It's happened- my very first milestone! I've officially been in Korea for a whole month. They say time flies when you're having fun- but these weeks have gone by insanely fast. I guess that's what happens when you're out doing something most every night and every weekend- no time for boredom.
Well this week, I made it a priority to do almost nothing :) Time to spend some quality time with me, myself and I. It wasn't all uneventful though. My time at school Tuesday and Wednesday was more than hectic. The provincial board of education decided on Friday that they would have mandatory testing on MONDAY for all elementary school grades. Why wouldn't they decide something like that completely last minute? To make things worse, when they say testing in Korea, they mean serious testing. You'd think you couldn't make little kids sit still for an entire day to write a test covering all subjects, giving them only a weekend to study. But oh yes they can!! That meant I had a nice lazy Monday with no classes to teach- but I made up for it the next 2 days, as I had to make up for missed time, covering 6 classes each day, plus English club. The kids were pretty bummed too- still stewing about it on Wednesday, saying they did bad on the test when all I asked them was, "how are you". Poor things!
I also got peer-pressured into getting some decorations this week, so I'm finally getting half into the Christmas spirit. I've got a few strings of garland up around the ceiling, some lights, a reindeer welcome sign on the door, and a tiny tiny tree sitting on the television. I also put up some more pictures around the apartment, and bought a shelf, so it's looking more and more homey all the time :)
I really am missing the snow though- I didn't think I would but it's just not the same without it! We had some snow on Friday, but it doesn't stay on the ground. It was cute to see the kids get so excited though, they all bolted outside in between class to run around as it was coming down really fast. A few kids came to show me the little snowballs they made- "Teacher, snow!" I don't know how long they lasted, but they carried them up to class with them anyways :) haha!
My weekend was topped off with a nice afternoon of nothing, some singing at the norebong, and another hike up Pungwa mountain. Holy moly, hard to believe we're a week into December!
This week's Konglish translation- On the storefront of a fruit smoothie store:
"If you are lack of the vitamin with smoking, kiwi will help to keep the vitamin"
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5 comments:
Hey, I think we ran into each other outside Shidae last week. Glad to see you're enjoying yourself, sans snow.
You're not into Christmas? If you are, get yourself a little tree at Kim's Club. I got one for 20,000 won last year, and it definitely makes things feel more like home.
Hey Brian- Yes that was me you ran into last week- it's nice to hear from you.
I did grab myself a tiny tree- I've even got some garland and lights strung up around the ceiling- so it's a little festive at least!
Hope to see you again-
Hello Amanda,
Sorry for not visiting for so long. The subway map was unbelievable! I can't imagine the chaos - it makes London's "tubes" look a simple game of X & O's. Glad to hear you are settling in OK - it does feel like more than a month even for us back home. You are missing quite a few good snow storms but I suspect your family is filling you in on those :-). Thanks for keep us updated on your world so far away. Take care - have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year if we don't get to talk (text, e-mail, facebook, etc.) again. Best Wishes - Ted
hey, i just found this blog, I have been thinking about teaching in So.Ko.
It all became real, I got an offer! Its for a school in Suncheon! I just am curious about the area, do you feel safe where you are? your blog is super helpful, you seem to still be acclimating, but it sounds great. i am just a bit scared, i don't know if i am ready for such a long/far trip. but what better time, right?
Hey LB- I don't know if you'll still get this message this way- but I haven't looked back at comments until now! Have you made it to S. Korea? If you're anywhere close, or not, drop me a line on my blog. Your first months are always the hardest, but it's smooth sailing from there. Worst part is taking the plunge!
Curious to hear how you are- take it easy!
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