Also bought a few other things there too:
My sister is looking forward to getting my old iPod :p
11 years ago
Showing posts with label Gwangju. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gwangju. Show all posts
Shopping
Went to meet Young in Gwangju, to help her out finding the Apple place in Geumho world. She bought a new iPod Nano, and I was tempted to get a new iPod Classic. My 60Gb 5th Gen is full (which I use to backup my music and other stuff), so I've been thinking about it. After lunch, Young thought about getting a charger for her new iPod, so I decided to just get the new Classic. A black one to match my Black Macbook.
Also bought a few other things there too:
My sister is looking forward to getting my old iPod :p
Also bought a few other things there too:
My sister is looking forward to getting my old iPod :p
Weekend: 1 down, 3 to go
Saw two movies this weekend, Mirrors and 울학교 이티 (Our School's English Teacher). Both were pretty good. After watching Mirrors, i just went to eMart and did some shopping. On Sunday, before the movie, I went to Sejung outlet and had a quick look around, but nothing really to buy. Didn't like the "atmosphere" in the Adidas store, thanks to the sales staff, so took my money elsewhere. Bought a CD case, to hold my backups that I'm making this week of all my stuff.
Had some McDonalds before watching 울학교 이티. I'm glad it tastes the same as back home. 울학교 이티 wasn't too bad. A good test for my Korean, and a good tune out from the rest of the world. Had a bit of a chat with a guy who saw me leaving the theatre. He thought it was pretty amazing/surprising that a foreigner was watching a Korean movie. We had a bit of a chat about movies, how long I've been in Korea for, etc. Seemed like a decent guy, in his early 30's, but was getting dirtly looks from his wife and kid, who were telling him to hurry up. hehe
Stopped by the Apple Store in Geumho world to get a Mini-DVD to S-video/Composite Video connector, so I can connect the Mac to the TV when I get home. Had a decent chat with the guy that owns the store, and said thanks for putting up with me for three years. I've bought a bit of stuff from him, and he's a decent guy - always up for a chat. Also bought some blank dual-layer DVDs while I was there. 3,000 each. A bit steep, but not too bad.
On the cover of my CD case. Last time I checked, digital was a adjective, not a noun, therefore, you can't have digitals.
Also, something i saw on the cover of Samsung's Pleomax blank disc range. There's nothing wrong with it gramatically, it just made me laugh, and think, are blank discs the only sensible thing that Samsung make?
Had some McDonalds before watching 울학교 이티. I'm glad it tastes the same as back home. 울학교 이티 wasn't too bad. A good test for my Korean, and a good tune out from the rest of the world. Had a bit of a chat with a guy who saw me leaving the theatre. He thought it was pretty amazing/surprising that a foreigner was watching a Korean movie. We had a bit of a chat about movies, how long I've been in Korea for, etc. Seemed like a decent guy, in his early 30's, but was getting dirtly looks from his wife and kid, who were telling him to hurry up. hehe
Stopped by the Apple Store in Geumho world to get a Mini-DVD to S-video/Composite Video connector, so I can connect the Mac to the TV when I get home. Had a decent chat with the guy that owns the store, and said thanks for putting up with me for three years. I've bought a bit of stuff from him, and he's a decent guy - always up for a chat. Also bought some blank dual-layer DVDs while I was there. 3,000 each. A bit steep, but not too bad.
On the cover of my CD case. Last time I checked, digital was a adjective, not a noun, therefore, you can't have digitals.
Also, something i saw on the cover of Samsung's Pleomax blank disc range. There's nothing wrong with it gramatically, it just made me laugh, and think, are blank discs the only sensible thing that Samsung make?
Gotta Love Free/Unprotected Wifi
No idea where it's coming from, but with the the weather being good during the day and night, there's nothing wrong with a change of scenery and taking your girlfriend/notebook with you :p
The connection is stable enough. But, I haven't tried other spots within the large circular area with a water feature in the middle, before the steps that go up to the memorial with all the vertical pipes. But, if you enter from the street, I'm sitting on the left, 5 seats down from the drink machines *^^*
The connection is stable enough. But, I haven't tried other spots within the large circular area with a water feature in the middle, before the steps that go up to the memorial with all the vertical pipes. But, if you enter from the street, I'm sitting on the left, 5 seats down from the drink machines *^^*
Weekend, Part 1
Long weekend here in Korea, due to Chuseok. No major travelling for me, would have been a nightmare. On Saturday, I went to Gwangju, to buy some Korean language textbooks, and then to see Bangkok Dangerous at the cinema. On the way, when I was waiting for the bus as Jangseong, a bus from Seoul arrived.
Just to give you an idea of the traffic. A direct bus from Seoul to Jangseong takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. So, if the bus left at 8:00 am from Seoul, it should have arrived in Jangseong at 11:15. Not this weekend. The 8:00 am bus arrived at Jangseong at 3:20. That's an 8 hour 20 minute bus ride!
That is why I don't travel during Chuseok!
So, like I said, went to watch Bangkok Dangerous at the cinema. Just as the number came around to go to the box office to buy the ticket, the staff had a laugh at the girl behind the counter who was going to have to serve the foreigner. All I had to do was say "안녕하세요" (hello) to get the usual 한국말 잘하시네요 (you speak Korean well comment). Must have totally blew her mind when I told her which seat I wanted, and told her that I prefer to sit close to the screen. Then I went to buy the popcorn. The guy that served me didn't do the usual quick bow, he did the "if the counter wasn't in the way i'd be on my knees" bow. After I bought some popcorn and some cider, he said to the other guys behind the counter "I haven't bowed like this since I was in school" (that's what I thought he said anyway). He was being overly respectful.
After that, i found a Holly's Coffee cafe, and sat down with a Iced Green Latte, in which the next morning, didn't agree with me. I brought my computer with me so that I could chill in a coffee shop before the movie, but with going to downtown, and then going to Sangmu, it was just easier to wait at the cinema and play Spore on my iPod. It's the first time an Iced Greet Tea Latte has disagreed with me.
Sunday - just hung out at home. Decided to go though a bit of my stuff, and throw a few things in the direction of my suitcase, since they will be going in the suitcase in 34 days time. For about 20 mins in the morning, I was thinking to myself, did I take my blood pressure meds or not, and I seriously had no idea. I decided not to take them, just incase I had already taken them. But, just incase i didn't i decided to keep up the water intake (that helps) and just take it easy. Eventually, it got boring, so I went out to find some dinner. What was open in my town: A restaurant. The Family Mart. 3 bars. The 3 PC bangs. The billards halls. The bakery. That was about it. So, not many options. Decided to get Dolsotbibimbap, which made be very full, and on the way home, I checked out the mini festival that was at the middle/high school in town.
A couple of ex-students (now in high school) saw me, and said hi. I saw the Hapkido teacher there too, and said hi. I was there for about 5 minutes, but it was a bit boring.
It still baffles me. I'm in a country that is one seventy-sixth of the size of Australia, but with a population that is over 2 times the amount of Australia, and I feel lonely. So, I just left. One thing that did cheer me up was a surprise call from HP. You know you've got good friends when they check up on you because they think you're lonely.
I'm thinking about going into Gwangju tomorrow again, since staying home for a 2nd day in a row would turn me in-fucking-sane! Might go and see 울학교 이티. I'm not 100% sure on the plot, but I think a ganster has to infiltrate a high school, by impersonating as an English Teacher, to find out some shit about some kids doing bad shit, or something or rather.
Like I said, it will get me out of the house ^^
Just to give you an idea of the traffic. A direct bus from Seoul to Jangseong takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. So, if the bus left at 8:00 am from Seoul, it should have arrived in Jangseong at 11:15. Not this weekend. The 8:00 am bus arrived at Jangseong at 3:20. That's an 8 hour 20 minute bus ride!
That is why I don't travel during Chuseok!
So, like I said, went to watch Bangkok Dangerous at the cinema. Just as the number came around to go to the box office to buy the ticket, the staff had a laugh at the girl behind the counter who was going to have to serve the foreigner. All I had to do was say "안녕하세요" (hello) to get the usual 한국말 잘하시네요 (you speak Korean well comment). Must have totally blew her mind when I told her which seat I wanted, and told her that I prefer to sit close to the screen. Then I went to buy the popcorn. The guy that served me didn't do the usual quick bow, he did the "if the counter wasn't in the way i'd be on my knees" bow. After I bought some popcorn and some cider, he said to the other guys behind the counter "I haven't bowed like this since I was in school" (that's what I thought he said anyway). He was being overly respectful.
After that, i found a Holly's Coffee cafe, and sat down with a Iced Green Latte, in which the next morning, didn't agree with me. I brought my computer with me so that I could chill in a coffee shop before the movie, but with going to downtown, and then going to Sangmu, it was just easier to wait at the cinema and play Spore on my iPod. It's the first time an Iced Greet Tea Latte has disagreed with me.
