I enjoy my Thursday's more than my Fridays. Mainly because I only teach 2.5 hours on Thursday's so I got a lot of spare time. But also because Thursday night is flat dinner night up at Te Whare - that being Ali, Megan and Westie - and although I don't live there, I am honorary flattie every Thursday night. It equates to yummy food and red wine. And AMAZING company.
Thursdays in Korea are one thing I will miss.
I am beginning to think I have been here for too long however.
1 - I will happily eat rice for breakfast.
2 - I now fall asleep on the bus and subway ALL THE TIME. Yesterday I actually woke myself up on the subway (in rush hour) because I gave out a massive twitch. I did the quick scan around to see if anyone saw... which of course is yes. Which Korean isn't watching the foreigner on the subway?
3 - I now have 8 cavities. My mouth which was once a dental dream is now displaying flashes of silver and grey. I don't look like the Korean kids who have entire silver teeth, but seriously, 8 cavities. ugh.
Went to Shanghai in the weekend for my last touch tournament in Asia. Went with R-Seouls, our locally selected team. Had a ball! The stadium was amazing and we made it through to the finals. Only to get beaten by a Kiwi Invitational Team, mainly made up of NZ Reps. I got stepped madly by a chick, but I figure it's allowed considering who she really plays for. And that she was able to step the boys as well. ahahaha. Caught up with Rat and Kate which was great. Love those two. Love Shanghai. It's got such a lovely vibe to it. It has so many more influences to help shape its character and presence. It's fantastic.
Well, I got about 30 minutes till I have to leave for school. I just finished Fiona's birthday present. Yeah, its really late, but she leaves on Monday so I'm combining it to be a good-bye present. Even if I did make the mother of all fck-ups on it. I'll post a photo and give an explanation later. She still doesn't know what it is so will wait until after I give it too her.
Righto. Peace out my homies.
17 more sleeps.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Random is good...
Just a few random points:
I haven't eaten chocolate for 2 days now.
I suffered Death by Yoga this morning.
It's snowing. It's freezing. It dropped from 15 degrees to 1 degree in the space of 2 days, and now snow. That people, is the definition of Plummet.
I only have 1 week until Shanghai. Wicked.
4 weeks left until I fly home. More wicked.
I haven't eaten chocolate for 2 days now.
I suffered Death by Yoga this morning.
It's snowing. It's freezing. It dropped from 15 degrees to 1 degree in the space of 2 days, and now snow. That people, is the definition of Plummet.
I only have 1 week until Shanghai. Wicked.
4 weeks left until I fly home. More wicked.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Chocolate
I got to stop eating chocolate. Seriously. So serious about the situation that as I sit here with a packet of chocolate biscuits next to me, I almost swear it will be the last one.
As I sit here at my computer, without even moving my head to search, I can see an empty ice cream wrapper (I found an ice cream that is exactly like Choc Bars) and two empty chocolate bar wrappers (both Mr Big's. Their slogan "when you're this big, they call you mister") and an empty chocolate biscuit packet. Yeah, that one is right next to the current one I am making my way through.
Somethings got out of control. My new slogan could end up much the same as my beloved Mr. Big.
The photo I did for the calender will end up a reminder of once was.
Admittedly, with the recent temperature drop maybe it's that whole winter reaction we like to claim happens. It's got so cold. And it did not help reading the paper today where it kindly informed of the 35 degree heat in the shade at lovely St Kilda beach in Melbourne. How balmy.
As I sit here at my computer, without even moving my head to search, I can see an empty ice cream wrapper (I found an ice cream that is exactly like Choc Bars) and two empty chocolate bar wrappers (both Mr Big's. Their slogan "when you're this big, they call you mister") and an empty chocolate biscuit packet. Yeah, that one is right next to the current one I am making my way through.
Somethings got out of control. My new slogan could end up much the same as my beloved Mr. Big.
The photo I did for the calender will end up a reminder of once was.
Admittedly, with the recent temperature drop maybe it's that whole winter reaction we like to claim happens. It's got so cold. And it did not help reading the paper today where it kindly informed of the 35 degree heat in the shade at lovely St Kilda beach in Melbourne. How balmy.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Resignation
I just finished writing my letter of resignation and am sending it through tonight.
Pussy for doing it by email? Yeah, I agree.
