Never thought I would have a “First Day of School” again!

I think it's safe to write about my first day of school now that my first week has passed. I must say, a weekend has never tasted so good!

I took my own classes for the first time - after five days of shadowing - this last Monday. My greatest fears that day will continue to be my greatest challenges throughout the year. SLP's (Sogang Language Program - my school) book system and class organization is, well, not systemized at all. As organized as the school is and as great as the books themselves are, figuring out what to use when and what needs to be done when has been next to impossible. All teachers agree that it takes a year to figure it out and then you're done! 

My other fear on Monday was that the kids would not absorb what I was spitting. For my sanity, I may have to come to terms with this hourly concern; however, it is my greatest motivation and number one reason for being here in the first place. 

The school has been great too me - setting me up in a nice apt, weekly outings so I can get to know everyone, and simply helping me get acquainted with the foreign land. The teachers are pretty cool - two other Americans, one Australian and two Canadians. It's a good mix. The foreign community is very welcoming too. I have been out a couple times with them. They introduce themselves the second you walk through the door - everyone is in the same boat for the most part - left a good home and are now trying to make the best of their new one. 

But the kids... I know that's what you really want to hear about (and ultimately what I want to write about). They are out of this world! I imagined them to be quaint little saints. Foolish Kelsey. Lets get real: Kids will be Kids, whether they are in America, Korea or Mars. They are wild, only want to play games and jump on you. They love screaming, kicking and coloring. 

However, there is one significant thing that is different... one of the greatest things about teaching in Korea vs. America is the freedom to express your love for the children. It is so brilliant being able to to tell your class that you love them and hearing it back. The second I walk through the door I get at least four hugs and, "I love you Kelsey Teacher (their title for the teachers)!" Have you ever heard of such a glorious thing?! It's sad that American kids don't get to hear that or express that. 

The picture on the left is one of my Kindy classes. We were celebrating October birthdays on Thursday and it was my Rachel's big day (girl front and center in the frufru dress). I was the host so we played pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, and sang some lovely songs. It was the highlight of my week! 

As far as in the classroom teaching (as opposed to prep time, which stinks!) I LOVE IT! Mom and Dad were right when they said I would (they know me a little bit ;). I was surprised when I stepped in front of the class and felt completely at ease. Not to mention kids are the best audience ever. They laugh on command and sit quietly when I make them! It's the perfect relationship, really :)

TBC... currently brain farting

It's in the Little Things

There have been several little experiences over the last week that don't deserve their own blog, but are worthy of a mention. I think I will just continue to update this particular entry when something little happens, so REFER BACK TO IT!

When I am recognized as an American (always), people stop me to practice their English. It's pretty cute when I'm walking home in the dark and I hear a, "HELLOoO, HOWE AAA OOO TODAAAY?" Almost all children are getting some sort of English training, so the younger ones do the same, "Hello", whether we're getting on an elevator or eating dinner at a Japanese restaurant. They are so cute and eager to use the language :) 

My room is infested with mosquitos, so I pray for cold weather to freeze the minute lucifers and wear full body suits everywhere in the apt. Unfortunately, I can only cover up so much. My total mosquito count on my head alone - including my neck and ears - is 16! I never thought any bug could surpass my hate for spiders. Congratulations, you blood thirsty شيطان !

(10-19-08) Kelsey travels into a Seoul to meet a friend. The most adventurous part was the hour and a half sub-ride, in which I was the only caucasian appearing soul for the entire ride into Seoul (punny!). Have ever been stared at for that length of time by over a hundred people? Good times and God bless my iPod. Moral of that story was supposed to be that there are a lot of foreigners if you find the right pocket. In my case, a little pub in Itaewon. 

(10-22-08) Results are in from the infamous test: this girl is gluten sensitive. Eh, I knew it, I just didn't want to admit it. Now what do I do with that? I just had a pb&j... is that so bad? :/

(10-24-08) Norebang (sp?) is the Korean version of karaoke. It is unlike any karaoke I have ever experienced in the states. Here, you rent a room- in our case, for 20 - and are in control of every song that comes on. We had a near even split of Korean teachers to Foreigners (as we call ourselves), so about every other song was an American hit then Korean hit. I began one of the most shy performers, only shaking the tambourine in the corner. By the end of the night, I was the last one standing, still performing [poorly]. They couldn't get me off once I got started! It was one of the most fun things I have done since being here. If you ever get the chance to do private karaoke... DO IT! You will not regret it, just as I do not regret screaming "Born in the U.S.A." to a majority Asian crowd. Sure we got booed off the stage, but we had fun when we were up there!

Till next time: Have a sunny day and a starry night!

My Apt... not pimped out

American (Italian, whatever) Pizza Saves the Night!

My pizza is getting cold. All I want to do is devour something “normal”. Ms. Song and Mr. Nam, my directors, were kind enough to pick up some PAPA JOHN’S for me… never has their garlic butter sauce looked mouth watering amazing. I have a feeling there are going to be many overwhelming appreciative moments throughout this adventure/experience/trip.

I arrived right on time to Seoul, got my bags quicker than any other (another passenger dubbed me the fastest... NBD) and without complication, made it through customs. My directors picked me up promptly and Mr. Nam was nice enough to take my bag… you know, the one with my fighting utensils! I think I have bigger muscles than he, regardless, he insisted – breaking a sweat all the while! Tehehe...

The road "home" took an hour and a half through Seoul. Incheon, the island they call their airport is on the east end, while Guri Shi (my home for the next year) was on the west, allowing me to see the glory that is downtown Seoul. Guri Shi is hardly as glamorous – two lane streets with obnoxious flashing lights, motorcyclists cutting cars off with little regard for their safety, not to mention horns’a’honkin. I’m currently staying at my motel (would tell you the name, but couldn’t pronounce it), a little whole in the wall with ripped carpets in the hallway and slippers in the bathroom. The toilet is taped shut reading, “this toilet has been disinfected”… good things I guess. The walls are pink with roses, my bed, low to the ground, as is all the furniture. They have provided me with a large TV, and my own bubbler for water. Tonight I will enjoy my pizza, attempt to watch an American show, settling for Miami Vice and everything nice. 