Sunday - just hung out at home. Decided to go though a bit of my stuff, and throw a few things in the direction of my suitcase, since they will be going in the suitcase in 34 days time. For about 20 mins in the morning, I was thinking to myself, did I take my blood pressure meds or not, and I seriously had no idea. I decided not to take them, just incase I had already taken them. But, just incase i didn't i decided to keep up the water intake (that helps) and just take it easy. Eventually, it got boring, so I went out to find some dinner. What was open in my town: A restaurant. The Family Mart. 3 bars. The 3 PC bangs. The billards halls. The bakery. That was about it. So, not many options. Decided to get Dolsotbibimbap, which made be very full, and on the way home, I checked out the mini festival that was at the middle/high school in town.
A couple of ex-students (now in high school) saw me, and said hi. I saw the Hapkido teacher there too, and said hi. I was there for about 5 minutes, but it was a bit boring.
It still baffles me. I'm in a country that is one seventy-sixth of the size of Australia, but with a population that is over 2 times the amount of Australia, and I feel lonely. So, I just left. One thing that did cheer me up was a surprise call from HP. You know you've got good friends when they check up on you because they think you're lonely.
I'm thinking about going into Gwangju tomorrow again, since staying home for a 2nd day in a row would turn me in-fucking-sane! Might go and see 울학교 이티. I'm not 100% sure on the plot, but I think a ganster has to infiltrate a high school, by impersonating as an English Teacher, to find out some shit about some kids doing bad shit, or something or rather.
Like I said, it will get me out of the house ^^
You need to conform!
So, with the wonderful weather of the weekend, I decided to go to Gwangju, just so that I wasn't at home all bored. There was a "foreigner" mart that I was tempted to find. Which I found pretty easily. The range was very limited, but the guy working there (who was kinda cute) said that they're moving next month to a different place in downtown Gwangju (near the McDonald's), so everything was 10% off. Bought a few tins of Campbell's chunky soup and a few packets of instant pasta. Also checked out the CD shop downtown, but there wasn't anything worth buying.
Got the subway to go to Sangmu (the other end of the subway line), and noticed this ad:
There was other parts of the ad, which were in Korean, and I should have taken a photo of those, because it might have explained the whole "Love for women" thing (maybe next time). But, i thought, I'd check out the Mr Pizza website when I got home.
Got the subway down to Sangmu, and thought I'd check out the Adidas store at Sejung outlet, but it's closed down for renovations. So, went to McDonald's and pigged out, then made my way to Lotte Mart, bought a few things (the usual stockpile of Dr. You bars and other gear) and a big of other food as well, bought a gym ball thing to sit around on in the house, a Korean map to take home with me.
Just as I was leaving Lotte Mart, it started bucketing down rain, and I wasn't impressed. A couple of old guys next to me, heard me swear under my breath in Korean, and just laughed. So, I got a taxi to the bus terminal, and got the bus home. Met a Pakistani guy on the Jangseong-Sachang bus, who has just moved to the area (well, over in the next 마을, about 5 mins away by bus).
So, when I got home, I unpacked all my stuff, turned on the computer to search for the Mr Pizza website, and what do I get?
Just a regular Korean website message. They either consist of: You need Internet Explorer, or You need to put in your Korean Citizen Number thingie.
So, I can't check out the Mr. Pizza website, because I don't use Windows. Regular ol' internet discrimination in Korea *^^*
Got the subway to go to Sangmu (the other end of the subway line), and noticed this ad:
There was other parts of the ad, which were in Korean, and I should have taken a photo of those, because it might have explained the whole "Love for women" thing (maybe next time). But, i thought, I'd check out the Mr Pizza website when I got home.
Got the subway down to Sangmu, and thought I'd check out the Adidas store at Sejung outlet, but it's closed down for renovations. So, went to McDonald's and pigged out, then made my way to Lotte Mart, bought a few things (the usual stockpile of Dr. You bars and other gear) and a big of other food as well, bought a gym ball thing to sit around on in the house, a Korean map to take home with me.
Just as I was leaving Lotte Mart, it started bucketing down rain, and I wasn't impressed. A couple of old guys next to me, heard me swear under my breath in Korean, and just laughed. So, I got a taxi to the bus terminal, and got the bus home. Met a Pakistani guy on the Jangseong-Sachang bus, who has just moved to the area (well, over in the next 마을, about 5 mins away by bus).
So, when I got home, I unpacked all my stuff, turned on the computer to search for the Mr Pizza website, and what do I get?
Just a regular Korean website message. They either consist of: You need Internet Explorer, or You need to put in your Korean Citizen Number thingie.
So, I can't check out the Mr. Pizza website, because I don't use Windows. Regular ol' internet discrimination in Korea *^^*
2 months to go
Friday was a public holiday here. Gwangbokjeol (광복절 - Liberation Day), for celebrating the day that Japan left Korea in 1945. I'm happy for a day off, especially friday, since that is the day that I would teach middle school.
So, G and M made their way down here. Found a nice galbi restaurant in Jangseong, which, by chance, is owned by the same people who owned Hangukgwan (a restaurant in my town) before they moved to Jangseong. They recognised me, and had a bit of a chat and gave me a business card to pass on to my boss. We then went to a small supermarket, and got the bus back to my town where we chilled for a bit, chat, and then headed out for some stirfry duck and noraebang.
Saturday, a bit of a late start, but got to Gwangju and had lunch downtown, then went to Art Street. We got there a little late, but had a look, and walked around other places in downtown, in which we found the 덝갈비 restaurant named Cock. I'd seen it before, and told G and M about it before, and we decided to eat there, and it was tasty.
After the food, G and M made their way to Gwangju train station, and I went back to the bus terminal. Thanks for making it down here. Had an awesome time!
I had a bit of time to kill before the last bus, so I bought a book that I saw previously that day.
It's a Korean cookbook for various kinds of soups and similar things. I bought it so I can cook some Korean things at home. I also checked out Artbox (a cute stationery/accessory shop) and bought a funky stick on cover for my ipod.
You can also see the funky colored stickers on my keyboard in the background. At night, it's too difficult to see the keys, so I bought some cute (and childish) keyboard stickers for the keys.
On Sunday, I was tired, but didn't like the idea of staying home all day, so I forced myself to go to Gwangju, and I did. I went to Lotte Cinema to see Wall-E. It was awesome!
I've been to Lotte Cinema in Gwangju 3 times, and I've been served by the same guy. Today, he saw me standing, waiting for my number to come up, and he smiled, so I smiled. Also, next to him, for the 3rd time as well, was the same girl that has said hello and chatted to me in English.
About a month ago, I walked around a uni that one of my friends studies at after we had dinner together. The girl at the cinema asked me if I was a teacher at (insert name here) university, in which I said no. So she said "I saw you walking around there with someone.", and I said "Oh, Ok.". I had completely forgotten about going to the uni with my friend. But she remembered that she saw me. hehe. After I watched Wall-E, I almost gave her my number/cyworld-nateon ID, but decided not to. I'm leaving in 2 months. But, maybe I should anyway. Next time, eh? ^^
So, G and M made their way down here. Found a nice galbi restaurant in Jangseong, which, by chance, is owned by the same people who owned Hangukgwan (a restaurant in my town) before they moved to Jangseong. They recognised me, and had a bit of a chat and gave me a business card to pass on to my boss. We then went to a small supermarket, and got the bus back to my town where we chilled for a bit, chat, and then headed out for some stirfry duck and noraebang.
Saturday, a bit of a late start, but got to Gwangju and had lunch downtown, then went to Art Street. We got there a little late, but had a look, and walked around other places in downtown, in which we found the 덝갈비 restaurant named Cock. I'd seen it before, and told G and M about it before, and we decided to eat there, and it was tasty.
After the food, G and M made their way to Gwangju train station, and I went back to the bus terminal. Thanks for making it down here. Had an awesome time!
I had a bit of time to kill before the last bus, so I bought a book that I saw previously that day.
It's a Korean cookbook for various kinds of soups and similar things. I bought it so I can cook some Korean things at home. I also checked out Artbox (a cute stationery/accessory shop) and bought a funky stick on cover for my ipod.
You can also see the funky colored stickers on my keyboard in the background. At night, it's too difficult to see the keys, so I bought some cute (and childish) keyboard stickers for the keys.
On Sunday, I was tired, but didn't like the idea of staying home all day, so I forced myself to go to Gwangju, and I did. I went to Lotte Cinema to see Wall-E. It was awesome!
