I don't know who actually reads this but I know I'd pretty much neglected it. One reason, this website is blocked at my work/school. By the time I get home, I'm already tired. Ehh.. that is it.
but Tumblr do makes it easier for me:
http://mpproject365.tumblr.com/
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Korean's War Drill
So, today or yesterday (Oct. 15, 2009), I heard the national war drill. Which sounded something like this:
Excuse the voice, as I only took this from YouTube. I'm sure I'll hear again and hopefully then, I'll have my camera ready.
(I'll add more to this later.)
Excuse the voice, as I only took this from YouTube. I'm sure I'll hear again and hopefully then, I'll have my camera ready.
(I'll add more to this later.)
Monday, October 12, 2009
A taste from the rich side
This weekend was fairly chilled, which I didn't mind at all.
Friday was the first night that I saw a lot of the GET from my orientation at the Arts Center. Normally, Bupyung is the place to party but it was nice to have them at my side of the city and not get too worried to stay out late because I might just miss the subway or something like that. So, what did I do? I drank and drank and drank. Not to the full extent of blacking out and/or passing out in the streets like most Koreans do here, but I was feeling pretty good. Plus, the boys were with me so I had no worries. They love me :) So, my mission completed when I was feelin' good AND didn't get a hangover nor threw up. Thumps up!
...And I even got a bunny ear.
Apparently, as I was in happy place, some things happened that I missed out. One, Justin & Si-Khoa getting stuck in the elevator for couple of hours. Two, Jon had a "face-to-face" encounter of a screaming drunkin' Korean. And three, I knocked my own drink (which btw, I didn't really want to drink after I bought it since I was at a good level of intoxication already) from Tony's hand, making his shoes smell like long island iced tea. LOL.
The only down side (from my own memory) is that Debs & I (since she lives so damn far, I had her stay over at my place) woke up late the next day. We were supposed to meet some of the boys at Bupyung at 10:30A.M but we woke up at 11AM. We had them waiting for a bit, which thankfully was fine. Shortly we arrived, we were on our way to Shinsa-dong, which was one part of Seoul that has the rich neighborhoods. After many subways transfer we took, I already forgot how we got there. We just got there. Our first destination was The Flying Pan. A little expensive but worth it! It was delish!
Eggs Benedict Salmon
After brunch was done, off to shopping or window shopping we go at Myeongdong. Somewhat the same as Bupyung but more selection and rather a little pricey. I did manage to buy a few things in Forever 21 though. And yes, they have Forever 21. It was the biggest I've seen. 4 floors! It was cool. I controlled myself in shopping though. I bought a dress, which I hope it can still be sunny enough for me to wear or else that'll just stay in the closet until the summer. LOL. Anyways, after we did that, we headed to Apgujeong to find this Italian place that Tony pre-researched. Took as a little while to get a taxi to get as there since we only had till 10pm to order. And at last, we arrived and it was the most delicious pizza ever!
[Kitchen Salvatore]
Sunday was suppose to be a pear picking day but I was being a pansy and got too lazy. So, I end up just staying home, did some groceries and I was a happy camper. Sort of. Just got some news from home that made me feel other ways. At this point, what else can I do? I just gotta have faith. That is all.
Friday was the first night that I saw a lot of the GET from my orientation at the Arts Center. Normally, Bupyung is the place to party but it was nice to have them at my side of the city and not get too worried to stay out late because I might just miss the subway or something like that. So, what did I do? I drank and drank and drank. Not to the full extent of blacking out and/or passing out in the streets like most Koreans do here, but I was feeling pretty good. Plus, the boys were with me so I had no worries. They love me :) So, my mission completed when I was feelin' good AND didn't get a hangover nor threw up. Thumps up!
Apparently, as I was in happy place, some things happened that I missed out. One, Justin & Si-Khoa getting stuck in the elevator for couple of hours. Two, Jon had a "face-to-face" encounter of a screaming drunkin' Korean. And three, I knocked my own drink (which btw, I didn't really want to drink after I bought it since I was at a good level of intoxication already) from Tony's hand, making his shoes smell like long island iced tea. LOL.
