Taken on KTX ^^ Another thing in Korea known for Speed. Let you figure out which one :p
10 years ago
Speed, Anyone?
Its for sending packages by courier, but made me laugh when I thought about how Koreans use the world "Speed" and the other meaning of "Speed", as in the drug.
Taken on KTX ^^ Another thing in Korea known for Speed. Let you figure out which one :p
Taken on KTX ^^ Another thing in Korea known for Speed. Let you figure out which one :p
Blog from Work
Well, just got "asked" by the boss to use less Korean in class, and sure, I understand him. I realise that I use a lot of Korean in English class, but most of it is due to behavioural problems, and explaining some concepts. I really gave up on making a class 100% English, mainly because of the students' attitude towards English and towards Foreigners.
My reply was: Sure, I understand you, and I will try to do my classes all in English, but with some of the students behvaior, lack of respect, and there general attitude towards English and Foriegners, its very difficult. He then discussed why I need to do it, which I understood the first time when he said it, so I just repeated what I said. So he came into my class, with students waiting for their lesson to start, and starts talking in Korean to them, and they laugh. So, obvious its not an important issue for them or him.
So, I'm gonna change my classes starting from next year. They will be more stuctured, students will not address me as "Andy Teacher", it will me Mr. M. They're gonna get the full deal, finally. They won't know what hit them (in a good way).
My current MSN status: Andy's 2008 is gonna be great, so don't fuck it up! Yep, I'm talking to YOU!
My reply was: Sure, I understand you, and I will try to do my classes all in English, but with some of the students behvaior, lack of respect, and there general attitude towards English and Foriegners, its very difficult. He then discussed why I need to do it, which I understood the first time when he said it, so I just repeated what I said. So he came into my class, with students waiting for their lesson to start, and starts talking in Korean to them, and they laugh. So, obvious its not an important issue for them or him.
So, I'm gonna change my classes starting from next year. They will be more stuctured, students will not address me as "Andy Teacher", it will me Mr. M. They're gonna get the full deal, finally. They won't know what hit them (in a good way).
My current MSN status: Andy's 2008 is gonna be great, so don't fuck it up! Yep, I'm talking to YOU!
2007 can get f****d ^^
I can smell 2008 coming, and its a mixture of gimchi, paid off credit cards, and good times. Overall, 2007 sucked, and i'm glad its on the way out.
Yesterday, I went to Jangseong station, to my all my train tickets for my weekend. Going to Busan and Daegu to meet some friends. 6 tickets in total! For 3 days. I did my homework on the Korail website, to get all the tickets I wanted. Some trains were not available, but the next morning, some were (have no idea why it changed overnight), so I went there to get all the tickets I wanted. Wrote them all down on a piece of paper, and just handed them to the woman who was there (who was quite pretty, with a good smile by the way, and very kind, helping me out with checking the times, and saving a few thousand won, by reminding me to get a backwards seat on KTX). She was a bit confused at first, i think because my Koreans wasn't all that good. I wasn't sure how to ask it, so I just gave her the piece of paper and said (이표들 주세요). Maybe she thought I was some kind of thief, with a letter saying, hang over all your money. It took about 10 minutes to get them all done and checked. Cost me about 75000won (AU$92, for people playing at home). But at least on the train, there's always a toilet, and if it says its gonna arrive at a certain time, it does.
Yesterday, I went to Jangseong station, to my all my train tickets for my weekend. Going to Busan and Daegu to meet some friends. 6 tickets in total! For 3 days. I did my homework on the Korail website, to get all the tickets I wanted. Some trains were not available, but the next morning, some were (have no idea why it changed overnight), so I went there to get all the tickets I wanted. Wrote them all down on a piece of paper, and just handed them to the woman who was there (who was quite pretty, with a good smile by the way, and very kind, helping me out with checking the times, and saving a few thousand won, by reminding me to get a backwards seat on KTX). She was a bit confused at first, i think because my Koreans wasn't all that good. I wasn't sure how to ask it, so I just gave her the piece of paper and said (이표들 주세요). Maybe she thought I was some kind of thief, with a letter saying, hang over all your money. It took about 10 minutes to get them all done and checked. Cost me about 75000won (AU$92, for people playing at home). But at least on the train, there's always a toilet, and if it says its gonna arrive at a certain time, it does.Was talking to my friend James, who is an Australian guy who teaches English in Daegu. He was in Japan for a few years before coming to Korea, and like me, has pretty much had enough of all the bullshit related to work. He's only got 3 months to go, and then he's out of here. He's really sick of Korean's attitude towards foreigners, and the students attitude as well. I can totally understand him. I feel that I'm wasting my time here, but overall, Korea is a good country. I've made good friends here, and had good experiences here.
Today is last day of class for 2007, and I'm not even gonna bother trying to teach anything, especially to middle school. Middle school kids are one reason why I really hate Korea, because most of them are rude, racist, and need a good kick in the ass (more than one, of course - don't get me started on the lack of parenting skills here in Korea). Because of last class (and having 3 days off after weekend) and Friday, kids are gonna be more feral than usual. I'm not gonna put up with any bullshit today, also, not really gonna teach anything anyway.
Going to Jeongeup again for Geomdo this weekend, then will be going to Busan, via Daejeon. Just before Daejeon, the two lines, one going to Busan, one going to Gwangju/Mokpo, split before getting into Daejeon, so they stop at two different stations. The Gwangju/Mopko line stops in West Daejeon, and the Busan line stops at Daejeon Station. So, I have to get a taxi (or take the subway) from West Daejeon Station to Daejeon Station. It's no big deal ^^
Christmas
Didn't really see the point of working on christmas eve, knowing that the kids would be absolutely feral. So, just did a bit of study, free talking, and a few games.
