all t he rain is so crap... argh!
t's been a week since I wrote here, so, thought I should write something to fill it up ;)
Well... let me just think about what has happened in the last week...
Heaps of places in Korea, have been getting heaps of rain, since its the raining season... Pretty much not a good idea to go to Gangwon-do (강원도) or Gyeongnam (경남) because of all the rain. Over the long weekend (15, 16, and 17), many places got heaps of rain, but here in my town, didn't really get any rain until yesterday. But, the amount of rain we had here, was nowhere the amount that other places have had.
Like I mentioned before, the 15th, 16th and 17th, was a long weekend here in Korea. I don't have any money, so I didn't go anywhere... and with all the rain, it probably wasn't a good idea to travel anywhere anyway. I get paid this week (tomorrow ^^), so, i'm really looking forward to that... Kinda need money...
Work is going okay. I bought some new books for the middle school classes, and tried them out last week, it went well. I tried using one of the books with the grade 6 class, but, didn't really work... I thought that some would be able to handle it, but, not many (about 2 or 3 out of 10 actually were able to do it okay)... so, i will go back to using the other things for them.
Hyunpil is coming to stay on the weekend, which is cool. But, I think its going to be raining alot this weekend... So, not sure what we can do. I will take him downtown, and maybe check my Korea travelguide book on places we can go. Then, maybe, when we get back to my town, we can go to a bar and have a few drinks ;)
I've got 3 days holiday soon, from work... Including the weekend, it will be 5 days. Still not 100% sure what I wil be doing for that, but there are many friends that I would like to spend time with and catch up with... Also, the other foriegn teacher in my town, is leaving in about 1 or 2 months, and we get along really well - we were thinking that we might do something together, but not 100% sure... we will talk about that later.
My weekend in 대구 was really good... except for all the rain. The typhoon came though my province on monday night/tuesday morning, but wasn't really all that scary. It only woke me up once... But it was really bad for other places in Korea.
I went shopping in 광산 with my 검도 teacher. I bought a few books for work (and a poster), and then some other things from Lotte mart. Then I had 7 classes. I used some of the new books for my classes, and it went really well ;)
Got a long weekend this weekend (got the monday off), but not going anywhere special, since i dont have any money. Next weekend, 현필 is coming to visit me, so that will be fun ^^
I got a package from Australia today ;) Some nice Australian chocolate (sorry Korea... Australia chocolate is so much better than Korean chocolate ^^), and some CD's from home. I got 5 CD's of music that I made, when i was remixing and making music. It was so good to hear that again ^^
After having a break from 검도 for about a week and a half, it is making me tired very quickly. I was meant to learn 7번 today, but I was too tired, after warming up! haha! So, i told 관장님, tomorrow is better ;)
Going to 대구 this weekend, to meet Trevor and his girlfriend... and also to meet my girlfriend ^^ hehe
Today was an okay day at work. Only 3 classes, and then helped one of my students, who will give a small speech infront of his class tomorrow ;) I'm in the PC방 now, waiting for 검도 to start.
Re-formatted my iPod on the weekend. it took a long time to copy, re-format, reload and back up my iPod! But, now that its done, its running alot better ;)
I'm really looking forward to the next package from home... There will be some CD's in there (Pet Shop Boys / Fundamental and ATB in the Mix 3) including 5 CD's or songs i've made and/or remixed ;) And some australian chocolate ^^
I didn't go to Seoul this weekend. Yesterday morning, I woke up at 7am, and my back was so sore! It mush have been the way I slept, but I couldn't move properly. I was also feeling tired, and a litle bit sick. So, I had to send a text message to 현민형, and tell him that I can't come to Seoul. Lucky that I didn't go, because my back got worse, and I couldn't stand up properly last night. All I could do was sleep.
But today, my back feels better. It was a little sore this morning, so I just kept sleeping, and now it feels better. I can stand up without it hurting, but I didn't want to risk it. I didn't want to go into Gwangju with Akil, and then have my back siese up on me.