The only down side (from my own memory) is that Debs & I (since she lives so damn far, I had her stay over at my place) woke up late the next day. We were supposed to meet some of the boys at Bupyung at 10:30A.M but we woke up at 11AM. We had them waiting for a bit, which thankfully was fine. Shortly we arrived, we were on our way to Shinsa-dong, which was one part of Seoul that has the rich neighborhoods. After many subways transfer we took, I already forgot how we got there. We just got there. Our first destination was The Flying Pan. A little expensive but worth it! It was delish!
After brunch was done, off to shopping or window shopping we go at Myeongdong. Somewhat the same as Bupyung but more selection and rather a little pricey. I did manage to buy a few things in Forever 21 though. And yes, they have Forever 21. It was the biggest I've seen. 4 floors! It was cool. I controlled myself in shopping though. I bought a dress, which I hope it can still be sunny enough for me to wear or else that'll just stay in the closet until the summer. LOL. Anyways, after we did that, we headed to Apgujeong to find this Italian place that Tony pre-researched. Took as a little while to get a taxi to get as there since we only had till 10pm to order. And at last, we arrived and it was the most delicious pizza ever!
Sunday was suppose to be a pear picking day but I was being a pansy and got too lazy. So, I end up just staying home, did some groceries and I was a happy camper. Sort of. Just got some news from home that made me feel other ways. At this point, what else can I do? I just gotta have faith. That is all.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Bittersweet
As mentioned on my last blog, last weekend was the Cheusok weekend or the Korean Thanksgiving. In spirit of the holiday, I am thankful to be blessed. Blessed that I am still alive. Thankful that I am away from any kind of sickness. I am thankful that I have people who can support me physically, mentally, spiritually, financially... when I need it. I may complain here and there but I think it's all out of hormones. HAHA.
The trip to Deokjok Island was a success. No one was hurt (badly) and no "drama" went on. Others' stories may be more interesting but it was fun to be the observer. LOL. I did attempted to hike up a rocky mountain and failed an hour later. The rocks were just to pointy and my hands were hurting me. I didn't feel to bad afterwards when some of the people that went on the hike came back because they got hurt pretty bad. I did redeemed myself by climbing up the Pagoda; which was the highest peak on the island, with few other people - Drake, Lavleen, Gagan, Whitney, Rob, Sean, Jason, Mike, Seo-Hee, Racine, Jon, and Sam. I thought I was going to have to turn around for this one too just because it started raining and there were thunderstorm but nope, I kept on walking. It was tiring for sure but well worth the hike. Here one picture (not everyone included in the picture):
The weekend was, overall, really good. It was nice to get away from the city and just sit in the beach. And/or not even worry about the time. I think my biggest thing was just food. Having samgyuepsal (thicker version of bacon), chips, beer, and soju simultaneously for the past 3 days and 2 nights was not cutting it for me. Should've bought my own food. It's alright though. Still made it out alive. LOL. And having First Nepal (this really good Indian restaurant @ Bupyeung) made it for it.
Anyways.... I finally bought my laptop! Not exactly what I wanted (Macbook Pro). Instead I just got the white MacBook. It'll do :) I have yet to name this piece of thing. LOL. The price didn't really change much just because I bought here... it was W1,450,000 but got it down to W1,330,000. Not too bad, considering I didn't have to pay taxes. I paid it all in cash. Yep.
And today I got hooked up for the internet! YAY! So, maybe I'll be posting more frequently. I think. Maybe. LOL.
Until then, -M
The trip to Deokjok Island was a success. No one was hurt (badly) and no "drama" went on. Others' stories may be more interesting but it was fun to be the observer. LOL. I did attempted to hike up a rocky mountain and failed an hour later. The rocks were just to pointy and my hands were hurting me. I didn't feel to bad afterwards when some of the people that went on the hike came back because they got hurt pretty bad. I did redeemed myself by climbing up the Pagoda; which was the highest peak on the island, with few other people - Drake, Lavleen, Gagan, Whitney, Rob, Sean, Jason, Mike, Seo-Hee, Racine, Jon, and Sam. I thought I was going to have to turn around for this one too just because it started raining and there were thunderstorm but nope, I kept on walking. It was tiring for sure but well worth the hike. Here one picture (not everyone included in the picture):
The weekend was, overall, really good. It was nice to get away from the city and just sit in the beach. And/or not even worry about the time. I think my biggest thing was just food. Having samgyuepsal (thicker version of bacon), chips, beer, and soju simultaneously for the past 3 days and 2 nights was not cutting it for me. Should've bought my own food. It's alright though. Still made it out alive. LOL. And having First Nepal (this really good Indian restaurant @ Bupyeung) made it for it.