After work, I went to Jeongeup, to hang out with 관장님. He's really into computers, so I brought along my Apple Macbook Pro for him to have a play with. He really liked it, and was a little jealous. We had dinner at a 갈비집. It's the best 갈비 I have ever eaten... anywhere! When we got back, just relaxed, has some apples and ice-cream.
Woke up late today, and had a huge breakfast, then went to a museum just outside of Jeongeup. It was about some historical battles, with the common people fighting against the government, coz the government was taxing the fuck out of them. Then, both armies joined up to give hell to the Japanese who were trying to take over at the time. Very interesting. It had a small section about other civil events in other countries, where I stumbled on this map of Australia. Notice anything weird?
Came back to my town at about 5:30pm, rested for a while, got the usual Dolsot Bibimbap for dinner ;) Gotta work tomorrow.The alarm is set for 6:30am. WILL go to the gym :p Sounds good in theory... but when you wake up at 6:30am, with a cold, you don't feel so good, so you tell the alarm to get fucked, and go back to sleep :p
After work, I went to Jeongeup, to hang out with 관장님. He's really into computers, so I brought along my Apple Macbook Pro for him to have a play with. He really liked it, and was a little jealous. We had dinner at a 갈비집. It's the best 갈비 I have ever eaten... anywhere! When we got back, just relaxed, has some apples and ice-cream.
Woke up late today, and had a huge breakfast, then went to a museum just outside of Jeongeup. It was about some historical battles, with the common people fighting against the government, coz the government was taxing the fuck out of them. Then, both armies joined up to give hell to the Japanese who were trying to take over at the time. Very interesting. It had a small section about other civil events in other countries, where I stumbled on this map of Australia. Notice anything weird?
Came back to my town at about 5:30pm, rested for a while, got the usual Dolsot Bibimbap for dinner ;) Gotta work tomorrow.
Weekend, Part 3
Met up with GY at Gangbyeon station just after 11am. It only took about 65 minutes to get to there, from Bucheon station. I was glad that the trains weren't packed, like last night. It would have been okay if I didn't have my big bag with all my stuff in it.
Anyway, I had a great time with GY. He's a pretty cool guy, and we talked a lot about many different things. Got some coffee, walked around his uni, and Grand Park, and then had some lunch at VIPs. Went to an Arcade game hall, and had some fun there, then some more coffee and chatting. He worries about his English, but his English ability is actually quite good ^^
Met M again at Yongsan for some dinner and walking. (Finally) found the Artbox that was there and checked things out. Loved the comedy value mug that says "Contence might be very hot"... considering that you have to fill it yourself ;)
Got KTX home, but was sitting next to this old guy, that had this way toxic breath, crossed between Gimchi, Shit and a Truckload of stale cigarette butts. So, everytime he coughed, it was like a blood vessel in my brain burst. Even the people sitting in the chair in front complained. Kinda was hoping to have a seat to myself... :p
Made it back home just after 10, sorted some out, and am about to go to bed. Have to work tomorrow...
Anyway, I had a great time with GY. He's a pretty cool guy, and we talked a lot about many different things. Got some coffee, walked around his uni, and Grand Park, and then had some lunch at VIPs. Went to an Arcade game hall, and had some fun there, then some more coffee and chatting. He worries about his English, but his English ability is actually quite good ^^
Met M again at Yongsan for some dinner and walking. (Finally) found the Artbox that was there and checked things out. Loved the comedy value mug that says "Contence might be very hot"... considering that you have to fill it yourself ;)Got KTX home, but was sitting next to this old guy, that had this way toxic breath, crossed between Gimchi, Shit and a Truckload of stale cigarette butts. So, everytime he coughed, it was like a blood vessel in my brain burst. Even the people sitting in the chair in front complained. Kinda was hoping to have a seat to myself... :p
Made it back home just after 10, sorted some out, and am about to go to bed. Have to work tomorrow...
Weekend, Part 2
It was great seeing M, even if it was only for a short time. We get along pretty well, and can talk up a storm. She's an awesome friend to have ^^
Well, I don't know how bad it was for M, but I think she got to her desitnation okay... As for me, haha! Its Christmas, Saturday night, and Seoul. For something that should have taken me 40 minutes, took me 90 minutes. I waited for a train with enough space, and when it did come, it was bound for Guro, and I needed to go a few more stations after that. I was getting pretty sick and tired of Koreans seeing that I've got a huge sports bag, with practice swords sticking out, bumping it, and getting in the damn way, and then giving me an evil look coz I accidently hit them. If you moved out of the FUCKING way, you wouldn't be hit. Lol.
So yeah, made it to Bucheon to meet HM and BG at just after 7pm. After Guro, i took a taxi, coz the subway was just shitting me. Traffic was as bad as the subway. But, I got there, and it was all good. We had 찜덝 (Not sure is that's the right spelling), and it was so damn good. HM and BG said that I am a 전라도사람, because it was spicy, and 전라도 people are good at eating spicy food (well, they're right, I can't really avoid spice food in 전라도 ㅋㅋㅋ). We met up with EJ afterwards, and talked for ages. It was good to see her again. She has this awesome smile that just radiates ^^
Came back to HM's place after that, and we sat and talked for a while. He has a test today (which he decided not to go to now, because it stayed up until 3am studying... 바보형). Going to meet GY later in 강변역, which is near Jamsil. Probably will take me about 70 or 80 minutes to get there.