Its been one month (30 days) since my gilfriend and I have been together ^^ I'm so happy ^^
I got back from Jeju-do today, I was there for 3 days and 2 nights. It was really good ;) I'm glad that I went ;) But, the kids in the hotel room snore worse than I do! haha ;)
There was a bad storm on saturday night, so we had to change out flights. We got a flight from Jeju-do to Yeosu, then, we got a bus from there to GwangJu. We visited a a traditional village along the way, after we had lunch.
SeoGwipo, which is in the south of Jeju-do, is where we stayed for the weekend, and where the 검도 competition was held.
Can't wait for my computer to get back from A/S... When I get it back, I'll put some photos and video on my cyworld ;)
My computer is back at A/S again, for the same problem for the 3rd time in a row. They say that they can't find anything wrong with it, but the problem still happens. I'm very certain that I have a lemon... Something that is destined to not work well, all the time. Maybe, there is some very small problem that they can't detect... I just hope, that after this time, it works well, with no problems.
The 5시 class didn't arrive today (I tink they are having a school trip somewhere), so I have a bit of spare time before my last 2 classes).
Tomorrow, I am going to 제주도 (Jeju Island) for 3 days and 2 nights, with my Geomdo (검도) teacher, his wife, and a few students. There is a 검도 competition held at Jeju this saturday... So, while 관장님 is at the competition with some students, his wife and I (and a few others) will have a look around 제주 on the startuday. We will also br travelling around Jeju on the friday and sunday as well. I think it will be fun ^^ The price is very low, I think... 200,000 won. That inclued the plane there and back, accomodation for 2 nights, and a few other things. My batteries for my digital camera are all charged and ready to go ^^
When I get my notebook computer back, I'll be able to post them up here.
I miss my computer alot... but, I miss my girlfriend so much more...
I went to 대구 for the first time on the weekend, it was really nice there ^^
I didn't spend much time there, but it seemed like a really nice place. I hope you can see more of there.
One the way home, I was sitting next to a guy who was from 목포, who was training at me a magician. His English was okay, and we talked in English and Korean. He seemed like a nice guy. But, we didn't swap numbers or anything... Would have been good to meet up with him again.
Back to work today, after a holiday. Korea has a public holiday for voting, but many people just had the day off and didn't vote (In Australia, we vote on a saturday, don't have a public holiday for it, and it is compulsory for everyone 18 years old or over to vote - you get into a little bit of trouble if you're caught not voting).
I'm not sure how many koreans don't vote on voting day, whether it's because they dont like their choices (so they choose none), or if it's because they just dont care.
I had 6 classes today... On average, classes were... average. Sometimes I have to think about why these children come to study, but they dont actually do any study... Sometimes, it seems to be more of a social place, rather than a study place... especially in my classes. Sometimes it feels like I am wasting my time with some students.
But, I try very hard to give them the same opportunities as all the other students. What they choose to do with that opportunity, is their choice, and they must also consider the consequences. If they try hard to work in class, their English will improve. If they decide to gossip and talk in Korean in class, instead of trying to study, is that my fault?
I feel that some students are treating me differently (as in, with less respect than what they would show a korean person), because I am a foreigner, or possibly because, I am not Korean. When I think about it, its not because they are being racist, it is because that they don't know anything about western culture. Not knowing this, they can unknowingly upset a foreigner very easily. There are many things that I have to tolerate, because I'm a foreigner - some days, I'm ok with it, but other days, i just can't deal with it, and either get angry, or depressed about it.
I chose this job, because I knew it would be a challenge. Sometimes I enjoy the challenge I've chosen. The other times, I've regeted my decision.
Don't get me wrong - it's only a very few things that upset me about adjusting to korea, and working with korean children. But,none the less, I need to acknoledge that they annoy me, and do something about it, rather than to "ignore" them all the time.
There is always a few "extreeme" options in the back of my mind. The obvious one, is going back to Australia - but, I don't want to do that. There are so many more good things about Korea than bad, but, it seems that I see more of the bad things where I work and live, rathen than anywhere else in Korea.