I've been to Lotte Cinema in Gwangju 3 times, and I've been served by the same guy. Today, he saw me standing, waiting for my number to come up, and he smiled, so I smiled. Also, next to him, for the 3rd time as well, was the same girl that has said hello and chatted to me in English.
About a month ago, I walked around a uni that one of my friends studies at after we had dinner together. The girl at the cinema asked me if I was a teacher at (insert name here) university, in which I said no. So she said "I saw you walking around there with someone.", and I said "Oh, Ok.". I had completely forgotten about going to the uni with my friend. But she remembered that she saw me. hehe. After I watched Wall-E, I almost gave her my number/cyworld-nateon ID, but decided not to. I'm leaving in 2 months. But, maybe I should anyway. Next time, eh? ^^
Wanted, McDonalds and Shopping
Went to Lotte Cinema in Gwangju to see Wanted. I saw the girl that talked to me last time. She recognised me and said hi, and I said hi back. We had a "smile moment" as well, when I was sitting down waiting near the 표사는곳/매표소 (the place to buy tickets) and she wasn't busy. LOL.
Anyway, Wanted is an awesome movie. Go and see it!
After the movie, I went to Sangmu for some McDonalds, and saw this sticker everywhere in the restaurant:
안심하세요 - feel at ease
호주/누질랜드산 쇠고기만을 사용합니다 - We or McDonalds (omittied from the sentence, since it's obvious - Korean does that sometimes) only use Australian and New Zealand Beef. With the whole American Beef/Mad Cow/Current Korean President is a tool thing lately, some Koreans are paranoid about eating beef.
Went to Lotte Mart after McDonalds, to get some food. They didn't have any Wholemeal bread, which was a bit disappointing, so had to get white bread. Bought some ham, salad, tomatoes. Just regular stuff.
Why can't the weekend just be one day longer?
Anyway, Wanted is an awesome movie. Go and see it!
After the movie, I went to Sangmu for some McDonalds, and saw this sticker everywhere in the restaurant:
안심하세요 - feel at ease
호주/누질랜드산 쇠고기만을 사용합니다 - We or McDonalds (omittied from the sentence, since it's obvious - Korean does that sometimes) only use Australian and New Zealand Beef. With the whole American Beef/Mad Cow/Current Korean President is a tool thing lately, some Koreans are paranoid about eating beef.
Went to Lotte Mart after McDonalds, to get some food. They didn't have any Wholemeal bread, which was a bit disappointing, so had to get white bread. Bought some ham, salad, tomatoes. Just regular stuff.
Why can't the weekend just be one day longer?
Gwangju (again)
I woke up, feeling a bit shitty today. The guy who lives in the apartment below me goes out on the balcony and has a smoke every now and then, and the smoke comes up, and into my apartment. I have the windows open, because I live a bit of ventilation. Anyway, every time he had a smoke, I woke up. Note to self: write a letter in Korean to this guy, and put it in his mail box.
Took a bit of time to wake up, and had breakfast. Got a call from one of my students, about yet another change of plans to go to the cinema with them. They changed the cinema, one that I have no idea how to get to, and also, the wanted to see the second Narnia movie, in which I have no intention of seeing. It goes for 2 hours and 25 minutes, and I was totally not in the mood to be sitting down for 2 and a half hours, watching a kids movie. So, i told them to just go without me.
But, I had stuff to do in Gwangju anyway. I had a shower, and walked outside to get the bus to Jangseong terminal, but I had just missed it. It was waiting at the lights as I saw it, and a few seconds later, it went though the intersection. Luckily, there is another bus, which directly goes to Gwangju, so I walked into town, and got that. Good timing. I got to Gwangju at 12:35, and walked from the bus terminal to Nongseong station, to take the subway to Sangmu.
I remembered seeing a McDonald's in Sang Mu, so that is where I was headed. It was where I remember it, so I went in - it was air conditioned, which was nice - placed my order, and then went to the second floor to eat it. Lately, Monday though to Saturday, I have been eating pretty healthily, so having one meal a week, which is not healthy isn't too bad.
Yes, it is 24 hour open.
After lunch, I planned on going to a book store that I regularly go to to buy books for class. I get a discount there, which is cool. If the weather wasn't as humid, I would have walked directly there, but I decided to get the subway. It is only one stop away, but the book store Is about 20 metres from one of the exits. I got the books I needed, and got back on the subway to get to Homeplus to do some shopping.
Since the line is finished in the subway (before, you could only go as far as Sung Mu, now you can go to the Airport and further), it was pretty simple. They've tidied up a few stations, and made it look more like Seoul, with the barriers and stuff.
I got the subway to 금남로5가 (Geumnamro 5ga) and walked for about 15 mins to get to Homeplus. On the way, I walked by a Lotte Department Store, which has a cinema, but I had never been there before. After doing my shopping at Homeplus (picked up some more Protein Bars for breakfast, and 60 min Mini DV tape for when I go to Japan. They're still out of Cadbury Chocolate) I walked back, and checked out the Lotte Department Store. I went to the information desk, to ask where the Lockers were, so that I wouldn't have to carry the shopping around, but after following her directions, and then searching the entire floor she said to go to, no luck, so I just carried my stuff to the 9th floor, and bought a ticket to see Indiana Jones 4.
When I was buying the ticket, I was asking the guy in Korean about how big the cinema was, and where I wanted me seat. He was kinda shocked that a non-Korean person was telling him all this stuff in Korean and asking questions about how many rows where in the cinema, and if the seat that he suggested was in the middle or on the edge. Then, one of the other ticket people came over (a cute girl) and started talking to me in English, and the guy that was serving me went a bit red. Her English was pretty good. Anyway, I got my ticket, and decided to check out a few floors of the department store.
Indiana Jones 4 was a decent action/adventure movie. Sure, Harrison Ford is getting on a bit, but it was 2 hours well spent. The story line with the alien skull thing was a bit out there, but none the less, it was decent enough to keep me entertained.
After the movie, I walked back to the subway station, to get the subway back to the bus terminal. My timing was good, but only because i was walking fast. I didn't want to wait at the bus terminal for an hour, because I missed the bus by one or two minutes. But since I was speed walking and concentrating on getting though the crowd, I kinda forgot that the bus back to my town on Sunday afternoon at 5:35, 6:35 and 7:20, is normally packed full of Korean soldiers (there is a Korean military base near by), and when I got on the bus, i remembered.
There were 2 seats, so I go to one, and ask "is this seat taken?" to the young Korean guy who is sitting in the seat next to it. Rather than saying No in Korean and/or English, I get the forearm X. What I mean by the "forearm X" is this: make fists with both hands, and then cross your arms infront of your body or face, so that they make an X shape. This means "no" in Korea. I asked the question in Korean. You would think at least, I'd get a response in Korean. Not today. I just get the Forearm X. Luckily, there was another seat available, but it was in the back, and I hate sitting in the back. But I was already on the bus, and the bus driver just got on, and I was seriously thinking about getting off and waiting an hour, so I could get a better seat.
One reason why I don't like the back seat on a bus - Korean bus drivers drive buses, like they are small, compact 2 door cars. Or like they are in a race. So, after 40 mintues of that, in a back seat, trying not to let the side forces affect me to the point where I'm squashing the guys either side of me. Maybe I should have, since the guy on my left was coughing without covering his mouth.
Took a bit of time to wake up, and had breakfast. Got a call from one of my students, about yet another change of plans to go to the cinema with them. They changed the cinema, one that I have no idea how to get to, and also, the wanted to see the second Narnia movie, in which I have no intention of seeing. It goes for 2 hours and 25 minutes, and I was totally not in the mood to be sitting down for 2 and a half hours, watching a kids movie. So, i told them to just go without me.
But, I had stuff to do in Gwangju anyway. I had a shower, and walked outside to get the bus to Jangseong terminal, but I had just missed it. It was waiting at the lights as I saw it, and a few seconds later, it went though the intersection. Luckily, there is another bus, which directly goes to Gwangju, so I walked into town, and got that. Good timing. I got to Gwangju at 12:35, and walked from the bus terminal to Nongseong station, to take the subway to Sangmu.
I remembered seeing a McDonald's in Sang Mu, so that is where I was headed. It was where I remember it, so I went in - it was air conditioned, which was nice - placed my order, and then went to the second floor to eat it. Lately, Monday though to Saturday, I have been eating pretty healthily, so having one meal a week, which is not healthy isn't too bad.
Yes, it is 24 hour open.
After lunch, I planned on going to a book store that I regularly go to to buy books for class. I get a discount there, which is cool. If the weather wasn't as humid, I would have walked directly there, but I decided to get the subway. It is only one stop away, but the book store Is about 20 metres from one of the exits. I got the books I needed, and got back on the subway to get to Homeplus to do some shopping.