Am a little worried about what could happen. I know I'm gonna feel better by the end of the week for having done it. But until I hit that 'send' button and talk to him tomorrow (yeah, when he rings me. ahem) I'm feeling a little chicken shit about the whole situation.
Anyway... that send button huh...
Pussy for doing it by email? Yeah, I agree.
Am a little worried about what could happen. I know I'm gonna feel better by the end of the week for having done it. But until I hit that 'send' button and talk to him tomorrow (yeah, when he rings me. ahem) I'm feeling a little chicken shit about the whole situation.
Anyway... that send button huh...
Monday, October 27, 2008
When you set out on your journey to Ithacapray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon - do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path
if your thoughts remain lofty,
if a fire emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your heart does not set them up before you.
Pray that the road is long.
The the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
Stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl, coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.
Always keep Ithaca in you mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would not have set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not perceived you.
Wise as you have become with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
ITS International Touch Tournament
Below is the article that I wrote and was printed by The Korean Hearld here. I have included the photo also printed with it, although I didn't actually take it myself. Although the paper did credit the photo to me also. Stoked.
International Touch Seoul Tournament
This September the Korea Military Academy in Taerung, will be the venue for the annual International Touch Seoul (ITS) Tournament. With seven international teams, five Korean teams and sixteen expatriate teams entered, the 2008 tournament is looking to be the largest tournament to date. In addition, eight teams of boys and girls will participate in a Junior tournament.
Six months of preparation, planning and stress will all be put to the test come the 20th of September, when the ITS tournament begins. Organizing a total of 25 teams, which includes 3 separate draws for a Men’s competition, Mixed competition and Women’s competition has been no easy feat for the ITS committee.
The profile of Touch in Seoul has grown in recent times with support from some local businesses such as Spire. This local sponsorship has been well received and helped fund a Seoul Representative team being sent to the Hong Kong Touch Tournament where the Seoul Globetrotters performed well against international opposition. Captain of the touring side Suzeanne Liddell said “Hong Kong gave us a good chance to benchmark ourselves against foreign teams and to help draw attention to ITS 2008”. This sponsorship also launched the Spire Touch Series Tournament, which will see a local team named the overall winner at the completion of a series of six tournaments over the entire season. The larger annual tournament however has seen additional sponsors such as Macquarie, Jacobs Creek, Standard Chartered and McDonalds come on board and help lift the profile of the sport.
It has been particularly rewarding to see the interest rise amongst the local Korean teams, highlighted by the entry of five Korean teams to the ITS tournament this year. The Seoul Princes from Yonsei Uni will be a strong contender for the final honors in the Men’s competition with some strong play makers in their team, and their quick, sharp steps taking advantage of the smallest gap in the defensive line. Yonsei have always been an entertaining team to watch, and this upcoming tournament is their chance to break through and show the local Korean audience that they can go on and win tournaments.
It has always been a goal to raise the awareness and profile amongst the community in Seoul, introducing the sport to children and university students. As part of this years ITS tournament, and in attempt to increase the profile of Touch among the younger generation, it has been organized that the students of Pagoda will attend the tournament with activities and events for them to participate in. For those children already playing Touch, a kid’s tournament has also been organized where such teams as the Han River Pirates will participate for yet another year and newcomers Bundang Tigers will also debut.
2008’s tournament see’s the entry of seven international teams, the largest entry from overseas teams the tournament has since its beginning. The ITS Tournament has a growing reputation around Asia, with teams commenting that it is the touch tournament to attend within Asia. It is this reason why many teams have been lured back for another year of Touch. This year however the tournament has gone even further afield attracting a students team from England.
The international aspect these teams bring with them allows the tournament to incorporate other local businesses and sponsors. From accommodation, to transport, to entertainment, bringing in International Teams allows even more of the local community to become involved in this years International Touch Seoul Tournament.
Organizing this years tournament has been no easy task for the ITS Committee. The most difficult of tasks was securing the location and pitches for the tournament to be held. With the size of the tournament reaching this years scale, it has been hard to acquire the pitches and facilities. It was a frustrating ordeal for the committee, as it waded through what appeared to be a lack of support from the local government.
With only two weeks remaining for the teams to train, the warm weather to remain and final details to be organized, this years International Touch Seoul Tournament is looking like one to remember. For both the participants and the spectators. Much like the entry size, this years tournament will be larger, more exciting and an event worth attending.