I've been in my workplace for over 7 months now, and some students, they still either don't understand, or choose to ignore, how things work in my classroom, even though they experience these things every time. For example, when someone is talking (especially me), you listen, and not interrupt. If you do want to talk, you put your hand up and wait... another word i dont think some of my students understand... "wait".
Anyway, I dont want to complain too much. To summerise: I just have some students that I feel I'm wasting my time on, because they choose to waste their opportinities. That is an unfortunate thing...
I'm in a PC방 now, just wasting a bit of time before I go to the 검도장 tonight. Had an okay day at work today... Tomorrow, I start at 2pm, since we got an extra class of younger kids that have started.
I was in 경남 last weekend. I met some online friends that I've known for a long time. It was good to meet them, and I had a good time with them ;) 태종대 (I think that is the right spelling), was really nice, and walking around the lake in 창원 was nice too ^^
I get paid this week (아싸^^), so, I can pay for going to 제주도 next month ^^
Well... I felt alot better after eating something for lunch, the KFC did the treat. Felt alot better, but not 100%. I met an online friend (finally ^^) in 시청, and walked around there, looked around, had a chat, went to a bookstore, and looked around there (I bought a Basement Jaxx CD), had some coffee/tea as Caffe Piscucci (is that how it's spelt? I can never remember).
Got back to my friends place about 7:30pm-ish... and went to have dinner in the Home Plus Food Court. I had a decent sized bowl of spaghetti, with some kind of soup and a few pieces of Garlic Bread for 5000won. Was good ;) Then, did a bit of shopping ;)
Moved into my new apartment yesterday. My boss helped me with the heavy stuff (like the fridge, bed and washing machine), then Trevor and his girlfrend (in which I'm not sure how to spell her name), also helped me with moving stuff. Took us the better half of the day, but, got all the stuff up to the 12th floor apartment, and then I went back down to the other apartment (on the 1st floor). The only thing I couldn't get rid of, was a stain on the tiles, where the washing machine was. No amount of scrubbing would get rid of it. I also couldn't take the curtains with me, since the thing that held the curtains in place, was screwed to the ceiling, and I didn't have any screwdrivers.
This morning, I woke up nice and early (about 6:45am), after going to bed at 2:30am (stayed up late talking to Akil), and went to 담양 with him, his wife, and other 검도 students. There was a 검도 competition there, which involved paper cutting and bamboo cutting. This was the first time I have been to one of the 검도 competitions before, and it looks really cool. My 관장님 says that I can do the Bamboo cutting thing - i just need some practice.
At the competition, you have to be careful, and pay attention to whats happening around you, since the bamboo that is cut with the swords, can come flying off in any direction with alot of speed. Two children were hit with flying bamboo. There was an ambulance standing by for the duration of the event. In the first round, while I was using my camera (in my right hand), a piece of bamboo came flying in my direction, and, as if it were natural, just caught it with my left hand, while I was still taking photos. The MC said something in Korean, then everyone looked at me. They applauded the competetor, then applauded me. I have a habin of drawing more attention to myself than necessary.
A few minutes after that, the organiser of the event, Mr. Kim, came over to me, shook my hand, and we started talking in English. Then, he started talking to my 관장님 ^^ I think Mr Kim was surprised that I do 검도 ;) There will be another 검도 competition in October, to be held in 광주, so, I want to try to compete in that ^^ I will see another competition when I go to 제주도 in June, so that will be fun again ;)
Trevor left for 대구 today. He left some stuff with me, that he couldn't take today... He had alot of stuff to take with him. He's helped me out alot in Korea, so, kinda sad to see him go, but also good that he's having a new and different experience in a different part of Korea ;) Good luck, buddy ^^
Haven't been able to sleep well recently, and I dont know why... Some days, I can stay awake for a really long time, and other times, I sleep too much... Its kinda annoying.
Weekend was okay. Went to 나주 and 광주 with my boss's son, and had a good time. Yesterday and today, feeling very homesick, and didn't feel like going anywhere. I went to work, and 검도, but didn't really feel like it. I'll see how I feel tomorrow... if I still feel homesick, I wont go to 검도.