Anyways.... I finally bought my laptop! Not exactly what I wanted (Macbook Pro). Instead I just got the white MacBook. It'll do :) I have yet to name this piece of thing. LOL. The price didn't really change much just because I bought here... it was W1,450,000 but got it down to W1,330,000. Not too bad, considering I didn't have to pay taxes. I paid it all in cash. Yep.
And today I got hooked up for the internet! YAY! So, maybe I'll be posting more frequently. I think. Maybe. LOL.
Until then, -M
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Happy One Month Anniversary
....being in Korea that is. WOW. I can’t believe it’s been that long already. Boy, did it went by fast! I’ve failed to blog online but I do have a handwritten journal. This is gonna be a long, I think. So, be patient. Sit back and relax. Read it if you want.
Heavy Heart. It was hard to “leave” Seattle. To finally have the “escape” that I wanted & to start fresh and be on my own. I’m lucky to have this opportunity but amongst other things, this opportunity came in at the right and the wrong time. Sacrificies had to be made and tears of joy, mixed in with sadness, had to rain down on my face.
At Last. 10-11 hours later, I arrived in Incheon, South Korea at Sept. 1 (Tuesday), approx. around 6 or 7pm. Met the rest of the group and headed over to Paradise Hotel for the Orientation. Little did we know, we were going to be stuck there for 4 days because of Quarantine. It was semi not bad. Granted, the hotel staff was amazing and gave more reason to hang out in one place and get to know other people. Unfortunately, everyone was itching to explore and people pretty stuck with their certain “groups.” LOL. My group is known to be the “The Seattle Crew,” which consists of 9 CampusPoint reps (Me, Whitney, Si-Khoa, Drake, Devin, Justin, Ryan, Jonathan, & Anthony) plus 1 Houston girl (Deborah) and 2 Toronto girls (Lavleen & Gagan).
Orientation. Even with the prison feel of the orientation, it rather went pretty quickly. We learned various facts of cultures and history about Korea. We learned things from basic Korean etiquittes to Hangul (langauge). That was good, given that I came to this country fairly oblivious. Good thing, I wasn't alone in this journey.
[Guest English Teachers, Fall 2009]
[Day 4 (?) being stuck in Paradise Hotel]
[Bupyeung!]
[Deuksodong Palace @ Seoul]
SCHOOL LIFE.
I teach @ Jodong Elementary School. Overall, it has been kind of a roller coaster. The kids are great. The first few weeks I felt like a semi-celebrity just because of the fact that I am a foreigner. On the other hand, I am short and I am Asian… so some thought I was Korean or one of the students… and I teach ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! I teach 4th, 5th, & 6th graders this semester and some of my 6th graders are taller than me! HAHAHA. My main co-teacher is Miji. She’s been very helpful. She helped me set up my bank account, talked to my landlord, etc. My principal is really nice too. He just smile and pass me. One of my vice principal on the other is a little strict! He wants me to write a SCRIPT of every lesson plan that I do and doesn’t trust me being in my office alone. Miji or someone has to be there with me. Sometimes, I feel like I’m like one of the kids who needs to be kept an eye on and as well as a tape recorder. “Please, listen and repeat after Mary Teacher.” I can’t really do much about it… their school, their rules.
[My side of the office on the left]
KOREAN LIVING.
Living here isn’t as bad as I thought. Of course theres some like and dislikes but it goes withouth saying. After a month, I have noticed a few things:
1. Drivers are reckless but not as bad as the Filipino drivers in the Philippines. At least they semi follow the lanes. LOL. Bus drivers are the worst though!
2. I’m the last one to know. Can’t say we didn’t get warned but I found it annoying when I’m trying to work and then my co-teacher just says, “let’s go Mary. We have to do this…. & that…”
3. Korean fashion. Seems like they’re stuck between the 60’s & the 80’s with heels. I’m not hatin’ nor I’m the one to judge fashion but it makes me giggle.
4. Drinking AFTER eating the meal. Seriously, what if I choke on my food? LOL.
5. Most apartment or studio I’ve seen… their shower in the bathroom is in top of their sink. Yes. You red right. Granted, mine isn’t. Mine is actually separated with clear glass door Here’s some pictures from my apartment:
[view from the door]
[view from my bed]
[outside my door]
Well, okey.. this wasn't as "long" as I thought but I guess it'll do. I'm in the "PC Room" or computer room (which most people go to just play games anyways) and my time is limited or else I have to pay more.... spending 2 hours though... $3 :) Not too bad. Anyways, I should really eat some dinner.
