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.

Gyeongju and Busan were nice, especially with spending time with Akil, since he will go back to the U.S. next week or the week after.

Really tired, but dont want to go to bed too early.

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 ^^