Nothing out of the ordinary for this week... Just a minor timetable change, which is only for the following 4 weeks, starting this week. The timetable change means that I can go to the 검도장 every day now, instead of only 4 days a week.
My boss also found a vacant apartment for me, on the 12th floor. I think he said we'll move all my stuff there on the 30th. See how it goes ;)
Just having a relaxed day... well, kind of. I cleaned my apartment today, again... It seems to get dirty very quickly. I vacuumed, hung my sleeping mat outside to get some fresh air, washed some clothes, washed and dried my dishes, even put a few posters up in my room, that I got from 부산 2 weeks ago.
Work was good today. I tried doing some different things in my classes. Some students like it, and some didn't.
Yesterday, I was sick, so I had the day off, so today, I had to have my late classes tonight. So, that means I missed out on 검도 tonight. I'll go tomorrow, and try to remember 3본 and 4본.
My 학원 is building a new building in my town. Currently, the 학원 I work at is in a small building with 3 classrooms, but the new 학원 will have more classrooms, and they will be bigger than our current classrooms. Also, my boss and his family, will live on the 2nd floor of the building of the 학원. They are debating wether to build an apartment for me into the building, since it would cost them the same amount to build it, as it costs to keep my apartment. But, I'm not 100% sure what will happen there.
Yesterday, a friend of mine - who is a teacher in another 헉원 in my town - was told that his 학원 can't afford to keep him employed there. So, last night, I helped him to find a job using the internet. I called him this afternoon, when I was walking to work, and he has already had 8 job offers! He has had 4 years English teaching expereince, so, I think he can find a good job.
My boss helped me to buy a battery for my notebook today. I was unable to buy it using the internet, because my credit card isn't a korean one. You would be surprised how many things I can not do, or have difficulty doing, just because I am not Korean... like simple things, like signing up for websites or games.
I am glad that tomorrow is friday, I will have the weekend to relax. I was thinking of going into GwangJu this weekend, but, I might stay in my town and relax - besides, i don't have much money anyway... I am also glad that I get paid next week ^^
My weekend was good. I was good to relax this time. The last two weekends, I've been to Busan and Seoul.
On saturday, I went into GwangJu with a friend of mine, who is a teacher at a different Hakwon (학원) in my town. We went to VIPS, and had the VIPS Steak - I had mine Medium Well Done. It was so delicious. The salad bar at VIPS is great too!
Then we went to Shinsegae (신세계) for some shopping, to buy some things that we can't buy in out town. I bought some Chicken meat, bacon, a new toothbrush and some toothpaste.
On the way back to my town, the bus was so hot! It was so uncomfortable!
On sunday, I just relaxed at my apartment. Watched a movie, and tidied my apartment. I went for a walk around town in the afternoon, but then it started to rain, so i rushed home.
I'm writing this from my bed. Its good having a notebook computer - you can move it around to where ever you like! I'm listening to MP3s as well ^^
I've had an intersting 24 hours. When I was on the way home from 검도, thursday night, some korean guys were drinking some Soju at the mart, and invited me to drink with them. This is the first time that it's happened. So, I sat down with them, and drank with them. We communicated with English, Korean and Body language.
Then, some of the guys wanted to have an arm wrestle with me... haha. Just before we had an arm wrestle, a few other guys came in, and they saw that we were going to start, and they stayed and watched. I thought that was really funny. We were of equal strength, so, it was a tie.
I went to the bank today, to change all my coins that I have collected in the 6 months I've been here in Korea. I was only expecting about 40,000 or 50,000won, but I got almost 130,000won! I was so surprised.
Work was okay. We played some English games today. Always good to have some fun with some students.
After work, I went to the 닭갈비 restaurant with Trevor (another Teacher in my town, from Canada) and his girlfriend. Then, I had 검도 training. I'm still having trouble trying to remember 사본, its very difficult for me. Then, I had an arm wrestle with 박형 ;) It was a tie ;)
I just got back from the 헬스 클럽 and 사우나. I think that they are a good combination, like 삼겹살 and 소주 ;) The sauna makes me feel really relaxed after working at the gym.