Well, I don't know how bad it was for M, but I think she got to her desitnation okay... As for me, haha! Its Christmas, Saturday night, and Seoul. For something that should have taken me 40 minutes, took me 90 minutes. I waited for a train with enough space, and when it did come, it was bound for Guro, and I needed to go a few more stations after that. I was getting pretty sick and tired of Koreans seeing that I've got a huge sports bag, with practice swords sticking out, bumping it, and getting in the damn way, and then giving me an evil look coz I accidently hit them. If you moved out of the FUCKING way, you wouldn't be hit. Lol.
So yeah, made it to Bucheon to meet HM and BG at just after 7pm. After Guro, i took a taxi, coz the subway was just shitting me. Traffic was as bad as the subway. But, I got there, and it was all good. We had 찜덝 (Not sure is that's the right spelling), and it was so damn good. HM and BG said that I am a 전라도사람, because it was spicy, and 전라도 people are good at eating spicy food (well, they're right, I can't really avoid spice food in 전라도 ㅋㅋㅋ). We met up with EJ afterwards, and talked for ages. It was good to see her again. She has this awesome smile that just radiates ^^
Came back to HM's place after that, and we sat and talked for a while. He has a test today (which he decided not to go to now, because it stayed up until 3am studying... 바보형). Going to meet GY later in 강변역, which is near Jamsil. Probably will take me about 70 or 80 minutes to get there.
Japanese Human Tetris
I'd give it a go... if I was small enough :p
I've seen one with Korean K1 fighter 최홍만 (who is 218cm tall), and he just breaks the foam cutouts ^^
Weekend is still a weekend, no matter how shit is starts
Well, was all ready to get the bus out of my town at 8:20am, when... Yep, nature called in a big way, as in, don't even think about riding a bus for 25 minutes kinda way. LOL. So, ended up getting the next bus, at 8:50 to Jangseong, got there at 9:15 and walked to the train station.
Now, I was meant to get to Jeongeup for Geomdo class, so while nature was calling (yeah, I've been known to text at that time ^^) I sent a message, to let them know that I'd be late. They didn't check their messages until I'm about 2 minutes to get on the train do Jeongeup, and called me. Now, I thought my Korean ability was okay, but I've noticed that people in Jeongeup have quite a different accent than what I'm used to hearing. At first, I thought It was only my Geomdo teacher, but I was sitting next to a guy from Jeongeup on the train, and I had a hard time understanding him. Anyway, the Geomeo teacher, his wife and their students, were going to go to some kind of hot springs thing, but pretty much at the same time that they're telling me, the train is coming, and they're gonna come to Jangseong and get me. It was just to hard to deal with, so they called me back after getting on the train and told me to wait on a PC room and wait for him to come back. Took me a few minutes after the phone call to figure out what he said, so I just sent a message back saying don't worry about it, and I'll come next weekend. I completely forgot about the going to the hot springs thing, but when we said that, it was over the phone, the geomdo teacher's wife was speaking Korean to me (even though she can speak English), and there was a maybe in there.
Anyway, I didn't want to inconvenience them, so just cancelled. So, when I arrived at Jeongeup, just got a ticket for Seoul. Had to get special class Saemaeul, which is no different than the regular part of the train. Took 3.5 hours and cost 31,100won, and got to Yongsan at about 2:10pm. Called M while I for some lunch (Loterria was such a bad idea, it messed with my heart), and called M. While waiting for her, went for a walk along Cheonggyecheon, and bought a new Nike bag at Dongdaemun Market. I got sick of carrying around my Geomdo uniform, my practice swords. Dongdaemun was such a bad idea for shopping, and carrying a huge bag.
M's just turned up at the coffee shop. Will blog later. She deserves my full attention ^^
Now, I was meant to get to Jeongeup for Geomdo class, so while nature was calling (yeah, I've been known to text at that time ^^) I sent a message, to let them know that I'd be late. They didn't check their messages until I'm about 2 minutes to get on the train do Jeongeup, and called me. Now, I thought my Korean ability was okay, but I've noticed that people in Jeongeup have quite a different accent than what I'm used to hearing. At first, I thought It was only my Geomdo teacher, but I was sitting next to a guy from Jeongeup on the train, and I had a hard time understanding him. Anyway, the Geomeo teacher, his wife and their students, were going to go to some kind of hot springs thing, but pretty much at the same time that they're telling me, the train is coming, and they're gonna come to Jangseong and get me. It was just to hard to deal with, so they called me back after getting on the train and told me to wait on a PC room and wait for him to come back. Took me a few minutes after the phone call to figure out what he said, so I just sent a message back saying don't worry about it, and I'll come next weekend. I completely forgot about the going to the hot springs thing, but when we said that, it was over the phone, the geomdo teacher's wife was speaking Korean to me (even though she can speak English), and there was a maybe in there.
Anyway, I didn't want to inconvenience them, so just cancelled. So, when I arrived at Jeongeup, just got a ticket for Seoul. Had to get special class Saemaeul, which is no different than the regular part of the train. Took 3.5 hours and cost 31,100won, and got to Yongsan at about 2:10pm. Called M while I for some lunch (Loterria was such a bad idea, it messed with my heart), and called M. While waiting for her, went for a walk along Cheonggyecheon, and bought a new Nike bag at Dongdaemun Market. I got sick of carrying around my Geomdo uniform, my practice swords. Dongdaemun was such a bad idea for shopping, and carrying a huge bag.