For more information, please visit the following website: www.koreatouch.com
International Touch Seoul Tournament
This September the Korea Military Academy in Taerung, will be the venue for the annual International Touch Seoul (ITS) Tournament. With seven international teams, five Korean teams and sixteen expatriate teams entered, the 2008 tournament is looking to be the largest tournament to date. In addition, eight teams of boys and girls will participate in a Junior tournament.
Six months of preparation, planning and stress will all be put to the test come the 20th of September, when the ITS tournament begins. Organizing a total of 25 teams, which includes 3 separate draws for a Men’s competition, Mixed competition and Women’s competition has been no easy feat for the ITS committee.
The profile of Touch in Seoul has grown in recent times with support from some local businesses such as Spire. This local sponsorship has been well received and helped fund a Seoul Representative team being sent to the Hong Kong Touch Tournament where the Seoul Globetrotters performed well against international opposition. Captain of the touring side Suzeanne Liddell said “Hong Kong gave us a good chance to benchmark ourselves against foreign teams and to help draw attention to ITS 2008”. This sponsorship also launched the Spire Touch Series Tournament, which will see a local team named the overall winner at the completion of a series of six tournaments over the entire season. The larger annual tournament however has seen additional sponsors such as Macquarie, Jacobs Creek, Standard Chartered and McDonalds come on board and help lift the profile of the sport.
It has been particularly rewarding to see the interest rise amongst the local Korean teams, highlighted by the entry of five Korean teams to the ITS tournament this year. The Seoul Princes from Yonsei Uni will be a strong contender for the final honors in the Men’s competition with some strong play makers in their team, and their quick, sharp steps taking advantage of the smallest gap in the defensive line. Yonsei have always been an entertaining team to watch, and this upcoming tournament is their chance to break through and show the local Korean audience that they can go on and win tournaments.
It has always been a goal to raise the awareness and profile amongst the community in Seoul, introducing the sport to children and university students. As part of this years ITS tournament, and in attempt to increase the profile of Touch among the younger generation, it has been organized that the students of Pagoda will attend the tournament with activities and events for them to participate in. For those children already playing Touch, a kid’s tournament has also been organized where such teams as the Han River Pirates will participate for yet another year and newcomers Bundang Tigers will also debut.
2008’s tournament see’s the entry of seven international teams, the largest entry from overseas teams the tournament has since its beginning. The ITS Tournament has a growing reputation around Asia, with teams commenting that it is the touch tournament to attend within Asia. It is this reason why many teams have been lured back for another year of Touch. This year however the tournament has gone even further afield attracting a students team from England.
The international aspect these teams bring with them allows the tournament to incorporate other local businesses and sponsors. From accommodation, to transport, to entertainment, bringing in International Teams allows even more of the local community to become involved in this years International Touch Seoul Tournament.
Organizing this years tournament has been no easy task for the ITS Committee. The most difficult of tasks was securing the location and pitches for the tournament to be held. With the size of the tournament reaching this years scale, it has been hard to acquire the pitches and facilities. It was a frustrating ordeal for the committee, as it waded through what appeared to be a lack of support from the local government.
With only two weeks remaining for the teams to train, the warm weather to remain and final details to be organized, this years International Touch Seoul Tournament is looking like one to remember. For both the participants and the spectators. Much like the entry size, this years tournament will be larger, more exciting and an event worth attending.
For more information, please visit the following website: www.koreatouch.com
Friday, October 24, 2008
All things I once loved.
So, keeping in line with doing all things once loved, I find myself at home alone on a Friday night listening to music, drinking red wine and writing.
This week has been somewhat of a battle for unknown reasons. My general groundhog-of-a-grinding-day has been laced with a massive lack of motivation and an overwhelming icing of desire to sit on the couch and, or hid in bed. My first reaction was to rationalise this OTT laziness with my early morning starts, my tired legs (enough to convince me not to go running this week) and the weather which has turned to true Fall styles.
Autumn doesn't exist here in Korea. We call it Fall. Just like lollies is candy.
Friday has thankfully rolled around, now completed, and now decreased my countdown to only 8 weeks.
This week has been somewhat of a battle for unknown reasons. My general groundhog-of-a-grinding-day has been laced with a massive lack of motivation and an overwhelming icing of desire to sit on the couch and, or hid in bed. My first reaction was to rationalise this OTT laziness with my early morning starts, my tired legs (enough to convince me not to go running this week) and the weather which has turned to true Fall styles.