Yesterday was a long day. 7 classes, from 3pm to 10pm. That is my longest day in the week. But, because of that, I miss out of Kumdo once a week.
Today, I have 5 classes in a row from 3pm to 7:40pm, then Kumdo at 9pm. Might go to the sauna tomorrow, but not the gym. It's been a while since i've been to the Health Club (like almost 3 weeks), I'm feeling sore already.
Met 나나 for lunch on sunday, while my friend went to a wedding. It was good to meet her again ;) We get along well... she is a good friend ;) Then, I met 동균, Benny형 and Benny형's girlfriend for coffee and dinner in 서면. We found a CD store in 서면, and I bought a few things (like the repackaged edition of Swan Songs by Epik High) - the main reason why I am almost broke - and then had dinner and drinks. Drank a few bottles of 소주, which is always good, then went home.
Tried to buy a new battery for my Samsung notebook, but, the Service centre I went to monday morning didn't have any in stock, and they said it was rare anyway... You can buy from the Samsung website (but, I can't because I dont understand korean well enough), but they are sold out at the moment, because they are on sale. So, I'll either have to wait until they are in stock again on the site, and then get a friend to help my buy it... or see if a Service centre in 광주 has one, or can order in for me...
Went to 사상 bus terminal to go home on monday morning. That was easier than to travel for 70 minutes on the subway to get a Deluxe bus. So, I got a regular bus, which was okay, because I had both seats to myself, but... as per usual with korean public transport... the heating was turned on too high. Do Koreans have a fear of getting too cold?
Work was okay on monday, and Kumdo was good too, but I was too tired (and hungover) to learn any new stuff. Work was okay today as well, and in Kumdo, practiced routine number 4. Might be going to the Gym and Sauna and Akil tomorrow, if he is feeling better, then I've got 7 classes at work. No Kumdo tomorrow because of that, but might be drinking with Park형 after work ;)
Games!
HP and I went to an Arcade game room and had a really good time. I realised that all that messing around on the drums in my High School music class would pay off :p
I'm in Busan this weekend. Actually, I got here friday lunchtime. My boss gave me the day off (but only told me the day before at work... but, i'm not complaining ^^). So, I decided to come to Busan one day early ^^ I had lunch with some friends yesterday, and then met 현필 in the afternoon, after his classes. We walked around 하단, and had dinner, went to play some arcade games, then had some 소주. Today, 현필 and I met 수정 and 연실, and we had lunch at VIPS. I like VIPS better than Outback Steakhouse. It was good to see 연실 and 수정 again ;) They are very good friends ^^ After lunch, 수정 and 연실 had to go back to their hometowns, so 현필 and I went to 남포동. We went to Busan Tower, and got a really nice view of Busan, then walked around in 남포동, many shops and markets ^^
Also, when we were walking around 남포동, we had about 5 religious people aproach us (at different times), offering us the same brouhure... must have been recruitment day.
Had a good 5 days in Seoul. It was good to see Hyunmin again ;) But, he was very busy with his studies, so I didn't get to spend much time with him. But, we did get to hang out after his TOEIC test on sunday.
I went to Gyeongbokgung, the old King's house in Korea... That place is huge! It was really nice there. When you get inside, the city noise slowly dissapears, and feels like you are not in a big busy city any more. Also went to Coex Mall... Another place that is huge! Alot of people there... and a good place to see rude korean teenagers act like idiots ^^ The aquarium is nice at Coex too ;)
I also went to Itaewon on Sunday, to buy some new shoes and clothes. I went back to Hot Tracks to try to find the Verve Remixed box set... but someone had already bought it!
The subway in Seoul is pretty convenient, and cheap. For all my travelling around Seoul for 5 days, I only spent about 11000won. Also saw my first fight on the subway on Sunday. Two guys fighting over a seat. Hyunmin steped in and help stop it.