M's just turned up at the coffee shop. Will blog later. She deserves my full attention ^^
Another average day
I still can't get back into a regular rhythm since i stayed up all weekend fixing my computer. Today, woke up at 7am, feeling shitty (I think I'm coming down with a cold), and just laid in bed for the next hour and a half. So, here I am now, eating breakfast (some bread, tangerines and water) and doing the usual of checking out the blogs I usually go to, logging into messenger and shit like that. I do plan to go to the gym gym today. I know I can go a 600cal cardio workout, i just gotta be in the right mindset to do it. Yesterday, I was totally not in the mindset for a good working, and with my left knee playing up, after 2 mins in, i just thought, fuck it.
Yesterday was just another regular day. My kids are alright, but I'm pretty sure that either South Korea has no idea about ADD, or they just ignore mental problems, hoping that they go away. I have a few kids that need to be constantly reminded to do work, and its not a lazy, "i'm gonna fuck about and waste time" thing, its a "I can't concentrate for longer than 2 seconds, unless there is someone there with me telling me what to do" thing. With being in the Education industry for a few years, I can tell which one is which. Job/Career wise, Teaching English in Korea is a waste of time. Overall, its a good experience, but doesn't really get you anywhere. Its just felt like a long holiday, that has slowly gotten worse. Which is why I'm not renewing my contract. I was meant to get paid yesterday, but for the first time, the boss asked me if it was okay if I pay you on Saturday. I have no problems with that, coz I have enough cash to last me until then, but the boss gave me 200,000won to get me through until then (coz I mentioned that I was going to Seoul on Saturday).
I don't know what it is, but I hate the way that Koreans knock on the door. Rather than a few polite knocks, not too loud or heavy, and with a bit of space in between, they bang on the door, using their fists, and just bang a few times. Then, if you don't call out in the next 1 or 2 seconds, they do it again! Shits me!
Anyway, I don't start until 3:20pm today, which means I've got a bit more time at the gym. I just hope I'm in the right mindset today.
Here's another pic, from my grade 6 artist, who was drawing Seongbin sleepwalking:
Trains, New Places, New Directions
Went to Jeongeup to meet my new Geomdo teacher today, and to meet my new "students". Every Saturday morning, I'll be going to Jeongeup to do Geomdo, and also, to help out at the Geomdo Teacher's Wife's mini Hagwon. It was good meeting everyone today. I chose to go to Jeongeup, instead of Gwangju, because I've met the teacher at Jeongeup and his wife a few times, at Geomdo tests and Competitions, so I felt that I would be more comfortable learning from him. He can't speak a lot of English, and he was worried about how we would communicate, but I told him, even though my old Geomdo teacher and I could communicate though a mixture of Korean, English and Konglish, when he was teaching me Geomdo, I learned best by watching. We just need time to adjust (맞추다) to each other. I told him about what I would like to get out of the class. I don't care about getting 2nd level black belt, I want to focus on the competition stuff. I really wanna try to enter a competition here, and have some fun doing that. I also wanna freak out some Koreans by giving it a go ;)
So, 사무님 (Samonim - teacher's wife) cooked us lunch, which was really delicious, and then he got me to do a few Geomdo moves, just to get an idea of what I can and can't do (I can't tumble or do handstands, and my knees are pretty much fucked).Then we went to a park near 내장산 (Naejangsan), the kids played, while we walked around and talked. He's a decent guy, and wants to help me out. He's just worried that I won't like his teaching style, and i told him, it takes time to adjust to new things (his accent, is one of them, i had some trouble understanding his Korean ^^), but its all good. I know that every teacher has a different style, and I need to adjust to his style.
He will do some things differently than my old teacher, but that's how it is. I'm still learning the same stuff, just learning it differently. Even though its winter, a few of the trees haven't lost their leaves, so took a quick picture as we were leaving.
We went back to Jeongeup station, and I got KTX back to Jangseong (8,100won), and then a local bus back to my apartment (1,300won). It was really good to meet him and talk with him for a long period of time. I didn't get many chances to meet with him before hand, because he was busy those times (because of Competitions - either looking after his students who were competing, or judging, or he was judging the Geomdo tests, like at my black belt test).
Went to a restaurant for dinner, then decided to get some singing practice at Noraebang (for people playing at home, Noraebang is your own little karaoke room), because I will be meeting friends in Seoul on Saturday night, and most likely We'll end up singing in a Noraebang somewhere :p
Just wanna leave the post with some Irony: the pic says "Welcome to the fantastic English world... You'll be so excited...!!!" Like f**k the students will be :p
Romanization of Korean
One thing that really shits me the most, is the number of ways Koreans mix and match different parts of Romanisation systems. It gets to a point where I tell all my Korean friends to write any Korean nouns in Korean, because its just easier. So, to help out my Korean friends, or other learners of Korean, I typed up this information, from the back on an English notebook. Feel free to download it, print it, sent it to Korean friends, show your boss, walk around on the train showing people, like the beggars with notes asking for money :p
Thanks to 병성, 승호, 기중, 상영, 연미, Clara and anyone else who I forgot to mention (It's 2am, don't mess with me ^^).
Monday, f**king Monday
I'm not a fan of Mondays, which is understandable, but due to my weekend, this Monday was just shit. My weekend was pretty shit, because I had plans to meet friends in Daegu, but the cancelled. I can understand why they cancelled (but then why did they agree to the plans in the first place?). It was too cold to do anything, and the whole staying up until 7am on saturday morning really messed with my body clock.