[I don't know it at the time, but there will be much else I do this week in the love motel, but watch American movies. And what is more American than Rambo, Kindergarten cop and Pretty Woman? Them Koreans have us down pat!]

Too Many Titles to Decide on One (10.8.08)

I’ve been dying to whip out my laptop, as thousands of thoughts have run through my head in the last four and a half hours. I’ve come up with about thirty-two (approximate) titles for this blog and a billion starter lines.

I am a mere hour into my flight and have had seen too many things… I cannot imagine South Korea offering more stories! I really have no idea what I am getting myself into.

From the beginning: October 8^th started too early, 5:30am as I had a lot to accomplish before my 3pm flight: finish packing, finish cleaning, finish breakfast and finish my goodbyes. Noon o’clock came way too soon. This was one of the most bittersweet moments of my life - saying goodbye to everything that is dear to me, while embarking on a new adventure. I prayed for the cheapest expense for carrying my own weight in a suitcase. As it turned out, my muscles had shrunk and my body weight was skewed… I passed with a mere switch of 2.5lbs and $50. Whew… I knew all would be well at that point. Soon after this relief, I bent over in my dress to take my crap kickers off, reassured by mom that this was no feat for meEe.

The goodbyes lasted until I had to cut myself off. With my boots back on, laptop back in the bag and pillow under my arm, I managed to squeeze in three more waves by my adoring family. As soon as I left their site, the tears began and the excitement subsided, until God brought Donda and Tom into my life. Sitting two benches away from them, I convinced myself a beer would pass the next three hours by quickly. With nothing to write (YET), I brought my buddy (Mac book bestie) out and looked busy. They asked what I had to write about… implying I had just finished the trip of a lifetime and was headed home. I explained that I was headed to my temporary home. The rest was history. Two pints and two stools later, we had covered everything from the 60’s, our love for traveling, and the current election. Although we differed in political views, we couldn’t deny the pleasant two hour conversation that flew by. Once again, I was reminded of why I am headed half way across the world (where I have never been) to teach English (which I have only recently perfected myself) to an age I have yet to be told. In those two hours, my every belief was reaffirmed and then some.

Have you ever heard your name called over the intercom at an airport? Me neither… until today. Apparently, the conversation with D and T were too good and I had lost track of time. Personally, I think they were a little hasty in the intercom call as I was the tenth person on (for some reason I entered through first class and was filed to the back row - figures). The last row in a plane is an experience in itself. I have been stomped on and elbowed twice in an effort to get to the bathroom (again, one hour in), I have yet to decide if this is prime seating or the top of the heap?! I have an aisle seat and a window seat, yet am constantly reminded of my vicinity to the bathroom, food, children and the crude flight attendants who spare no one their  discouraging words. Did I mention they gossip about passengers in front of passengers! Classy broads. Eh, they were nice to me. One more benefit to the back seat: we are the first to be served and the last to have our garbage taken? I am sitting with my laptop in one hand. There’s something to be said for inspiration, go with it regardless of the [dis]comfort factor. My dinosaur finger position is LOL worthy.  Yet, the most exciting event thus far had to be the gentleman who sniped a pretzel bag prior to them being distributed and prior to his relieving himself. Upon his return to the two-foot isle, he found himself stuck behind the cart with pretzels. I bet plane treats have never tasted so bitter as those he cowardly consumed for fifteen minutes while waiting to get back to his seat.

Good times in the back seat… I can’t imagine Korea offering more excitement ;).

You decide on an appropriate title:

Debatably: Airports are one of the most bittersweet complexes, next to hospitals.

How much will a Leine’s cost in a year?

Best advice thus far: Local yogurt will keep you well guaranteed! Think: all the probiotics from the cows who are exposed to local diseases. Duh! Why didn't I think of that?!

Will Minneapolis look the same when I fly in in a year?

Do you think they say the Oreo serving size is 4 b/c that is the amount in the package? What is the serving size on a whole carton? 32?!

What is the best seat on the plane?

How many people can stand in line for the bathroom?

Remember: use bathroom before mealtime (most popular time is after - a good 20 minute wait - so what I timed it. There were four meals served and I had nothing better to do!)

Would you wait in line behind 14 others… now 17, waiting for two restrooms? Figure it out people!

How loud can a baby scream? Lets find out!

Rather than requesting an aisle seat, or window, can you request to be seated by the most petite, quiet and considerate people?

How good does your name sound across an airport intercom? Mine sounds amazing - thanks Mom and Dad - you were really thinking!

It’s too bad my last American meal burned my tongue and ended on the floor shortly after. Perhaps it’s a sign that I should be eating Korean food for a year!

If people think my impressions in America are funny? Am I going to be Korean funny?

I should have packed lead pipes for 50 bucks more… always be prepared! How much do lead pipes cost in Korea?

Is it possible that a black electronic box be your best friend?

The most lethal combo: Grande Pints

Can you do yoga on a plane? She can!

Is it possible for one’s carry on to weigh more than her claimed luggage… it is if you pack textbooks!

“That was the worst landing in my 30 years of being a stewardess!”

Bad idea: standing zone by bathroom (aka my seat)

I am a dirty blonde in a sea of well-dressed coal haired beauties.

I hope I didn’t give a bad impression by cutting in line forcibly via American caregivers advice. Oops… I made it on time though!

These are just some of the thoughts I would have uttered to my best friend…