Just sitting at home today, watching the Worl Baseball Series - Semi-final match between Korea and Japan. Whoever wins, will go to the final to play against Cuba. Its in the 7th innings, and Japan just got 3 home runs. Score is Japan: 3:0... C'mon Korea! 대한민국!
Also, at the start of the game... they made the point of saying that, if the Korean team made it to the semi-finals, that the Korean government would waiver the 2-years compulsory military service... It is a coincidence that they are loosing the semi-final? I hope not...
There are singers and actors and other entertainers, that have a good career going for themselves in Korea, but, they are not exempt from Compulsory military service, but if you get to the semi-final of a world series, the goverment can waiver the military service... The government should give them the option of choosing if they want to do it or not... Then, if they choose not to, I would imagine that the Korean people would look down on the players who chose not to.
Damn! Japan just got another home run... Sorry Mie and Daisuke, but I'm going for Korea in this game... But, if Japan make it to the finals, I will barrack for them instead of Cuba ;)
Went into GwangJu today... Just went downtown, went to a CD store, about bought 3 CDs, one of them being the latest Se7en album, then went to Burger King. Was good to have a burger ;)
Then, went to Shinsaege, near the bus terminal, and did some shopping. Bought a small vacuum cleaner, and then went to the supermarket in the basement of Shinsaege, and bought a few things, that I can't buy in my town.
Was good to get out of my town for a few hours ;)
I got my computer back today. Samsung After sales service came to work, and the guy looked at my computer... As I thought, the problem wouldn't occur, when he was there, so I showed him the pictures and the movie that I took with my digital camera, and he knew exactly what was wrong with my computer. He then took my computer overnight, and brought it back today, at about 2:30pm. He replaced the motherboard and the moniter.
When he replaced the mother board, he used a mother board from a newer model Sens Q30 than the one I bought... so, the processor is a little faster than what it was... A nice bonus ;)
Woke up with a really bad cold today, so I didn't go to the gym. Stayed in bed and watched a DVD. But, I went to Kumdo after work... Started learning pattern number 3. It seems a little easier than number 2 ;)
Tomorrow is a public holday in Korea: Samil-cheol (삼일철): Indipendence Day. Its a day for Korean's to commemorate Korea's struggle for indepenence against inperial rule. But, for me, its a day off. I've asked a few people, and its a day where children bow to their fathers, and I think that's about it... Not sure of anything else... If there is something else... someone, please tell me...
But, for me, it is a day off work ;)
My iPod top 25 for Feburary
1: Opportunity Nox / Roxette / The Pop Hits
2: Jus 1 Kiss (The Islet Bootleg) / Basement Jaxx / The Singles
3: Daylight (ATB Remix) / Chicane / ATB: The DJ - In The Mix
4: Love Comes Quickly / Sweep / Very Introspective, Actually
5: Liberation / Matt Darey / Kiss Ibiza 99
6: Rock Bottom / Scooter / Who's Got the Last Laugh Now?
7: Let U Go (2005 Reworked) / ATB / Seven Years
8: Beleive in Me (A&T Remix) / ATB / Beleive in Me EP
9: Sunset Girl (Limited Clubb Mix) / ATB / ATB: The DJ - In The Mix
10: I Will Find You / Antilas ft Clannad / Wild Summer 2003
11: Everybody's Free (Dance Nation Remix Edit) / Aquagen / Nightliner (Korean Release)
12: Hello (Good to be back) (Radio Edit) / Scooter / Hello (Good to be back) EP
13: Apache Rocks the Bottom (Radio Edit) / Scooter / Apache Rocks the Bottom EP
14: King of Snake (Edit) / Underworld / Kiss Ibiza 99
15: Hello (Good to be back) (Album version) / Scooter / Who's Got the Last Laugh Now?