I didn't even hear my alarm this morning, which was set to 7:30am, so that i could get to the gym at about 9:30, and be there until about 11:30 or 12pm... Sounds good in theory. I woke up at 10:30, quickly had breakfast, and had my heart meds, and waited for them to kick in, and was about to walk out of the apartment, when someone calls me. It was the wife of another Geomdo teacher, which I had met a few times at Geomdo level tests and various comps around Korea. Since my Geomdo teacher has moved, I got him to send all my stuff (new uniform and certificate) to Jeong-eup (정읍) for me to pick them up. So, she called me to say that my new uniform had arrived.
Also, I wanted to run an idea past her, which I kind of knew that she would approve. She's after a native English speaker, and to be honest, I wasn't interested in working on weekends, because I like to have them free. But now, things are different. I want to continue Geomdo, and I've met her husband before, and he's a cool guy. So, i suggested to her, that I'd teach her kids for 2 hours, and then her husband would teach me Geomdo for 2 hours. She was pretty wrapped about the idea. I know it takes a fair chunk out of my Saturday, but if I get there early enough, I could do Geomdo first, then teach her kids after that. Also, Jeong-eup has a KTX train station (so does Jangseong, the town that's only 10km away from me), so from there, on Saturday afternoons, I can travel to anywhere by train/KTX, and then get a bus or the train again back home on Sundays.
Wednesday is voting day in South Korea, but I don't have to vote, so its a day off for me. In South Korea, voting isn't compulsory, but they made the day Wednesday, so that people wouldn't have long weekends. So, this Wednesday, I'm thinking of going to Jeong-eup to talk the Geomdo teacher and his wife to sort out things.
Feels weird to come home at 7:30 after work, and not get ready for Geomdo. I'll get used to it though. There is a big plan to wake up early, so that i can spend more time at the gym in the mornings, but its so cold in the morning ^^
Korean Elections
This is how Koreans promote themselves during Election time. With singing and dancing. They come for about 10 minutes, then move on to another place. I think they might actually talk about their policies between the songs. Its all 샤라샤라 to me.
Shut the f**K up and JUMP!
Once again, one of the best musical acts in the WORLD, Scooter, keeps the dance world on its toes. Literally. Jump style is here, and its fucking with your mind in so many happy ways, way better than any drugs can ever do!
I bought their latest album, "Jumping all over the World", and it does make you wanna jump!
And No Matches
(latest single)
The Question is What is the Question?
(previous single)
(latest single)
The Question is What is the Question?
(previous single)
I bought their latest album, "Jumping all over the World", and it does make you wanna jump!
Last Geomdo class, work and Computers
Got to the gym late today, at about 12pm, because I was waiting for my Geomdo teacher to come over to pick up some passport photos for my reprinting of my Black Belt certificate. Did a killer 650 kCal work out (600 of that on the stepper machine), and had the usual Dolbi (short for Dolsot Bibimbap) at the usual place, and got to work 35min before my first class, so had plenty of time to get things ready. I start 1 hour later on Fridays.
Anyway, 6pm rolls around and I'm ready for my first middle school class, which the boss aid I would have today, but these different group of kids turn up and the boss says "Can you teach these kids for 90 minutes?". This is the level of profesionalism that you will get to know and love if you ever work in South Korea. So I just magically pulled English out from nowhere (you don't want to know where) for the lesson. The work I prepared for the classes I was TOLD I would have was too hard for half the class, so I had to abandon that, and just ended up making shit as I went, which included converting a few Korean games into English on the fly. It's Friday, my last Geomdo class, so I didn't give a f**k, and obviously the boss didn't either.
I got out of work at 7:30 and headed for a PC room. On the way, I ordered the pizza for the party that we were having after our last Geomdo class. I got to the PC room, full of soldiers and cigarette smoke as usual, and wasted some time. Updated my cyworld with my workout info for today (I always write down what I do, so I can keep track of it), and played some GoStop. Went to Geomdo class, we practiced for about 20 ~ 30 minutes, then ate the pizza. It felt so weird to see the Geomdojang half empty, and things moved out of place. It won't really sink in until after class Monday, when I come home and realise that that's the end of my day.
I decided to reformat my Hard Drive and re-install Leopard, since its been a bit dodgy recently. It's about half way through making an image of the current drive. When that's done, I'll install the OS, the updates, a few choice apps, and then go to bed. Just incase you're wondering, I'm using my iPod touch to type this entry.
My weekend is pretty full. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the gym, then go to Gwangju in the afternoon to buy some books for work and to see I am Legend at the cinema. Sunday, I'm helping my Geomdo teacher move his stuff out, and cleaning the Geomdojang. I was going to go to Daegu to meet friends, but their super busy due to their studies. I'll meet them after new years, my next two weekends are already planned out! ^^
Anyway, 6pm rolls around and I'm ready for my first middle school class, which the boss aid I would have today, but these different group of kids turn up and the boss says "Can you teach these kids for 90 minutes?". This is the level of profesionalism that you will get to know and love if you ever work in South Korea. So I just magically pulled English out from nowhere (you don't want to know where) for the lesson. The work I prepared for the classes I was TOLD I would have was too hard for half the class, so I had to abandon that, and just ended up making shit as I went, which included converting a few Korean games into English on the fly. It's Friday, my last Geomdo class, so I didn't give a f**k, and obviously the boss didn't either.