Since the line is finished in the subway (before, you could only go as far as Sung Mu, now you can go to the Airport and further), it was pretty simple. They've tidied up a few stations, and made it look more like Seoul, with the barriers and stuff.
I got the subway to 금남로5가 (Geumnamro 5ga) and walked for about 15 mins to get to Homeplus. On the way, I walked by a Lotte Department Store, which has a cinema, but I had never been there before. After doing my shopping at Homeplus (picked up some more Protein Bars for breakfast, and 60 min Mini DV tape for when I go to Japan. They're still out of Cadbury Chocolate) I walked back, and checked out the Lotte Department Store. I went to the information desk, to ask where the Lockers were, so that I wouldn't have to carry the shopping around, but after following her directions, and then searching the entire floor she said to go to, no luck, so I just carried my stuff to the 9th floor, and bought a ticket to see Indiana Jones 4.
When I was buying the ticket, I was asking the guy in Korean about how big the cinema was, and where I wanted me seat. He was kinda shocked that a non-Korean person was telling him all this stuff in Korean and asking questions about how many rows where in the cinema, and if the seat that he suggested was in the middle or on the edge. Then, one of the other ticket people came over (a cute girl) and started talking to me in English, and the guy that was serving me went a bit red. Her English was pretty good. Anyway, I got my ticket, and decided to check out a few floors of the department store.
Indiana Jones 4 was a decent action/adventure movie. Sure, Harrison Ford is getting on a bit, but it was 2 hours well spent. The story line with the alien skull thing was a bit out there, but none the less, it was decent enough to keep me entertained.
After the movie, I walked back to the subway station, to get the subway back to the bus terminal. My timing was good, but only because i was walking fast. I didn't want to wait at the bus terminal for an hour, because I missed the bus by one or two minutes. But since I was speed walking and concentrating on getting though the crowd, I kinda forgot that the bus back to my town on Sunday afternoon at 5:35, 6:35 and 7:20, is normally packed full of Korean soldiers (there is a Korean military base near by), and when I got on the bus, i remembered.
There were 2 seats, so I go to one, and ask "is this seat taken?" to the young Korean guy who is sitting in the seat next to it. Rather than saying No in Korean and/or English, I get the forearm X. What I mean by the "forearm X" is this: make fists with both hands, and then cross your arms infront of your body or face, so that they make an X shape. This means "no" in Korea. I asked the question in Korean. You would think at least, I'd get a response in Korean. Not today. I just get the Forearm X. Luckily, there was another seat available, but it was in the back, and I hate sitting in the back. But I was already on the bus, and the bus driver just got on, and I was seriously thinking about getting off and waiting an hour, so I could get a better seat.
One reason why I don't like the back seat on a bus - Korean bus drivers drive buses, like they are small, compact 2 door cars. Or like they are in a race. So, after 40 mintues of that, in a back seat, trying not to let the side forces affect me to the point where I'm squashing the guys either side of me. Maybe I should have, since the guy on my left was coughing without covering his mouth.
Geomdo, Friends and Gwangju
Woke up at 7:30am, so that I could get the 8:50 bus out of here, so that I could get to Jeongeup just after 10am. We reviewed everything, including 쌍수 겁법, 심상 and 예도 검법 1 though to 3, and then learned number 4. 예도 has 9 routines to master, and then I'm ready to take the black belt test. Since I'm going home in October, I hope to get it before I go.
After Geomdo, I got a direct bus to Gwangju. I was meeting IS for an early dinner and coffee. But, on the way, I stopped by Geomho world (which is one the way to the subway station), and got a 2 Gigabyte memory card for my camera, and a battery for my video camera. I'm not gonna take my computer, and I'm sure I'm gonna be taking a lot of photos and video for when I go to Japan, so I wanna be prepared. Carrying around a 2.5kg notebook for 5 days straight is not a good idea.
Anyway, met up with IS downtown, and there was another festival happening close by, so it was packed again. I met IS, and then we started walking and talking, thinking about what to get for dinner. Then we ran into a few people that we know/are acquainted with. A few of them, I have distanced myself from them, because one of them, a woman the same age as me, who already has a boyfriend, messages me a little too often for someone who already has a boyfriend. They were headed for a Korean/Foreigner monthly dinner, which both IS and I knew about, but we're not a fan of big crowds, and the time is a little inconvenient for me. The meeting time is 7pm, and as usual, some people come late, so people don't order until late, and by the time that the food comes, I have to go, because of the last bus back to my town is at 9:05pm.
IS and I had dinner together, and then had some coffee and chatted. He's studying English Education, and he knows that I studied Primary/Elementary School Education, we we talk about different teacher stuff. It's very interesting to hear about the Korean Education system.
Anyway, we were walking back to Starbucks (where the meeting place was for the Korean/Foreigner meeting) to see if anyone was there, because IS wanted to pop in and say hi. This was at 7:30pm. We standed there and chatted to some of the people there, which seemed like decent people. Met a guy from New Zealand who has been working at one of the Universities in Gwangju, and two other Canadian women who have been here for a bit as well. It wasn't a deep conversation, just the usual Foreigner/English Teacher talk "How long have you been here?; Where are you from?' Where do you work?:" - shit like that.
Anyway, after all that, it was time for me to make my journey back to the bus terminal, to get the last bus home.
Every now and then, I see a few empty bottles of Soju on the step of the elevator, which is there for children to press the buttons. If someone is drinking soju, and they are taking the elevator back to their apartment, why don't they just hold onto the damn bottle for a few more seconds, and put it with their recycling? Or even better, if they're going down to the first floor, why don't they put the empty bottle in the recycling bags near the mart?
After Geomdo, I got a direct bus to Gwangju. I was meeting IS for an early dinner and coffee. But, on the way, I stopped by Geomho world (which is one the way to the subway station), and got a 2 Gigabyte memory card for my camera, and a battery for my video camera. I'm not gonna take my computer, and I'm sure I'm gonna be taking a lot of photos and video for when I go to Japan, so I wanna be prepared. Carrying around a 2.5kg notebook for 5 days straight is not a good idea.
Anyway, met up with IS downtown, and there was another festival happening close by, so it was packed again. I met IS, and then we started walking and talking, thinking about what to get for dinner. Then we ran into a few people that we know/are acquainted with. A few of them, I have distanced myself from them, because one of them, a woman the same age as me, who already has a boyfriend, messages me a little too often for someone who already has a boyfriend. They were headed for a Korean/Foreigner monthly dinner, which both IS and I knew about, but we're not a fan of big crowds, and the time is a little inconvenient for me. The meeting time is 7pm, and as usual, some people come late, so people don't order until late, and by the time that the food comes, I have to go, because of the last bus back to my town is at 9:05pm.
IS and I had dinner together, and then had some coffee and chatted. He's studying English Education, and he knows that I studied Primary/Elementary School Education, we we talk about different teacher stuff. It's very interesting to hear about the Korean Education system.
Anyway, we were walking back to Starbucks (where the meeting place was for the Korean/Foreigner meeting) to see if anyone was there, because IS wanted to pop in and say hi. This was at 7:30pm. We standed there and chatted to some of the people there, which seemed like decent people. Met a guy from New Zealand who has been working at one of the Universities in Gwangju, and two other Canadian women who have been here for a bit as well. It wasn't a deep conversation, just the usual Foreigner/English Teacher talk "How long have you been here?; Where are you from?' Where do you work?:" - shit like that.
Anyway, after all that, it was time for me to make my journey back to the bus terminal, to get the last bus home.
Every now and then, I see a few empty bottles of Soju on the step of the elevator, which is there for children to press the buttons. If someone is drinking soju, and they are taking the elevator back to their apartment, why don't they just hold onto the damn bottle for a few more seconds, and put it with their recycling? Or even better, if they're going down to the first floor, why don't they put the empty bottle in the recycling bags near the mart?
Sunday
Woke up a little late, but I did stay up too late the night before. It happens.
I went to Gwangju to meet MH, one of my students. I have a class with him 4 days a week (sometimes 5), and I've had that class since the first day here, so he's more like a little brother than a student. We met up in downtown Gwangju today, had lunch, and then went to the cinema to watch Speed Racer.
Overall, it wasn't a bad movie, but did go for a bit too long. The visual effects and action were amazing. Imagine making a kick ass anime with a huge ass budget, and the guys that made the Matrix, and you know that you're eyes aren't gonna be disappointed. Luckily, Rain only had a small part. His English was a bit... um... difficult to listen to.
After that, went to Home Plus (went there to get some Cadbury Chocolate, but I guess they sold out, and put others stuff in it's place, so I bought some German white chocolate with whole hazelnuts in it), and then back to the bus terminal.