16: Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) / Ratty / Wild 13
17: Another Chance (Tom De Neef Remix) / Roger Sanchez / Another Chance EP
18: Digital Reason (Paul Van Dyk Rework) / Ashtrax / Polotics of Dancing
19: Absolutely Fabulous (Our tribe tongue in cheek mix) / Pet Shop Boys / Absolutely Fabulous EP
20: Call Me Old Fashioned / Pet Shop Boys & Original Cast / Closer to Heaven
21: Domino Dancing (Original Version) / West End Girls / Domino Dancing EP
22: Let it Rain / 4 Strings / Beleive
23: Believe in Me (Clubb Mix) / ATB / Beleive in Me EP
24: The Summer (Clubb Mix) / ATB / The Summer EP
25: Dooh Dooh (Darude vs JS16 Remix) / Barcode Brothers / Dooh Dooh EP
Re-did my 검도 test last night. I had to re-do one of the patterns, and I passed ;) I'm now on green belt ;)
Went to the gym today (or, as they call it in korea: health club: 헬스 클럽), and was there for almost 2 hours again. Feels good to go to the gym, and work out. I've only done it for 2 days so far, but, its all good. See how it goes... I really wanna try to keep loosing weight.
After the gym, my friend and I went to the Sauna here. There were three different temperatude pools... one hot, one warm, and one cold. The hot one, is just hot enough, to feel really good, but, if it was any hotter, it would hurt and probably burn you. The warm one was really good, and the cold one was cold. There were two sauna rooms, one was really hot, and the ohter was kinda really hot. I could only be in there for about 20 seconds before I couldn't breathe properly. It was so relaxing there. I was a little sore from the gym today, and the sauna was really relaxing and nice. If I would have stayed any longer, I would have fallen asleep! haha
Oh yeah... and korean style sauna... you have to go naked...
Went shopping in GwangJu today with Akil. We went to Geumho World, which is houseware and electronics - I bought a skin for my iPod. Then, we walked to eMart and Lotte World. It took about 30 minutes to walk there from the bus terminal. It was good to know where a few places are, so that I can walk around GwangJu. I bought a few things, and I'm almost broke... Bought a clock to hang up in my apartment, and a few other things that I needed ;)
Had my first Kumdo test today... I wasn't really ready for it, but I wanted to get the first one out of the way, so that I wouldn't be so nervous for the next one. I was nervous enough to make a few mistakes, but, did really well with the candle test. The candle test, is where you have to put out 2 candles, using only your sword. The idea is that you make a bit of a wind, as you move towards them with your sword, then stop just as you are above them. If you hit the candles, you fail. Also, if you can not put both of them out within 10 goes, you also fail.
After the test, I went to GwangJu with the Kumdo teacher and his wife. They went to Himart (an electronics place), and then Lotte Mart, which is just a huge department store. Was good to do some serious shopping ;)
Thanks Hyunmin for helping me at Yongsan, to help my buy the iPod. Also, thank you for letting me stay at your house - you're mum makes the best chicken soup! Bring on the Ginseng ;) haha
Had Burger King on Sunday... I've only had Burger King 2 times, since I've been to Korea... wow! The friench fries tasted so good... but, doesn't beat fish and chips from home :p
JeongAh, next time, I'll choose the movie ;) haha
Another timetable change for work - no 8:50am starts on Wednesday! ;) Will have to find something to do in the mornings, other than sleep ;) haha
I'm in a PC방 in 용산. I came to Seoul this morning, got the 7:50am bus (the first bus) out of SaChang, and get to Gwangju just after 8:30am. Got the 8:55am deluxe bus from Gwangju to Seoul. Arrived at 12:30pm, where TaeJin met me. We've known each other for a while online now, and it was good to meet him, especially since I won't be able to see him again, since he starts his Military Service in 2 weeks. It's a korean thing, each guy has to do at least 2 years of military service when they are in a certain age group (I think 19 - 25 maybe). Then, they continue with whatever they were doing (most likely university) when they finish.
We had Kalbi (grilled pork, side dishes and rice) for lunch ^^ Was good ;) Then, we talked and had a look at all the different levels of iPark Mall... So much electronics, from humidifiers to Notebooks, from Mobile phones where you can watch TV, Old school Nintendo stuff ;) Then had a coffee at Yongsan Station...