I got out of work at 7:30 and headed for a PC room. On the way, I ordered the pizza for the party that we were having after our last Geomdo class. I got to the PC room, full of soldiers and cigarette smoke as usual, and wasted some time. Updated my cyworld with my workout info for today (I always write down what I do, so I can keep track of it), and played some GoStop. Went to Geomdo class, we practiced for about 20 ~ 30 minutes, then ate the pizza. It felt so weird to see the Geomdojang half empty, and things moved out of place. It won't really sink in until after class Monday, when I come home and realise that that's the end of my day.
I decided to reformat my Hard Drive and re-install Leopard, since its been a bit dodgy recently. It's about half way through making an image of the current drive. When that's done, I'll install the OS, the updates, a few choice apps, and then go to bed. Just incase you're wondering, I'm using my iPod touch to type this entry.My weekend is pretty full. Tomorrow morning I'll go to the gym, then go to Gwangju in the afternoon to buy some books for work and to see I am Legend at the cinema. Sunday, I'm helping my Geomdo teacher move his stuff out, and cleaning the Geomdojang. I was going to go to Daegu to meet friends, but their super busy due to their studies. I'll meet them after new years, my next two weekends are already planned out! ^^
2nd last Geomdo Class, Thursday
As usual, went to the gym today. Was a good work out. The new Scooter album really got me pumped for it. "Jumping All Over the World" is definitely worth the money, just for the jumpability ^^ I had to explain why I was laughing so much when I heard the rave/dance cover of the theme from Neverending Story. They did an awesome job of it too.
I had lunch with the trainer today. We went to my usual restaurant, and we both bad Dolsot Bibimbap (동솥비빔밥). It was the first time for us to sit down and have a chat, without one (or both of us) sweating from exercise, or with loud shitty Korean gym music blaring.
Work was just okay, as usual. The boss gave me 24 hours notice for a timetable change. 24 hours notice! That is damn rare in Korea!
Went to Geomdo class, and practiced 예도 1번. I think I've got it sorted out. Just gotta remember it. I received my Black Belt, Certificate and Certificate Card today. So many English mistakes on it (my name was spelt wrong, person was spelt "peson", awarded was spelt "swarded", and my nationality was listed as Korean), so I sat down and corrected it, and my Geomdo Teacher will order a new one tomorrow. That reminds me, I gotta find my ID photos.
Im feeling pretty sad about the whole Geomdo thing, but that's life. I totally respect my Geomdo Teacher for making a huge decision to immigrate to another country. He's gotta family to support, and he really hates Korean life. One thing I hate, is Koreans who complain about their life here, but don't do anything to change it. I admire people who do something to make their life better, no matter what others might think of them. Bottom line is, he's the best damn bloke in Korea i've met so far, and not many are gonna be able to get to his level of integrity and honor.
Enough said. Now for some Pics.
So, here's me with my Black Belt Certificate, after I circled and crossed out all the English mistakes. The Geomdo teacher and I were writing them on a piece of paper, but there were just too many. :p
From Left to Right:
The New Guy, he started about 2 weeks ago. I just call him 형님.
My Geomdo Teacher. Respect.
Me.
One of the kids there, was checking out my camera when he took this photo of my Geomdo teacher, as he was giving me my black belt. Its just not long enough to tie it in the special black belt way. It will be when I'm thin, muscly, and just damn hot :p
I had lunch with the trainer today. We went to my usual restaurant, and we both bad Dolsot Bibimbap (동솥비빔밥). It was the first time for us to sit down and have a chat, without one (or both of us) sweating from exercise, or with loud shitty Korean gym music blaring.
Work was just okay, as usual. The boss gave me 24 hours notice for a timetable change. 24 hours notice! That is damn rare in Korea!
Went to Geomdo class, and practiced 예도 1번. I think I've got it sorted out. Just gotta remember it. I received my Black Belt, Certificate and Certificate Card today. So many English mistakes on it (my name was spelt wrong, person was spelt "peson", awarded was spelt "swarded", and my nationality was listed as Korean), so I sat down and corrected it, and my Geomdo Teacher will order a new one tomorrow. That reminds me, I gotta find my ID photos.
Im feeling pretty sad about the whole Geomdo thing, but that's life. I totally respect my Geomdo Teacher for making a huge decision to immigrate to another country. He's gotta family to support, and he really hates Korean life. One thing I hate, is Koreans who complain about their life here, but don't do anything to change it. I admire people who do something to make their life better, no matter what others might think of them. Bottom line is, he's the best damn bloke in Korea i've met so far, and not many are gonna be able to get to his level of integrity and honor.
Enough said. Now for some Pics.
So, here's me with my Black Belt Certificate, after I circled and crossed out all the English mistakes. The Geomdo teacher and I were writing them on a piece of paper, but there were just too many. :p
From Left to Right:The New Guy, he started about 2 weeks ago. I just call him 형님.
My Geomdo Teacher. Respect.
Me.
One of the kids there, was checking out my camera when he took this photo of my Geomdo teacher, as he was giving me my black belt. Its just not long enough to tie it in the special black belt way. It will be when I'm thin, muscly, and just damn hot :p
Pain, in its various forms
I've got an earache, possibly due to having my iPod too loud at the gym, to block out the shitty Korean pretend pop/club music that they play...
My knees are just f**ked from being fat for too long, and going hard core with exercise (which is ironic, doens't matter what i do, my knees are still f**ked).
My Geomdo teacher, who is also my best friend, is leaving next week.
My shoulders and back are sore.
My head hurts from shit at work (just the regular shit that never changes).