This weekend should be fun. A bunch of us English teachers are heading to Deokjeok-do Island for Chuseok weekend. Chuseok is equivalent to Thanksgiving. Thus, I leave you with... What are you thankful for?.
[I miss you, Seattle!]
Heavy Heart. It was hard to “leave” Seattle. To finally have the “escape” that I wanted & to start fresh and be on my own. I’m lucky to have this opportunity but amongst other things, this opportunity came in at the right and the wrong time. Sacrificies had to be made and tears of joy, mixed in with sadness, had to rain down on my face.
At Last. 10-11 hours later, I arrived in Incheon, South Korea at Sept. 1 (Tuesday), approx. around 6 or 7pm. Met the rest of the group and headed over to Paradise Hotel for the Orientation. Little did we know, we were going to be stuck there for 4 days because of Quarantine. It was semi not bad. Granted, the hotel staff was amazing and gave more reason to hang out in one place and get to know other people. Unfortunately, everyone was itching to explore and people pretty stuck with their certain “groups.” LOL. My group is known to be the “The Seattle Crew,” which consists of 9 CampusPoint reps (Me, Whitney, Si-Khoa, Drake, Devin, Justin, Ryan, Jonathan, & Anthony) plus 1 Houston girl (Deborah) and 2 Toronto girls (Lavleen & Gagan).
Orientation. Even with the prison feel of the orientation, it rather went pretty quickly. We learned various facts of cultures and history about Korea. We learned things from basic Korean etiquittes to Hangul (langauge). That was good, given that I came to this country fairly oblivious. Good thing, I wasn't alone in this journey.
[Guest English Teachers, Fall 2009]
[Day 4 (?) being stuck in Paradise Hotel]
[Bupyeung!]
[Deuksodong Palace @ Seoul]
SCHOOL LIFE.
I teach @ Jodong Elementary School. Overall, it has been kind of a roller coaster. The kids are great. The first few weeks I felt like a semi-celebrity just because of the fact that I am a foreigner. On the other hand, I am short and I am Asian… so some thought I was Korean or one of the students… and I teach ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! I teach 4th, 5th, & 6th graders this semester and some of my 6th graders are taller than me! HAHAHA. My main co-teacher is Miji. She’s been very helpful. She helped me set up my bank account, talked to my landlord, etc. My principal is really nice too. He just smile and pass me. One of my vice principal on the other is a little strict! He wants me to write a SCRIPT of every lesson plan that I do and doesn’t trust me being in my office alone. Miji or someone has to be there with me. Sometimes, I feel like I’m like one of the kids who needs to be kept an eye on and as well as a tape recorder. “Please, listen and repeat after Mary Teacher.” I can’t really do much about it… their school, their rules.
KOREAN LIVING.
Living here isn’t as bad as I thought. Of course theres some like and dislikes but it goes withouth saying. After a month, I have noticed a few things:
1. Drivers are reckless but not as bad as the Filipino drivers in the Philippines. At least they semi follow the lanes. LOL. Bus drivers are the worst though!
2. I’m the last one to know. Can’t say we didn’t get warned but I found it annoying when I’m trying to work and then my co-teacher just says, “let’s go Mary. We have to do this…. & that…”
3. Korean fashion. Seems like they’re stuck between the 60’s & the 80’s with heels. I’m not hatin’ nor I’m the one to judge fashion but it makes me giggle.
4. Drinking AFTER eating the meal. Seriously, what if I choke on my food? LOL.
5. Most apartment or studio I’ve seen… their shower in the bathroom is in top of their sink. Yes. You red right. Granted, mine isn’t. Mine is actually separated with clear glass door Here’s some pictures from my apartment:
[view from the door]
[view from my bed]
[outside my door]
Well, okey.. this wasn't as "long" as I thought but I guess it'll do. I'm in the "PC Room" or computer room (which most people go to just play games anyways) and my time is limited or else I have to pay more.... spending 2 hours though... $3 :) Not too bad. Anyways, I should really eat some dinner.