Just as I got back to the bus terminal, It's started to rain heavily. It stopped about 3 mins before I had to get off the bus, which was good. It stopped just enough for me to walk home, and then it started again.
I bought a bus ticket to Incheon Airport. I got a ticket for 6:40am, just incase something happens, or traffic is bad. The estimated travel time is 4 hours and 30 minutes, and if I got the next bus (at 7:20), I would make it with 2 hours until my flight leaves, but if something happens, i would be rushing around, or I could miss the flight. I'd rather be at the airport earlier than necessary, rather than rushing around.
This means that I have to stay in Gwangju on the night before my flight, since I can't get to Gwangju that early from Sachang. I've noticed that there are some 여관s (cheap motels) near the bus terminal, so on the 3rd, I'll get my stuff ready in the morning, and take my stuff to work, and get a bus to Gwangju after work. Sounds like a plan *^^*
I went to Gwangju to meet MH, one of my students. I have a class with him 4 days a week (sometimes 5), and I've had that class since the first day here, so he's more like a little brother than a student. We met up in downtown Gwangju today, had lunch, and then went to the cinema to watch Speed Racer.
Korean singer/actor Rain (비) as Taejo Togokahn.
Overall, it wasn't a bad movie, but did go for a bit too long. The visual effects and action were amazing. Imagine making a kick ass anime with a huge ass budget, and the guys that made the Matrix, and you know that you're eyes aren't gonna be disappointed. Luckily, Rain only had a small part. His English was a bit... um... difficult to listen to.
After that, went to Home Plus (went there to get some Cadbury Chocolate, but I guess they sold out, and put others stuff in it's place, so I bought some German white chocolate with whole hazelnuts in it), and then back to the bus terminal.
Just as I got back to the bus terminal, It's started to rain heavily. It stopped about 3 mins before I had to get off the bus, which was good. It stopped just enough for me to walk home, and then it started again.
I bought a bus ticket to Incheon Airport. I got a ticket for 6:40am, just incase something happens, or traffic is bad. The estimated travel time is 4 hours and 30 minutes, and if I got the next bus (at 7:20), I would make it with 2 hours until my flight leaves, but if something happens, i would be rushing around, or I could miss the flight. I'd rather be at the airport earlier than necessary, rather than rushing around.
This means that I have to stay in Gwangju on the night before my flight, since I can't get to Gwangju that early from Sachang. I've noticed that there are some 여관s (cheap motels) near the bus terminal, so on the 3rd, I'll get my stuff ready in the morning, and take my stuff to work, and get a bus to Gwangju after work. Sounds like a plan *^^*
Another weekend
Had to go to some kind of Hagwon lecture for the area in Damyang. I was told that all Hagwon bosses and foreign teachers had to go. Did I see any other foreign teachers there? Of course not. But, we got out at 11:10 (it was meant to finish at 12pm). The boss had a tennis match to go to, and I had Geomdo practice. Besides, it was as boring as fuck.
The boss dropped me off at the Bamboo Museum in Damyang, since I was meeting my Geomdo teacher there. At the museum, there is a place to buy bamboo for cutting practice. Every year, Damyang has a Bamboo festival, which involves a national cutting competition. It's where I first met my current teacher (he's friends with my previous teacher) and his wife. Anyway, I walked around for a while, checking out the stuff. There's places that sell things make out of bamboo and wood, and a park to walk around (filled with bamboo, obviously).
we stopped for some lunch at an outdoor restaurant that served 국수 (Guksu). It wasn't too bad. I never really eat it (because all it is is noodles with sauce, or noodles with broth) because its a bit boring. But keeping with the Damyang/Bamboo theme, this place has boiled eggs, that are boiled in water with bamboo in it, to give them a different color and flavor. It was alright. We took the scenic route from Damyang to Jeoneup - via Naejang Mountain (내장산).
Only practiced Bamboo cutting at Geomdo class, which is okay. I still did okay. Okay as in, when I make a mistake, i know why. I got the bus back to Jangseong, and then my apartment, just in time for dinner. Except that when I got home, I broke the handle of the tap that's in my bathroom, so I was unable to turn it off, so water was continuously running. Had to turn the mains off.
Coz of the tap problem, I went to the public baths in my town. Normally, I'm not a fan of it, mainly because of the naked thing, and with Koreans starting at me, basically because I don't look asian (did you notice that too?!). But, after being a few times, I don't give a shit anymore. I'm more comfortable when I go with Korean friends (It seems to be a Korean family/friend bonding thing here). Also, Some public baths have sleeping halls attached (called 찜질방) which are a cheap alternative to motels.
Anyway, got the tap fixed. The boss' brother in law came to fix it, just as I was about to leave to go to Gwangju. I planned on meeting IS for lunch, but had to delay that by an hour. After it was fixed, I got the bus to Gwangju, and met IS. He called me and asked me if one of his friends could join us, and I was okay with that. But, I assumed that it would be a guy. Turned out to be a girl who he studies with. IS's and her major is English Education, so their English was really good. Because I came late, the had already had lunch, so when we met downtown, we went to a bakery, and i just had a sandwich, and they had a drink, and we talked. IS had to go and teach a class at 4pm, so we didn't have much time.
After meeting, I went to Sangmu, to get some stuff at eMart. They didn't have the new Epik High album, so I got everything else that i was after, and bought "Pieces, Part One" at the bus terminal. Also got the Pieces Part One poster as well, when I bought the album.
There was something the boss said to me on Saturday, that made me think about staying longer in Korea, as in 6-8 months more (not a whole year). I get the feeling that he wants to keep me here (because its easier than hiring a new person), but we get along well. It's just an idea. Also, I'm not 100% certain if he wants me here longer, but from what he said, made me think that he wouldn't have a problem with it. If I stay longer, I can save some more cash for when I go home, and the timing will be a lot better for re-starting my teaching career back home.
Still an idea floating around...
The boss dropped me off at the Bamboo Museum in Damyang, since I was meeting my Geomdo teacher there. At the museum, there is a place to buy bamboo for cutting practice. Every year, Damyang has a Bamboo festival, which involves a national cutting competition. It's where I first met my current teacher (he's friends with my previous teacher) and his wife. Anyway, I walked around for a while, checking out the stuff. There's places that sell things make out of bamboo and wood, and a park to walk around (filled with bamboo, obviously).
we stopped for some lunch at an outdoor restaurant that served 국수 (Guksu). It wasn't too bad. I never really eat it (because all it is is noodles with sauce, or noodles with broth) because its a bit boring. But keeping with the Damyang/Bamboo theme, this place has boiled eggs, that are boiled in water with bamboo in it, to give them a different color and flavor. It was alright. We took the scenic route from Damyang to Jeoneup - via Naejang Mountain (내장산).
Only practiced Bamboo cutting at Geomdo class, which is okay. I still did okay. Okay as in, when I make a mistake, i know why. I got the bus back to Jangseong, and then my apartment, just in time for dinner. Except that when I got home, I broke the handle of the tap that's in my bathroom, so I was unable to turn it off, so water was continuously running. Had to turn the mains off.
Coz of the tap problem, I went to the public baths in my town. Normally, I'm not a fan of it, mainly because of the naked thing, and with Koreans starting at me, basically because I don't look asian (did you notice that too?!). But, after being a few times, I don't give a shit anymore. I'm more comfortable when I go with Korean friends (It seems to be a Korean family/friend bonding thing here). Also, Some public baths have sleeping halls attached (called 찜질방) which are a cheap alternative to motels.
Anyway, got the tap fixed. The boss' brother in law came to fix it, just as I was about to leave to go to Gwangju. I planned on meeting IS for lunch, but had to delay that by an hour. After it was fixed, I got the bus to Gwangju, and met IS. He called me and asked me if one of his friends could join us, and I was okay with that. But, I assumed that it would be a guy. Turned out to be a girl who he studies with. IS's and her major is English Education, so their English was really good. Because I came late, the had already had lunch, so when we met downtown, we went to a bakery, and i just had a sandwich, and they had a drink, and we talked. IS had to go and teach a class at 4pm, so we didn't have much time.
After meeting, I went to Sangmu, to get some stuff at eMart. They didn't have the new Epik High album, so I got everything else that i was after, and bought "Pieces, Part One" at the bus terminal. Also got the Pieces Part One poster as well, when I bought the album.
There was something the boss said to me on Saturday, that made me think about staying longer in Korea, as in 6-8 months more (not a whole year). I get the feeling that he wants to keep me here (because its easier than hiring a new person), but we get along well. It's just an idea. Also, I'm not 100% certain if he wants me here longer, but from what he said, made me think that he wouldn't have a problem with it. If I stay longer, I can save some more cash for when I go home, and the timing will be a lot better for re-starting my teaching career back home.
Still an idea floating around...