End winge.
P.S. Life gives you lemons all the time, but its the people who can make lemonade (some show-offs make Lemon Cheesecake ^^) that I make time for. Some, if not many Koreans, in my experience, just expect Lemonade all the time, but give you the "puppy dog/i have no idea what the f**k is going on" look when you give them lemons.
My knees are just f**ked from being fat for too long, and going hard core with exercise (which is ironic, doens't matter what i do, my knees are still f**ked).
My Geomdo teacher, who is also my best friend, is leaving next week.
My shoulders and back are sore.
My head hurts from shit at work (just the regular shit that never changes).
End winge.
P.S. Life gives you lemons all the time, but its the people who can make lemonade (some show-offs make Lemon Cheesecake ^^) that I make time for. Some, if not many Koreans, in my experience, just expect Lemonade all the time, but give you the "puppy dog/i have no idea what the f**k is going on" look when you give them lemons.
Life goes on...
So, my Geomdo teacher's going to Cambodia...
WTF?!?!?
Yep, quick decision, he's going to Cambodia for work, basically because having a 검도장 in a really small countryside town isn't profitable enough, if you want to live. He's going next week, and his wife and son will live in the wife's hometown with her family until they can come to Cambodia. Its a pretty huge decision, but you gotta do what's right when it comes to family, and if you're not making enough cash to survive, you gotta do something about it. It takes balls to do that, in my opinion, so I wish him the best of luck, and I'll miss him so much. He's pretty much my most bestest friend in Korea.
관장님... 안전하게 이사하고 너가 하고싶은 것 열심히 하세요. 나는 너가 이사하는 이유를 이해해서 당신을 매우 존경해요. 난 너가 진짜 보고싶을 거에요. 우리의 우정과 당신의 친절을 내마음에서 진심으로 고마워요. 너를 또 보고싶어서 "goodbye" 안말하고싶어서... 나중에봐요 ^^
WTF?!?!?
Yep, quick decision, he's going to Cambodia for work, basically because having a 검도장 in a really small countryside town isn't profitable enough, if you want to live. He's going next week, and his wife and son will live in the wife's hometown with her family until they can come to Cambodia. Its a pretty huge decision, but you gotta do what's right when it comes to family, and if you're not making enough cash to survive, you gotta do something about it. It takes balls to do that, in my opinion, so I wish him the best of luck, and I'll miss him so much. He's pretty much my most bestest friend in Korea.
관장님... 안전하게 이사하고 너가 하고싶은 것 열심히 하세요. 나는 너가 이사하는 이유를 이해해서 당신을 매우 존경해요. 난 너가 진짜 보고싶을 거에요. 우리의 우정과 당신의 친절을 내마음에서 진심으로 고마워요. 너를 또 보고싶어서 "goodbye" 안말하고싶어서... 나중에봐요 ^^
First full day back in Sachang
Feels good to be back in Sachang. Woke up 8:30am to one of those noisy elction vans which has more singing than promoting the candidates ideas, beliefs, policies or whatever... Or are they singing them? In my opinion, Noise polution. Especially at 8 frickin' 30am! Had the usual mandarines and biscuits for breakfast, woke with some Internet (some people drink coffee, I check my mail, log in to a few messenger apps and check a few of my regular sites), and packed my daily bag of clothes and geomdo uniform.
Gym was good, but a bit hard. Hadn't exercised for 2 weeks, so wasn't expecteing it to be easy. Worked out for about 80 mons, had a shower then went to the restaurant I usually go to, and had what I usually have for lunch (dolsot bibimbap), walked to work, taught 4 classes. No middle school classes for me this week, since they've got tests on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
A quick spot of shopping at the local Hanaro mart, then dinner at Gimbap Nation. I wanted to eat Mandu, but wanted something soup-like, so went with Manduguk. First time I had that in the Gimbap Nation here, but it was good. Might get it again tomorrow. After eating, I went to a pc room and wasted some time before geomdo class. Met the new guy in the geomdo class, who started while I was in Australia. Today was just stretching and self-practice, to see if I could remember stuff after 2 weeks away (remembered almost everything, which is good) ^^
Gym was good, but a bit hard. Hadn't exercised for 2 weeks, so wasn't expecteing it to be easy. Worked out for about 80 mons, had a shower then went to the restaurant I usually go to, and had what I usually have for lunch (dolsot bibimbap), walked to work, taught 4 classes. No middle school classes for me this week, since they've got tests on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
A quick spot of shopping at the local Hanaro mart, then dinner at Gimbap Nation. I wanted to eat Mandu, but wanted something soup-like, so went with Manduguk. First time I had that in the Gimbap Nation here, but it was good. Might get it again tomorrow. After eating, I went to a pc room and wasted some time before geomdo class. Met the new guy in the geomdo class, who started while I was in Australia. Today was just stretching and self-practice, to see if I could remember stuff after 2 weeks away (remembered almost everything, which is good) ^^
At the Airport...
I'm at Melbourne Airport now, waiting outside Gate 10 for my flight back to South Korea. I've got a window seat, which is okay - they're easy to sleep on (just lean against the wall with your pillow), and I only have to annoy one person to get out for a walk or to go to the toilet. Just recently, Korean Air started direct flights from Melbourne to Incheon. It only takes about 10.5 hours from take off. Boarding time is 9:10am, Take off time is about 9:40am.
This week was pretty good. I met family and friends, but it was a bit rushed since I had to go to Melbourne. It was good to catch up with friends from High School and Uni. Played a bit of Mini Golf, ate a lot of good food, and it was a really good to be away from Korea, to be able to think about my time in Korea effectively.