Autumn doesn't exist here in Korea. We call it Fall. Just like lollies is candy.
Friday has thankfully rolled around, now completed, and now decreased my countdown to only 8 weeks.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Computer sickness
This is me attempting to update my blog more often. I am currently in the process of trying to clean up my computer seen I am apparently 'dangerously close to max usage of memory' on my C drive. Yeah, sure? So as I am in the middle of moving all downloaded movies and music to some other drive on my computer, I thought I would knock out a pointless post. Not to dissimilar to my babbling emails few are blessed with.
Nothing has actually changed since my last post. I am still loving my morning business class, and it is managing to somehow pull me out of my oblivious bubble to the world that is. They (the students) actually make me think, make me construct a thought with supportive arguments, and make me keep up with current events. I'm actually reading the paper again. May seem like a simple thing, but living over here, you really can place yourself in a bubble and have no idea what is going on in the rest of world. With the lack of English advertising, English television and radio - it means I can coast through the day with no acknowledgement to anything outside of what I purely do for myself each day. To some extent, the world really did revolve around me. Well, MY world revolved around me.
I am also starting to get back to some of the things that I love doing the most. Hanging out at a local cafe. And the owner is so lovely, and makes the yummiest food! I have to walk past it everyday, often around 4 times, and each time I get a wave out the window from her. It is often here that I go to read the paper in the morning after my class, have a coffee at the window seat and occasionally down a one of her fab blueberry bagels. Great slow and cruisy start to the day.
I've also started doing the Meandering Wanders down the street that I often took to trying my Uni days, and then at the assault of my bank balance in Melbourne. I have also started some sketching and to follow some more art stuff. I would divulge more, but at the risk of giving away Fiona's birthday present. And given the fact that my blog is saved under her 'Favorites', and her being one of my (few) loyal readers I don't think it would be wise. But, beyond that, it's fun.
The other thing that is proving to be of absolute enjoyment, and great procrastination, is Gossip Girl. I know it has been out for ages, but again, one of the many things you miss out on here in Korea; new, crappy, over-the-top, drama series with woeful girls, boys with better hair that I, and better eyebrows, and then the geeky boy with great wit and style who gets Miss Popularity. It's like The O.C rebranded. And like The O.C - I love it. I have downloaded it (big ups to the speedy internet connection that is Korea) and have found myself watching at least two episodes a day.
And on the topic of downloading, how awesome is the new Kings of Leon album Only By the Night? God those bruva's can rock. I love it!
I also saw yesterday in a surf magazine, (yet another reintroduction of things once loved in my life) (magazines in general that is) that Gyroscope has released a new album. Ro, Toby or Trystan - have any of you kids heard it yet? I'm a little excited about hearing it.
Right, well, whatever drive I was having problems with is now empty so my job there, and here, is done.
Nothing has actually changed since my last post. I am still loving my morning business class, and it is managing to somehow pull me out of my oblivious bubble to the world that is. They (the students) actually make me think, make me construct a thought with supportive arguments, and make me keep up with current events. I'm actually reading the paper again. May seem like a simple thing, but living over here, you really can place yourself in a bubble and have no idea what is going on in the rest of world. With the lack of English advertising, English television and radio - it means I can coast through the day with no acknowledgement to anything outside of what I purely do for myself each day. To some extent, the world really did revolve around me. Well, MY world revolved around me.
I am also starting to get back to some of the things that I love doing the most. Hanging out at a local cafe. And the owner is so lovely, and makes the yummiest food! I have to walk past it everyday, often around 4 times, and each time I get a wave out the window from her. It is often here that I go to read the paper in the morning after my class, have a coffee at the window seat and occasionally down a one of her fab blueberry bagels. Great slow and cruisy start to the day.
I've also started doing the Meandering Wanders down the street that I often took to trying my Uni days, and then at the assault of my bank balance in Melbourne. I have also started some sketching and to follow some more art stuff. I would divulge more, but at the risk of giving away Fiona's birthday present. And given the fact that my blog is saved under her 'Favorites', and her being one of my (few) loyal readers I don't think it would be wise. But, beyond that, it's fun.
The other thing that is proving to be of absolute enjoyment, and great procrastination, is Gossip Girl. I know it has been out for ages, but again, one of the many things you miss out on here in Korea; new, crappy, over-the-top, drama series with woeful girls, boys with better hair that I, and better eyebrows, and then the geeky boy with great wit and style who gets Miss Popularity. It's like The O.C rebranded. And like The O.C - I love it. I have downloaded it (big ups to the speedy internet connection that is Korea) and have found myself watching at least two episodes a day.