Whatever, Part 2
Woke up at 9:30am, feeling like shit (one factor being because of my cold). Forced myself out of bed, and turned the computer on, coz that's what I do when I wake up. Used the computer in bed for a while, but got a sore back, so got up had breakfast, and sat back down at the computer for a while. Because of this cold I've got, I need some time to really wake up. I can't have flu meds, because of my heart meds, but the heart meds help a little. Had a shower, and forced myself out of the house, to Gwangju.
Typical subway ride from Nongseong station (농성역) to Uncheon station (운천역) and walked to Columbus Cinema in Sangmu. Bought my ticket (Row E) for Awake at 5pm. Had some time to kill before the movie, so walked around Sangmu a bit. Found a nice coffee shop that I'll check out next time. Walked back in time to get some popcorn and watch the movie. It wasn't too bad, a bit slow at the start, the ending kind of sucked, but the plot twist in the middle was damn nice! Interesting enough to not be a waste of 7000won ($7.68 Australian, with today's exchange rate). Went to E-Mart for some food and shopping, and walked back to Uncheon Station to get the subway to Nongseong station, to walk back to the bus terminal. Got the 8:20pm bus.
If you read this and think "his life is boring.", I would agree with that thought. My life is boring in Korea. You also might think "Why didn't he call/message friends to go to the movies with him?". Two reasons: 1. Even though its depressing, I'm used to being alone. 2: Sometimes, I would like it if my friends in Gwangju would call/message me, and say "why don't we do something together?".
Which do you prefer? Friends that feel like they are ignoring you? or no friends at all?
Typical subway ride from Nongseong station (농성역) to Uncheon station (운천역) and walked to Columbus Cinema in Sangmu. Bought my ticket (Row E) for Awake at 5pm. Had some time to kill before the movie, so walked around Sangmu a bit. Found a nice coffee shop that I'll check out next time. Walked back in time to get some popcorn and watch the movie. It wasn't too bad, a bit slow at the start, the ending kind of sucked, but the plot twist in the middle was damn nice! Interesting enough to not be a waste of 7000won ($7.68 Australian, with today's exchange rate). Went to E-Mart for some food and shopping, and walked back to Uncheon Station to get the subway to Nongseong station, to walk back to the bus terminal. Got the 8:20pm bus.
If you read this and think "his life is boring.", I would agree with that thought. My life is boring in Korea. You also might think "Why didn't he call/message friends to go to the movies with him?". Two reasons: 1. Even though its depressing, I'm used to being alone. 2: Sometimes, I would like it if my friends in Gwangju would call/message me, and say "why don't we do something together?".
Which do you prefer? Friends that feel like they are ignoring you? or no friends at all?
Whatever
Classes have been average. Some grade 6 kids need a reality check in the behaviour department. So, basically, I need to be an asshole for some students. Some of them deserve it, other's just need a kick in the pants.
I've got a crazy ass cold, which is not making me feel all that well. But, after breakfast and a shower today, I was feeling okay enough to go into Gwangju. It started raining when I arrived (the weather has a habit doing that when i arrive somewhere), so bought a cheap umbrella, and went to the cinema.
Went to see Dan in Real Life (called Dan in Love here), and I had the whole cinema to myself - literally. I was the only one at the 6pm screening. It was a really decent movie. Then went to e-mart for some shopping, came home.
I'm lonely. 6.5 more months of being isolated (on many levels here in Korea), and i'm done.
I've got a crazy ass cold, which is not making me feel all that well. But, after breakfast and a shower today, I was feeling okay enough to go into Gwangju. It started raining when I arrived (the weather has a habit doing that when i arrive somewhere), so bought a cheap umbrella, and went to the cinema.
Went to see Dan in Real Life (called Dan in Love here), and I had the whole cinema to myself - literally. I was the only one at the 6pm screening. It was a really decent movie. Then went to e-mart for some shopping, came home.
I'm lonely. 6.5 more months of being isolated (on many levels here in Korea), and i'm done.
Sunday, Dusty Sunday
황사 (orange dust from china, possibly slightly toxic due to heavy metals and factories in China) hit Gwangju this afternoon, which made it a bit difficult to breathe, and a bit hard on the eyes. Luckily, IS and I didn't have to deal with that until after the movie. Vantage Point wasn't too bad, it got a little annoying with all the restarting from different people's perspectives, but it all worked out really well with the ending. The car chase was well directed and planned.Meeting IS today was great. We found each other on Facebook. He practices 대한검도 and I do 해동검도, so we had something to talk about, especially the differences between the two. His English is really good, but he is studying English Education. He's a cool guy.
I don't know if it is because of the 황사 or waking up at 7:30am, to give myself time to clean the bathroom (which took a bit of work, since I hadn't cleaned it for a while) *^^*
Good Saturday
Actually had a good day today. Started when I got in the elevator, and met one of the pizza delivery guys that's in my town. I kinds kept my distance from him, from what I've heard from middle school students, but had a quick converstsion with him. I just missed the bus, so he gave me info about the next bus, and alternative bus stops, which was rather kind.
Got to Gwangju, then walked to Geumho World, to get a larger internal hard drive. Visited a few places, but they all had Samsung hard drives only, And I didn't want to put anything Samsung in my computer (Sorry Korea, but I haven't had any luck with Samsung, so I prefer to avoid it), then went to the Apple Store to talk the guy there, who is really cool. He had Western Digital drives in stock, which was on my list of possible drives, hut the largest he had was 250Gb, which was what I was after, so bought that. We had a chat about the software update for the iPod Touch, and how Koreans can't update their previously purchased iPod Touches, if they don't have an overseas iTunes Music Store account (since Korea doesn't have an iTunes store). Also talked about Time Capsule and MacBook Air.
Then went looking for a Hard Drive case, to put the previous hard drive in, so I can use it externally. Got a nice blue and white one for 30,000won. Then went back to the bus terminal. As I walked out, I could see the new model Sony CyberShot cameras, looking really good. Hehe. So tempted, but I had spent enought money already.
Got the bus home, and tidied up a bit, while I was making a backup of my old HDD, then installed my new HDD. Was taking a long time to restore all my files, so went out to get some dinner. Got home, and started writing the blog, to fill in the remaining 20 minutes of restoring the disk image.
Not the best burger I've had, but the biggest so far in Korea. Something from KFC at the Bus Terminal.
Got to Gwangju, then walked to Geumho World, to get a larger internal hard drive. Visited a few places, but they all had Samsung hard drives only, And I didn't want to put anything Samsung in my computer (Sorry Korea, but I haven't had any luck with Samsung, so I prefer to avoid it), then went to the Apple Store to talk the guy there, who is really cool. He had Western Digital drives in stock, which was on my list of possible drives, hut the largest he had was 250Gb, which was what I was after, so bought that. We had a chat about the software update for the iPod Touch, and how Koreans can't update their previously purchased iPod Touches, if they don't have an overseas iTunes Music Store account (since Korea doesn't have an iTunes store). Also talked about Time Capsule and MacBook Air.
Then went looking for a Hard Drive case, to put the previous hard drive in, so I can use it externally. Got a nice blue and white one for 30,000won. Then went back to the bus terminal. As I walked out, I could see the new model Sony CyberShot cameras, looking really good. Hehe. So tempted, but I had spent enought money already.
Got the bus home, and tidied up a bit, while I was making a backup of my old HDD, then installed my new HDD. Was taking a long time to restore all my files, so went out to get some dinner. Got home, and started writing the blog, to fill in the remaining 20 minutes of restoring the disk image.
Not the best burger I've had, but the biggest so far in Korea. Something from KFC at the Bus Terminal.
거시기, Gwangju and Donuts
Went to Jeongeup again on Saturday for Geomdo. I missed the 8:50am bus outside my apartment by about 2 minutes (due to going back to sleep when my alarm went off at 7:30am), but got the next bus to Jangseong, and then got the train (새마을 is too pricey - not worth is 7,500won for one station and 17 mins!). Got there at the time that I usually would, if I got the bus, and then got a taxi to the Geomdojang. Re-learnt 예도1번 and then practised cutting bamboo for competition stuff again. Pretty much figured out what I was doing wrong, but was about to fix it. One other problem was thinking too much, before I cut. The "거시기" style of my Geomdo teacher really works for me. Also, met with some of the kids that attend his wife's English school, and they asked me questions about Australia and a few other things. Was good. Got the bus back to my town (only 2,700 from Jeongeup to Jangseong), and got home at about 4:40pm. Got pizza for dinner, coz it was just too damn cold to go across town to a restaurant.