Hyunmin will come at 5pm, to help me buy an iPod. Depending on the price (how much cheaper it is compared to the Apple Recommended Price), I might get the 60Gb iPod. See how it goes ;)
But right now, I've got 40 minutes to kill, until he arrives at Yongsan. Might have to play some Kartrider ;)
So tired! Busy weekend in Seoul. Big thanks to Namhee for a great saturday at Insadong, and a big thanks ro Jeong Ah for a great sunday on the Seoul City Tour.
Found out saturday morning, that there is no 6:50am bus out of my sleeply litle town. Earliest bus is 7:50am. So, went to a PCbang near the bus stop for a while. Got the usual Deluxe (우등) bus... So much better than the normal bus, bigger seats, more comfy ^^ Got to Seoul at about 12:30, met Namhee for lunch. Had my first 100% western-style meal in 3 months at TonyRoma's, a grilled meat place. Had grilled chicken with pineapple, french fries and vegies... and yes mum, I ate all my vegies!
Then we went to Insadong, and had a look a look around for a few hours. There were some really interesting things to see there. We relaxed for a while and had some traditional tea.
Met Jeong Ah saturday night, and found a motel for me to stay at. Thanks for the call at about 2am, Donggyun-hyeong!! Got up kinda early to go on the Seoul City Tourn bus on sunday, about 9:30am... hehe. We started at Seoul Station, then went to the National Museum of Korea (that place is massive!), Itaewon, Namsangol Tradiotional Korean Village (looked even better than in Korean soaps ^^), Namsan Seoul Tower (Ovservation Deck about 350m above sea level), Dongdaemun market (could spend a whole day there looking at everything!) and then went to Insadong. Had dinner in Jongno, then quickly went to City Hall to have a look. Met Steve (and his girlfriend for the first time) and Diasuke, since it will be the last time I can see Daisuke (for a while... we'll meet in Nagoya! I promise!).
Woke up at 6am, to get ready by 7am, to get to the bus terminal, so I could get back to SaChang in time ;) Slept a little on the bus. Went to work, and then Kumdo. Was going to try yoga tonight, but to tired to do both Kumdo and Yoga!
Had a great time in Busan! Daisuke and I got there at about 5pm, and met 나나 (Nana), a friend of Daisuke's that he met in Australia. She took us to a famous temple in Busan ~ 범어사 (Beomeosa). It was really nice there, just as the sun was going down. We caught a bus into the city, and met up with all our friends there, and made some new ones. It was good to See Donggyun-hyung, Mie, Hyunmin-hyung again... Even Ayumi (a friend of Donggyun and Mie's that I met in Australia) came to Busan... and I didn't know! haha! Was a good surprise. It was also good to meet Tony and Benny as well ;) Soju and Noraebang ^^ Always a good combination ;)
On sunday, the 6 of us (Daisuke, Hyunmin, Donggyun, Mie, Ayumi and myself) went to 해운대 (Haeundae) and walked along the beach and did some shopping. I was there one year ago (almost exactly!), and I remembered many things from there... The memorries came flooding back! haha
But, had to get up early to get a bus back to my sleepy town ^^ It took 6 hours to get from the motel in Busan to my town here in Jeollanam-do... Half a subway line in Busan, A bus from Nopodong to GwangJu, then another bus from GwangJu to SaChang...
Going to Seoul next weekend ~ Meet some friends ^^ Plan to have alot of fun ^^
Half cleaned the apartment today... Still got to go through some junk and other stuff. I rearranged it too, so that helps me clean everything ;) Still got a bit to clean tomorrow, so no rush to do that, but I want it done in time, for when a friend comes to stay on tuesday.
Went ten pin bowling with another teacher and his girlfriend today, had a good time. Was good to stop cleaning for a while, and do something fun.
Going to Busan next weekend to meet up with friends from Australia. It will be the first time we're all together since Australia last year... so, will be great to see everyone. The weekend after that, going to Seoul to meet friends... Will be abnother good weekend ;)
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