And on the topic of downloading, how awesome is the new Kings of Leon album Only By the Night? God those bruva's can rock. I love it!
I also saw yesterday in a surf magazine, (yet another reintroduction of things once loved in my life) (magazines in general that is) that Gyroscope has released a new album. Ro, Toby or Trystan - have any of you kids heard it yet? I'm a little excited about hearing it.
Right, well, whatever drive I was having problems with is now empty so my job there, and here, is done.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Life and Reality
It feels like it has been somewhat of a busy week and it's still only Thursday. Thankfully, Thursdays do often feel like the 'New Friday' seen I only work 3pm till 5.25pm.
This week I began morning business classes. Which are going really well, and I am scaringly quite enjoying. Early starts aren't always fantastic, but my classes are only 40mins, well 30mins since everyone turns up late, and I'm being paid $40 per class, 5 mornings a week. Sweet, easy coin.
Whats weird, is that it is really nice being back in 'that' business environment. I've previously declared that I don't want to go back into the business/office environment, but being around it and discussing the 'Hot Business Topics' as depicted by the textbook, it's creating some odd, longing feeling for a 'proper' job.
I know Teaching is heaps better now with my new job. But I really do only view it as a means to an end. And I unfortunately pull little, if any, satisfaction from it. And it is a bit of a circular situation where as I think about it in hope to unearth some motivation and encouragement towards it, the more I sink into the realisation that it isn't what I want to be doing. What craps me is that the hours and lifestyle are amazing. I doubt I will ever have this opportunity again to work such short hours for the money it is.
Outside of work, life is fantastic. Early starts with my business classes, but I get home around 8.30am, go for a run, have a shower, chill out and potter at home, run some errands should I have any and then head to work to start at 1pm. Home by 6.
And so to add to insult with this debate as to what to do with my life, work and what-have-you, I have now started thinking about next year and all that it entails. And reality is, this stupid global economy disaster is not well timed for me. I'm beginning to wonder if this really is a good time to fck-off-skis, high tailing overseas when this is apparently a momentous occasion that we will tell our grandchildren about, like our grandparents and great-grandparents tell us about the 1929 Wall Street Crash, and following Depression. (Quote/paraphrase some dude from Stuff)
I had plans to sell my Australian Shares to help fund my flight over, which I don't think is really going to work so well anymore. Then with the dropping dollar value, savings, conversion rates and all things 'bank', 'me', 'my money' related simply isn't looking ideal. I sent money home yesterday (bad timing I know, but it burns a whole in my wallet sometimes) and the exchange rate is SO shite. It was somewhat depressing. I have basically taken a pay cut of $600 NZD per month. And all this converting - I'm beginning to wonder if I should just send money straight over to Europe instead of going from here, to NZ and then over. But who really knows? I don't. And it's annoying.
And so then, because of this weakening dollar and unfortunate situation for my savings it means I need to consider my work options overseas some more. Okay, in general I now definitely need to consider it. Which means making decisions as to where I want to go. Which country? And when? Which visa?
At this stage, the yachts are still the most viable option. But will they still be a job with such demand if everyone is losing money in this economy crisis? Surely the clientele are some of the very people who are losing out in investments. Or am I being presumptuous and worrying too much? I am thinking at this stage though that France is possibly the next best option. With friends there (yes, Spy, you) it means I can at least have some help in getting sorted. And with other friends having contacts in the Business English world (yes, Pat, you) it may mean a return to teaching. So a French visa is looking most favourable. Bonjour.... looking for French lessons now. Plus, if you have previously held a French visa, it allows you to apply for a British visa from Europe without returning to New Zealand. A back up option should all things fail. Sigh.
So in summary, life and reality have been getting in the way a little too much this week. The thinking, planning, and decisions required for the next year or so are being felt. Exciting as it is, I can't help but be worried. I need to stop spending so much time on the subway and bus. It's way to get much downtime to think. Either that or I need to adopt the Korean culture and fall asleep on the shoulder of the person next to me.
This week I began morning business classes. Which are going really well, and I am scaringly quite enjoying. Early starts aren't always fantastic, but my classes are only 40mins, well 30mins since everyone turns up late, and I'm being paid $40 per class, 5 mornings a week. Sweet, easy coin.