This weekend should be fun. A bunch of us English teachers are heading to Deokjeok-do Island for Chuseok weekend. Chuseok is equivalent to Thanksgiving. Thus, I leave you with... What are you thankful for?.
[I miss you, Seattle!]
Thursday, September 3, 2009
P.S!
I've been braving myself up to eat this:
Yes, KIMCHEE.
And if you know me enough, you know I don't eat spicy food. So, we'll see how this year is gonna go :)
Yes, KIMCHEE.
And if you know me enough, you know I don't eat spicy food. So, we'll see how this year is gonna go :)
Welcome to Incheon, South Korea!...
...now we need you to stay inside the hotel for 4 days because of H1N1/Qaurantine issues.
My group was the last one to have arrived in S.K (Sept 1, 8pm-ish). From there, we got our temp checked and had our dinner & our assigned room. I'm roommate with Whitney. She's pretty cool. The rest of our group has been pretty good too. We or I haven't really been taken pictures because we can't really be out and let loose. We are stuck in this place called PARADISE HOTEL until Saturday because they want us to be protected from Quarantine.... BUT there are other people they are letting in & out of the hotel, so any of us can be caught by that.
This past two days has been pretty much draining. Orientation/Lecture the whole day (with food breaks here and there of course)... and at this point, my brain hurts. INFORMATION OVERLOAD MUCH? Then again, my allergies attacked so I wasn't really feeling good today. I got a little worried because I was a little warm. And since we are getting temperature checked twice a day (8:30am & 5:30pm), I was a little worried that they would translate that to a fever... good thing it went down after I took a half an hour nap after lunch & before lecture :) And all is good.
We have 30 mins break right now, so I figured I should start bloggin on this for those curious mind. If not, oh well... it's just a reference for me anyways. Speaking of dinner, tomorrow is our medical exam & after dinner tonight, we cannot have anything else besides water until lunch tomorrow. SOME of us are a little worried, due to the fact that they are testing for THC. And you should know what that means.
Anyways, after Saturday (which is the day that we'll be in our apartment and being "free"), I'm not so sure when I'll be updating this thing. Our supposedly schedule is...
Sat: meet with co-teacher. Settle in the apartment.
Sun-Mon: Supposedly just stay in the apartment because of Quarantine
Tuesday-Friday: School exploration, observation, much needed to do work, lesson planning
Sat-Sun: "free"
Monday: YOU START ^_^
Honestly, I'm pretty damn scared but as far as the presentations have been going, "THINGS ARE GOING TO BE OKAY!"
*CROSS FINGERS*
My group was the last one to have arrived in S.K (Sept 1, 8pm-ish). From there, we got our temp checked and had our dinner & our assigned room. I'm roommate with Whitney. She's pretty cool. The rest of our group has been pretty good too. We or I haven't really been taken pictures because we can't really be out and let loose. We are stuck in this place called PARADISE HOTEL until Saturday because they want us to be protected from Quarantine.... BUT there are other people they are letting in & out of the hotel, so any of us can be caught by that.
This past two days has been pretty much draining. Orientation/Lecture the whole day (with food breaks here and there of course)... and at this point, my brain hurts. INFORMATION OVERLOAD MUCH? Then again, my allergies attacked so I wasn't really feeling good today. I got a little worried because I was a little warm. And since we are getting temperature checked twice a day (8:30am & 5:30pm), I was a little worried that they would translate that to a fever... good thing it went down after I took a half an hour nap after lunch & before lecture :) And all is good.
We have 30 mins break right now, so I figured I should start bloggin on this for those curious mind. If not, oh well... it's just a reference for me anyways. Speaking of dinner, tomorrow is our medical exam & after dinner tonight, we cannot have anything else besides water until lunch tomorrow. SOME of us are a little worried, due to the fact that they are testing for THC. And you should know what that means.
Anyways, after Saturday (which is the day that we'll be in our apartment and being "free"), I'm not so sure when I'll be updating this thing. Our supposedly schedule is...
Sat: meet with co-teacher. Settle in the apartment.
Sun-Mon: Supposedly just stay in the apartment because of Quarantine
Tuesday-Friday: School exploration, observation, much needed to do work, lesson planning
Sat-Sun: "free"
Monday: YOU START ^_^
Honestly, I'm pretty damn scared but as far as the presentations have been going, "THINGS ARE GOING TO BE OKAY!"
*CROSS FINGERS*
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