I've come to a few conclusions about Korea, and my time there. I've had a great time in Korea - I've made great friends (Korean and non-Korean), been to some interesting places, seen some good sights. But, I've been in the same place for over 2 years. It's getting a bit old. I could easily stay there for longer, but it's time to move on. Career wise, sure I could get a better job, with more pay, in a different area, but that's all it would be. Same job, different place.
One reason why I came to Korea to work for a while, because I didn't have any luck with my teaching career there. I had a few schools and a few people really f**k things up for me over there, so it made me pretty bitter and resentful about choosing Teaching as a career, and I do feel a bit that way as well. But, from talking to my uni friends about how they are going, and how they've been in the last 2 years, with regards to their teaching careers, I've realised that its time to come back to Australia for a while, and give Primary School Teaching another go.
I know that when I leave Korea in October 2008, it won't be the last time I'm there. Korea is a special place for me. I've got good memories and great friends there. I'll at least be back for holidays, or even working in another English Teaching job. If I do, 1 year will be long enough. I've had almost no regrets (everyone has some) about staying in Korea, and I really look forward to my remaining 10.5 months there.
Now for some Korean (which i haven't really used for 2 weeks ^^).
지금 메버른공항에 기다리고있어요. 심심해 ㅋㅋㅋ 어제밤에 멜버른에 비행기로 왔어요. 공항에 도착했을때, 우리사천와사천이 하우스메이트는 날외해 기다리고있었어요. 사천의집에서 Playstation게임 "Buzz" 같이 했어요. 재미 있었어요. 1시에 잤어요.
아침에 나는 6시에 일어났지만 아직도 엄청 피곤해요. 내생각에는 비행기에 탈때 혹시 잘거에요. 혹시 잘수없어요. 비행기니까 ㅋㅋㅋ
호주에서 난 생각 많이 했어요. 한국에서 대단한 시간이 됐지만 호주에서 내인생 (my life? 맞니? 내인생? 아니면 내생활?)를 다시 시작하고싶어요. 한국를 떠날때 미래에 돌아 온것을 알아요 (When I leave Korea, I know I will come back in the future). 한국에서 많는 새로운것을 배웠고 많는 멋있는것을 봤고 많는 좋은 친구들을 만났어요. 한번도 잊지 않아요.
현제 직업에서 10.5개월 남았어요. 끝날때 난 슬플거에요. 하지만, 행복할거에요, 왜냐하면, 한국를 떠날때 regret이 없을거에요 ^^
This week was pretty good. I met family and friends, but it was a bit rushed since I had to go to Melbourne. It was good to catch up with friends from High School and Uni. Played a bit of Mini Golf, ate a lot of good food, and it was a really good to be away from Korea, to be able to think about my time in Korea effectively.
I've come to a few conclusions about Korea, and my time there. I've had a great time in Korea - I've made great friends (Korean and non-Korean), been to some interesting places, seen some good sights. But, I've been in the same place for over 2 years. It's getting a bit old. I could easily stay there for longer, but it's time to move on. Career wise, sure I could get a better job, with more pay, in a different area, but that's all it would be. Same job, different place.
One reason why I came to Korea to work for a while, because I didn't have any luck with my teaching career there. I had a few schools and a few people really f**k things up for me over there, so it made me pretty bitter and resentful about choosing Teaching as a career, and I do feel a bit that way as well. But, from talking to my uni friends about how they are going, and how they've been in the last 2 years, with regards to their teaching careers, I've realised that its time to come back to Australia for a while, and give Primary School Teaching another go.
I know that when I leave Korea in October 2008, it won't be the last time I'm there. Korea is a special place for me. I've got good memories and great friends there. I'll at least be back for holidays, or even working in another English Teaching job. If I do, 1 year will be long enough. I've had almost no regrets (everyone has some) about staying in Korea, and I really look forward to my remaining 10.5 months there.
Now for some Korean (which i haven't really used for 2 weeks ^^).
지금 메버른공항에 기다리고있어요. 심심해 ㅋㅋㅋ 어제밤에 멜버른에 비행기로 왔어요. 공항에 도착했을때, 우리사천와사천이 하우스메이트는 날외해 기다리고있었어요. 사천의집에서 Playstation게임 "Buzz" 같이 했어요. 재미 있었어요. 1시에 잤어요.
아침에 나는 6시에 일어났지만 아직도 엄청 피곤해요. 내생각에는 비행기에 탈때 혹시 잘거에요. 혹시 잘수없어요. 비행기니까 ㅋㅋㅋ
호주에서 난 생각 많이 했어요. 한국에서 대단한 시간이 됐지만 호주에서 내인생 (my life? 맞니? 내인생? 아니면 내생활?)를 다시 시작하고싶어요. 한국를 떠날때 미래에 돌아 온것을 알아요 (When I leave Korea, I know I will come back in the future). 한국에서 많는 새로운것을 배웠고 많는 멋있는것을 봤고 많는 좋은 친구들을 만났어요. 한번도 잊지 않아요.
현제 직업에서 10.5개월 남았어요. 끝날때 난 슬플거에요. 하지만, 행복할거에요, 왜냐하면, 한국를 떠날때 regret이 없을거에요 ^^
General Update
Not much going on here. After getting back from Melbourne, just the usual shopping, meeting up with friends and family. Heading back to Melbourne friday night, so that I can get my flight early saturday morning. Its all good ^^
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