Whats weird, is that it is really nice being back in 'that' business environment. I've previously declared that I don't want to go back into the business/office environment, but being around it and discussing the 'Hot Business Topics' as depicted by the textbook, it's creating some odd, longing feeling for a 'proper' job.
I know Teaching is heaps better now with my new job. But I really do only view it as a means to an end. And I unfortunately pull little, if any, satisfaction from it. And it is a bit of a circular situation where as I think about it in hope to unearth some motivation and encouragement towards it, the more I sink into the realisation that it isn't what I want to be doing. What craps me is that the hours and lifestyle are amazing. I doubt I will ever have this opportunity again to work such short hours for the money it is.
Outside of work, life is fantastic. Early starts with my business classes, but I get home around 8.30am, go for a run, have a shower, chill out and potter at home, run some errands should I have any and then head to work to start at 1pm. Home by 6.
And so to add to insult with this debate as to what to do with my life, work and what-have-you, I have now started thinking about next year and all that it entails. And reality is, this stupid global economy disaster is not well timed for me. I'm beginning to wonder if this really is a good time to fck-off-skis, high tailing overseas when this is apparently a momentous occasion that we will tell our grandchildren about, like our grandparents and great-grandparents tell us about the 1929 Wall Street Crash, and following Depression. (Quote/paraphrase some dude from Stuff)
I had plans to sell my Australian Shares to help fund my flight over, which I don't think is really going to work so well anymore. Then with the dropping dollar value, savings, conversion rates and all things 'bank', 'me', 'my money' related simply isn't looking ideal. I sent money home yesterday (bad timing I know, but it burns a whole in my wallet sometimes) and the exchange rate is SO shite. It was somewhat depressing. I have basically taken a pay cut of $600 NZD per month. And all this converting - I'm beginning to wonder if I should just send money straight over to Europe instead of going from here, to NZ and then over. But who really knows? I don't. And it's annoying.
And so then, because of this weakening dollar and unfortunate situation for my savings it means I need to consider my work options overseas some more. Okay, in general I now definitely need to consider it. Which means making decisions as to where I want to go. Which country? And when? Which visa?
At this stage, the yachts are still the most viable option. But will they still be a job with such demand if everyone is losing money in this economy crisis? Surely the clientele are some of the very people who are losing out in investments. Or am I being presumptuous and worrying too much? I am thinking at this stage though that France is possibly the next best option. With friends there (yes, Spy, you) it means I can at least have some help in getting sorted. And with other friends having contacts in the Business English world (yes, Pat, you) it may mean a return to teaching. So a French visa is looking most favourable. Bonjour.... looking for French lessons now. Plus, if you have previously held a French visa, it allows you to apply for a British visa from Europe without returning to New Zealand. A back up option should all things fail. Sigh.
So in summary, life and reality have been getting in the way a little too much this week. The thinking, planning, and decisions required for the next year or so are being felt. Exciting as it is, I can't help but be worried. I need to stop spending so much time on the subway and bus. It's way to get much downtime to think. Either that or I need to adopt the Korean culture and fall asleep on the shoulder of the person next to me.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bullet points are wonderous things.
- Doek Joek Do was awesome.
- Best weather
- Best company
- Best times
- Again, one of the best holidays ever.
- The Touch Tournament was awesome.
- After all my late nights, we had no problems at all and everything went without a hitch.
- The international teams all had a rad time.
- The After Party was rocking.
- My team - Tits for Hands - won the mixed competition against the Hong Kong Team 2-1
- Team Jacobs Creek was again the overall winner on the day. I mean seriously, free wine for spectators and players - ALL DAY.
- Have begun a month long soberity stint. 1 week down, 3 to go.
- Went Wakeboarding in the weekend for the first time. Loved it. Yet another sport to get addicted to.
- Summer has departed. Autumn has arrived. Still got some blue skies around but temperatures are now falling below 20 degrees. But that just brings winter closer. And Boarding is the light of winter.
- Short week this week. Friday brings on the last beach weekend in Korea, and a 3 day surfing mission down to Busan. With a storm in Taiwan predicted, looks like the surf may really be up for us to get ripping. Or at least standing.
- 13 weeks to go. The countdown has begun.
- Bullet points really are wonderous things.
- Best weather
- Best company
- Best times
- Again, one of the best holidays ever.