Sunday, I met up with MH in Sangmujigu in Gwangju. It was the first time to meet in person, and we had a good time. Had some lunch, then saw Golden Compass at the cinema, which is better than what I expected. If you liked Never Ending Story and Harry Potter, go and see it. Then, went to Sejung Outlet for some window shopping and coffee, then Lotte Mart for some more Window Shopping. We both felt pretty comfortable with each other, which was good. Bought some donuts and checked out the bookstore/Artbox at the terminal, before getting the bus home.
Was hassled by church recruiters again, who happened to know someone in my town, so they thought it was a good angle. Two words... No Dice. I was just direct with them, but not in a rude way. I don't mind talking to people, but 99% of the time, at the bus terminal, its religious people, so it can get quite annoying. So, told them I'm not religious, and then told them I'm not interested when they tried to give me the magazine, then asked me why I'm not religious, so just told them, its a personal question for a foreigner, so i won't answer. After that, they got the idea, said bye, and were on their way.
While taking the bus home, I thought about the meeting, and realised that we used mostly Korean. Sometimes things were difficult, and she'd try English, or I'd speak a little English, but most of the time, we used Korean. I've noticed that with many Koreans, if you can speak Korean well enough, they feel more comfortable.
By the way, saw this hagwon while walking to Sejung outlet. I strongly recommend not studying English here, since they can't even get their sign right ^^ Did make me laugh though - Seedy English ^^
Sunday, I met up with MH in Sangmujigu in Gwangju. It was the first time to meet in person, and we had a good time. Had some lunch, then saw Golden Compass at the cinema, which is better than what I expected. If you liked Never Ending Story and Harry Potter, go and see it. Then, went to Sejung Outlet for some window shopping and coffee, then Lotte Mart for some more Window Shopping. We both felt pretty comfortable with each other, which was good. Bought some donuts and checked out the bookstore/Artbox at the terminal, before getting the bus home.Was hassled by church recruiters again, who happened to know someone in my town, so they thought it was a good angle. Two words... No Dice. I was just direct with them, but not in a rude way. I don't mind talking to people, but 99% of the time, at the bus terminal, its religious people, so it can get quite annoying. So, told them I'm not religious, and then told them I'm not interested when they tried to give me the magazine, then asked me why I'm not religious, so just told them, its a personal question for a foreigner, so i won't answer. After that, they got the idea, said bye, and were on their way.
While taking the bus home, I thought about the meeting, and realised that we used mostly Korean. Sometimes things were difficult, and she'd try English, or I'd speak a little English, but most of the time, we used Korean. I've noticed that with many Koreans, if you can speak Korean well enough, they feel more comfortable.
By the way, saw this hagwon while walking to Sejung outlet. I strongly recommend not studying English here, since they can't even get their sign right ^^ Did make me laugh though - Seedy English ^^
Mid week Blog
Just the usual stuff here. Last minute time-table changes as work, and then important information at the time the boss thinks I need it. Sometimes I'm surprised how things are actually done here, since things seem so last minute, and random. In my opinion, so many things are made, without any thought of the consequences, or how it affects other people. This pic on the left is an example. While doing renovations at the apartments I'm living in, some worker thought it was a good idea, to leave this tin of stuff open in the elevator. You can see 6 yellow warning labels on the tin, and it is open in an elevator, and enclosed space. By the time I got out of the elevator on the 1st floor from the 12th, I was feeling a bit dizzy. Also, what if a child got into the elevator, and was "curious" about the tin of stuff. Join the dots, and you've got some very angry parents, possibly with the worker trying to lie and get his/her way out of it. But sometimes, that is Korea.
Another issue I have with Korea, is its attitude towards English. One aspect of that, is how they use English for promotion of things, or just random sayings on any product that is manufactured - most of the times, wrong. And, after over 2 years of seeing/hearing/experiencing shit English, it does get to you. Here is an example, on a random bottle of sauce: "For your the image world". Even if you change it to "For your image world", what is my image world? These kinds of things pop up everywhere. English has made its way into Korea and its culture in a strange way, and its fascinating, peculiar and damn annoying at times. Some "mistakes" I've seen are just stupid mistakes, but others are problems that come from thinking of the Korean first, and then changing it to English.
Yesterday, I woke up at 7am so that I could go into Gwangju to buy some books for classes. This is part of the "last minute/not telling you everything" problem here in Korea. I bought books on the weekend, for a new elementary student, and some books for middle school classes for Friday. Since the boss was pretty busy on Monday, I didn't give him the receipt until Tuesday afternoon, before the first class. Also, last Friday, I told him that I was going to Gwangju on the weekend to buy books. At that time, Friday evening, he knew I was going to Gwangju, and he didn't know about the new class until Sunday evening. So, I show him the receipt for the books I bought on Sunday, he paid be back, and thought that was it.
No, that wasn't it.
He then asks my Tuesday night, after the class, why I'm not using the new books I bought, for the new class (that I didn't know I had, at the time I bought the books Sunday afternoon, and neither did he). No thinking there what-so-ever. Then he tells me, that the parents of the students, gave him money, for books to use for their class. So, how can I books for their class, when I don't know that I have that class when I buy the books, and also, how can I buy them books, when I didn't know that I was supposed to? This is the kind of logic that Native English teachers would have to deal with, when they come to Korea to "teach" English.
Whenever I go to Gwangju, I take the subway to go to different places. Normally downtown, and Sangmu. I prefer to take the subway here, because the subway is never crowded here, and its a lot safer than taking the buses anywhere (Korean bus drivers don't get me started on them!). Lately, the walk from the bus terminal and the subway station, is just so damn boring, that when I think about going to Gwangju, I start to think "I have to walk to the subway station", and its just so boring! I can walk from the Bus Terminal to Sangmu, which takes about an hour. I used to walk it now and then, when the weather was good. I have found that in Korea, there really isn't enough diversity to keep me interested here. I think that is also part of what bores me here. I have good friends, but some friends just want to do the same thing all the time when we meet. But, I've noticed, that many Koreans do the same things all the time as well. Either they are content with that, or they do a damn good job of hiding it. I just feel that things are very stagnant and monotonous here.
Shopping, New Friends
Woke up at about 7:30am today, had breakfast, and got ready for going to Gwangju. Today was the day I bought my birthday/christmas gifts. I had what I wanted to buy in mind, and knew where I needed to go, to buy them ;) Arrived in Gwangju at about 11:40am. The bus took a bit longer today, about 50 minutes, due to the snow that fell over new years.
Went to the Apple store first, and bought a Wireless (bluetooth keyboard). The guy that owns the store, is really kind and helpful. I've been there enough times that he knows me, and greets me every time, no matter how busy he is. Also, his wife works there too, and always greets me kindly. They probably know that I'm gonna spend some cash when I go in there :p
After that, I got the subway to Sangmu, to head to an electronics store, that I've been to before a few times. The regular guy that serves me, wasn't there today, but there was another guy, who could speak a bit of English, that helped me find the bluetooth headsets. There wern't many to chose from, but chose a decent one. Bought one, and then went across the road to Sejung outlet, to check out the Adidas store. Sejung Outlet, has heaps of stores, including some decent brands of clothes, shoes, and other fashion things.
Whenever I walk into a Nike or Adidas store for shoes, the first thing I do, after entering, greeting the sales assistants who greet me first, and then walking over to the shoes, is asking a sales assistant "Which shoes do you have in size 300?". In Korea, shoe size is measures by length in millimetres. For me, size 290 is tight, but okay, 300 is comfortable. I've found that size 290 of Adidas and Nike are okay, and size 300 is great. Anyway, after asking, I had 3 styles to choose from. The other two sucked. So, the choice was simple.
So, 3 things bought in one hour (including walking to subway and taking subway time). Now that's shopping. Was hungry, so went the 3rd floor of Sejung Outlet, and had dinner. Tofu spicy soupy thing, 4500 won, and tasted good. Wanted to try it, since I ate it when GM and EJ in Daegu on Sunday. Anyway, was damn good. After that, rode the subway again to downtown, to meet R for coffee.
Meeting R at Starbucks was really refreshing. Firstly, the Australian accent, and 2nd, the happy-go-lucky attitude about life and living in Korea. We just talked and talked, and then 4 hours went by. She already made plans to meet another friend, but just before she left, one of her Korean friends, ㅇㄹ, and we met and talked for a moment. There's a group on Facebook for people in Gwangju, which R told me about, so I joined, and ㅇㄹ is also in that group. I don't have many friends in Gwangju, so it would be nice to meet more people in Gwangju. And, thanks R, for singing happy birthday to me, as I was walking down into the subway station ^^
Went to eMart (for people back home, imagine Target and Coles in the same building, on two floors) for some shopping, and then got the bus back home.
A big thanks to all the people who made the effort to contact me, for both new year, and happy birthday. I really appreciate it. If I didn't poison myself, I would have replied ;)
Also, if you're interested in how I tied my shoe laces, check out Ian's Shoelace Site.