- The Touch Tournament was awesome.
- After all my late nights, we had no problems at all and everything went without a hitch.
- The international teams all had a rad time.
- The After Party was rocking.
- My team - Tits for Hands - won the mixed competition against the Hong Kong Team 2-1
- Team Jacobs Creek was again the overall winner on the day. I mean seriously, free wine for spectators and players - ALL DAY.
- Have begun a month long soberity stint. 1 week down, 3 to go.
- Went Wakeboarding in the weekend for the first time. Loved it. Yet another sport to get addicted to.
- Summer has departed. Autumn has arrived. Still got some blue skies around but temperatures are now falling below 20 degrees. But that just brings winter closer. And Boarding is the light of winter.
- Short week this week. Friday brings on the last beach weekend in Korea, and a 3 day surfing mission down to Busan. With a storm in Taiwan predicted, looks like the surf may really be up for us to get ripping. Or at least standing.
- 13 weeks to go. The countdown has begun.
- Bullet points really are wonderous things.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Busy, Busy and trying to ignore the Busy
Life is pretty much back to normal now in Seoul. There is too much to do. Too many places to be at. And weekends are booked out for the next month and a half with trips and events.
BUSY.
Pre-Thailand it was all about coming back chilled out, relaxed and cruising. Meandering like my days in Melbourne.
SLOW
That lasted about two weeks.
So what is making me so busy?
1. Work. Despite only working 4.5 hours a day (and only 2 on Thursday, yay) I unfortunately started at end of semester which has resulted in my writing tests, writing reports and then when I thought it was over... we now have Level and Placement tests to do. This all results in me working outside my allocated 4.5 hours. Oh woe is life I know.
2. ITS Tournament. THE Touch Tournament. I'm so god damn excited about it! I can't wait and it's only two weeks away now. However, despite my excitement, it has resulted in a fair bit of stress and work for me. I have had to organise the accommodation and arrival for 7 international teams, organise the after party, and the latest chore - writing articles for the papers. Watch out for tomorrows edition of the Korean Hearld.
3. Administration. This place is all about paperwork. Paperwork to be completed at everyplace but the same place. Medical and drug test is now done. Now I can get my Alien Registration Card, once I find the immigration office. My second bank account has been opened, only to hand over my bank book and eftpos card to my school and they control it. Sounds dodgy. And yay, now that I have organised more work in the form of Business English Tutoring, (read: interviews and more paperwork)I have to open another account, at a different bank to my previous two, to again hand over my bankbook and card. Paperwork. In Korean. The amount of times I have had to declare, "Meearneyo. Hangulma mulayo" - I am sorry, I do not know Korean.
Things of interest however that have kept me busy include finally moving into an apartment. Although not actually unpacking. I have moved into an AMAZING place, and super cheap, and no bond money or name on the lease. SCHWEET situation. Living with an American guy who has his own wing and I never see. Although always hear as he has a terrible smokers cough, and I'm beginning to get a little scared that he may cark it on my watch. There is also Ra, another kiwi boy, and super cruisy and very NZ. It's great.
I went to the Yonsei vs Korea University Sports exchange in the weekend. That was a cultural experience. It was amazing. It was held at the Olympic Stadium, and completely packed out with students. Half the stadium was Blue, the other Red. Each side had their own stage set up in front of them with dancers and singers that simply did not stop. And the whole crowd, knew all of the dance moves, and every single person got into it. It was simply unreal. I got lots of video footage which will be the only thing to do it justice. And, boy, have I got some new dance moves to pull out. Ah, only in Korea.
The next month is also chocker block. This weekend is Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and we are heading back to Dok Jok Do for 5 days. I simply can't wait. Next weekend is the Touch Tournament, which is going to be awesome. The weekend after that we are heading down to Busan to try our hands at surfing again. Then the next weekend, we are flying down to Jeju Island for more surfing. The island is meant to be beautiful, and is Korea's most popular holiday destination. I am particularly interested in the Sex Park. Yeah, not kidding. Watch out. In the most conservative country ever.
Overall things are going sweet. A few dramas of late but nothing to stress about. Time is flying by, and before I know it I will be handing in my notice and heading back home.
Oh, other news of interest - Neil Young is playing in Melbourne in January. I'm going. Not missing it. So excited.
Right, Touch stuff to organise. Great procrastination.