Went to the Apple store first, and bought a Wireless (bluetooth keyboard). The guy that owns the store, is really kind and helpful. I've been there enough times that he knows me, and greets me every time, no matter how busy he is. Also, his wife works there too, and always greets me kindly. They probably know that I'm gonna spend some cash when I go in there :p
After that, I got the subway to Sangmu, to head to an electronics store, that I've been to before a few times. The regular guy that serves me, wasn't there today, but there was another guy, who could speak a bit of English, that helped me find the bluetooth headsets. There wern't many to chose from, but chose a decent one. Bought one, and then went across the road to Sejung outlet, to check out the Adidas store. Sejung Outlet, has heaps of stores, including some decent brands of clothes, shoes, and other fashion things.
Whenever I walk into a Nike or Adidas store for shoes, the first thing I do, after entering, greeting the sales assistants who greet me first, and then walking over to the shoes, is asking a sales assistant "Which shoes do you have in size 300?". In Korea, shoe size is measures by length in millimetres. For me, size 290 is tight, but okay, 300 is comfortable. I've found that size 290 of Adidas and Nike are okay, and size 300 is great. Anyway, after asking, I had 3 styles to choose from. The other two sucked. So, the choice was simple.So, 3 things bought in one hour (including walking to subway and taking subway time). Now that's shopping. Was hungry, so went the 3rd floor of Sejung Outlet, and had dinner. Tofu spicy soupy thing, 4500 won, and tasted good. Wanted to try it, since I ate it when GM and EJ in Daegu on Sunday. Anyway, was damn good. After that, rode the subway again to downtown, to meet R for coffee.
Meeting R at Starbucks was really refreshing. Firstly, the Australian accent, and 2nd, the happy-go-lucky attitude about life and living in Korea. We just talked and talked, and then 4 hours went by. She already made plans to meet another friend, but just before she left, one of her Korean friends, ㅇㄹ, and we met and talked for a moment. There's a group on Facebook for people in Gwangju, which R told me about, so I joined, and ㅇㄹ is also in that group. I don't have many friends in Gwangju, so it would be nice to meet more people in Gwangju. And, thanks R, for singing happy birthday to me, as I was walking down into the subway station ^^
Went to eMart (for people back home, imagine Target and Coles in the same building, on two floors) for some shopping, and then got the bus back home.
A big thanks to all the people who made the effort to contact me, for both new year, and happy birthday. I really appreciate it. If I didn't poison myself, I would have replied ;)
Also, if you're interested in how I tied my shoe laces, check out Ian's Shoelace Site.
Just before I go to sleep
Just another regular Sunday here. Cleaned the apartment in the morning, organized the rest of my iTunes on my computer and had a shower to go to Gwangju. Bought my bus ticket to Incheon airport for Friday morning with the little money I have left, but luckily I get paid on Tuesday. Went to Columbus Cinema in Sangmu and watched "Lambs for Lions", a very interesting story based on what's going on in Afganistan, really made me think. I really like to watch thought provoking movies sometimes. I thought the cast were good, and so was the direction.
Had dinner in eMart, and then took the subway back to Nongseong station to walk back to the terminal. Met a young Korean guy who was there doing volunteer work for his church ( giving out pamphlets and stuff). Even after I told him that I'm not religious, he kept chatting, and we talked in Korean and English. Started watching "Adrenaline 24" on the bus back home, it's a pretty good film, if you just want to chill out and want to be taken on an adventure.
Getting closer to the time I go back to Australia for my holiday. Over 24 hours of buses, bus terminals, airplanes and airports. I am really looking forward to this time off from work, and from Korea. Korea is a nice place but "there's no place like home".
Had dinner in eMart, and then took the subway back to Nongseong station to walk back to the terminal. Met a young Korean guy who was there doing volunteer work for his church ( giving out pamphlets and stuff). Even after I told him that I'm not religious, he kept chatting, and we talked in Korean and English. Started watching "Adrenaline 24" on the bus back home, it's a pretty good film, if you just want to chill out and want to be taken on an adventure.
Getting closer to the time I go back to Australia for my holiday. Over 24 hours of buses, bus terminals, airplanes and airports. I am really looking forward to this time off from work, and from Korea. Korea is a nice place but "there's no place like home".
Andy in SK - Weekend Edition
Wasted my Saturday - thanks to Korean planning. Got a call from my boss at 10:30am, just as I was about to walk out of the door to go to the gym, that the people who are going to change the Hot Water Service, would come around and replace it in the morning. Since it was 10:30am, and the boss said "morning", silly me assumed that the people would be ON TIME! So, i'm thinking, I can go to to the gym late, and have a late lunch. Not a problem.
Didn't Happen.
My guess is, that morning, means anytime in Korea. The guys showed up at about 2:30pm, in which I just stuck a note on my door saying "I was told you would come in the morning, I did have a plan, but I got tired of waiting. Will be back at 5pm. Come then (in korean)". I still hadn't eaten Lunch at this time. So, they piss-farted around for an hour, got it installed, and by the time they got out, I was so damn hungry that I had to eat, and just wasn't in the mood to go to the gym anymore.
Had dinner with a Korean Soldier friend that lives in my town. Went to a Galbi restaurant. Was pretty good. He brought along a friend, who he already made a promise to (I guess the theme of the day was Korean Planning), and then, another Korean soldier friend called me, saying that he didn't go to him hometown, and wanted to meet up (in which he told me, during the week, that he was going), in which we went to a bar, and they drank some beers, i had juice, but we were all pretty tired, so got home at about 10:30. I went to bed early.
Woke up at 7:20am this morning. Had another dream about shit going down at an airport. Just another reminder to get organised about travelling soon.
Meet JY in Gwangju today. Had a really great time with her. When we met, we exchanged Pepero, and had some lunch. had some Mandu and Dongas together, then went to see "The Bufferfly". It was an AWESOME movie ^^ You gotta see it. I was waiting for the main actor, Gerald Butler (the main character in "300") to yell out "Spartaaa~". haha. Since an interesting movie, with a good twist at the end.
Also, she helped me get a Megabox Point Card, which helps you get free stuff when you get enough points. I've already got a Columbus Cinema Card, which is for the cinema I go to regularly, but Megabox is the same price (7000won), but you get a free small popcorn ^^ I never used to like Popcorn, but now its all good ^^
After coffee, cheesecake and a good chat, we went to a 1000won shop (aka $2 shop), and tagged some stuff that we would buy after dinner. Had Galbi for dinner in a really nice place, across from Megabox. Then, back to the shop, bought the stuff, and made my way back to the terminal to get the bus home.
I had a great day with her. It felt really good to speak Korean and English with someone, who can understand both ^^
Didn't Happen.
My guess is, that morning, means anytime in Korea. The guys showed up at about 2:30pm, in which I just stuck a note on my door saying "I was told you would come in the morning, I did have a plan, but I got tired of waiting. Will be back at 5pm. Come then (in korean)". I still hadn't eaten Lunch at this time. So, they piss-farted around for an hour, got it installed, and by the time they got out, I was so damn hungry that I had to eat, and just wasn't in the mood to go to the gym anymore.
Had dinner with a Korean Soldier friend that lives in my town. Went to a Galbi restaurant. Was pretty good. He brought along a friend, who he already made a promise to (I guess the theme of the day was Korean Planning), and then, another Korean soldier friend called me, saying that he didn't go to him hometown, and wanted to meet up (in which he told me, during the week, that he was going), in which we went to a bar, and they drank some beers, i had juice, but we were all pretty tired, so got home at about 10:30. I went to bed early.
Woke up at 7:20am this morning. Had another dream about shit going down at an airport. Just another reminder to get organised about travelling soon.
Meet JY in Gwangju today. Had a really great time with her. When we met, we exchanged Pepero, and had some lunch. had some Mandu and Dongas together, then went to see "The Bufferfly". It was an AWESOME movie ^^ You gotta see it. I was waiting for the main actor, Gerald Butler (the main character in "300") to yell out "Spartaaa~". haha. Since an interesting movie, with a good twist at the end.Also, she helped me get a Megabox Point Card, which helps you get free stuff when you get enough points. I've already got a Columbus Cinema Card, which is for the cinema I go to regularly, but Megabox is the same price (7000won), but you get a free small popcorn ^^ I never used to like Popcorn, but now its all good ^^
After coffee, cheesecake and a good chat, we went to a 1000won shop (aka $2 shop), and tagged some stuff that we would buy after dinner. Had Galbi for dinner in a really nice place, across from Megabox. Then, back to the shop, bought the stuff, and made my way back to the terminal to get the bus home.
I had a great day with her. It felt really good to speak Korean and English with someone, who can understand both ^^
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