Oh, and here's a couple of photos from recent adventures. Actually all are from the Hippie Festival - Morave - that we went too.
This is a henna tattoo that I got done. And loved. Further fuelling my love for dragons and tattoos. Ohhhh.
This one being the sunset at Te Ahn beach
This one is more of my t-shirt. It kind of summed up my weekend.
"I'm so happy I could just shit"
BUSY.
Pre-Thailand it was all about coming back chilled out, relaxed and cruising. Meandering like my days in Melbourne.
SLOW
That lasted about two weeks.
So what is making me so busy?
1. Work. Despite only working 4.5 hours a day (and only 2 on Thursday, yay) I unfortunately started at end of semester which has resulted in my writing tests, writing reports and then when I thought it was over... we now have Level and Placement tests to do. This all results in me working outside my allocated 4.5 hours. Oh woe is life I know.
2. ITS Tournament. THE Touch Tournament. I'm so god damn excited about it! I can't wait and it's only two weeks away now. However, despite my excitement, it has resulted in a fair bit of stress and work for me. I have had to organise the accommodation and arrival for 7 international teams, organise the after party, and the latest chore - writing articles for the papers. Watch out for tomorrows edition of the Korean Hearld.
3. Administration. This place is all about paperwork. Paperwork to be completed at everyplace but the same place. Medical and drug test is now done. Now I can get my Alien Registration Card, once I find the immigration office. My second bank account has been opened, only to hand over my bank book and eftpos card to my school and they control it. Sounds dodgy. And yay, now that I have organised more work in the form of Business English Tutoring, (read: interviews and more paperwork)I have to open another account, at a different bank to my previous two, to again hand over my bankbook and card. Paperwork. In Korean. The amount of times I have had to declare, "Meearneyo. Hangulma mulayo" - I am sorry, I do not know Korean.
Things of interest however that have kept me busy include finally moving into an apartment. Although not actually unpacking. I have moved into an AMAZING place, and super cheap, and no bond money or name on the lease. SCHWEET situation. Living with an American guy who has his own wing and I never see. Although always hear as he has a terrible smokers cough, and I'm beginning to get a little scared that he may cark it on my watch. There is also Ra, another kiwi boy, and super cruisy and very NZ. It's great.
I went to the Yonsei vs Korea University Sports exchange in the weekend. That was a cultural experience. It was amazing. It was held at the Olympic Stadium, and completely packed out with students. Half the stadium was Blue, the other Red. Each side had their own stage set up in front of them with dancers and singers that simply did not stop. And the whole crowd, knew all of the dance moves, and every single person got into it. It was simply unreal. I got lots of video footage which will be the only thing to do it justice. And, boy, have I got some new dance moves to pull out. Ah, only in Korea.
The next month is also chocker block. This weekend is Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and we are heading back to Dok Jok Do for 5 days. I simply can't wait. Next weekend is the Touch Tournament, which is going to be awesome. The weekend after that we are heading down to Busan to try our hands at surfing again. Then the next weekend, we are flying down to Jeju Island for more surfing. The island is meant to be beautiful, and is Korea's most popular holiday destination. I am particularly interested in the Sex Park. Yeah, not kidding. Watch out. In the most conservative country ever.
Overall things are going sweet. A few dramas of late but nothing to stress about. Time is flying by, and before I know it I will be handing in my notice and heading back home.
Oh, other news of interest - Neil Young is playing in Melbourne in January. I'm going. Not missing it. So excited.
Right, Touch stuff to organise. Great procrastination.
Oh, and here's a couple of photos from recent adventures. Actually all are from the Hippie Festival - Morave - that we went too.
This is a henna tattoo that I got done. And loved. Further fuelling my love for dragons and tattoos. Ohhhh.
This one being the sunset at Te Ahn beach
This one is more of my t-shirt. It kind of summed up my weekend.
"I'm so happy I could just shit"
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Children
When are children ever a good idea? Or not annoying? Or not worrying?
From pregnancy you are automatically limited. Some may call the small growth a handbrake. You can't eat this, you can't drink that, you shouldn't do this and you definitely shouldn't be acting like that. What a downer.
From it's birth up until at least 12 months, I'm presently pretty determined to not touch the small bundle of wrinkles and pinkness. I shake way to much and the possibility of me dropping the baby is therefore higher than anyone else. So not only am I horribly scared of dropping the baby, I'm sure we all acquainted with the saying "Never shake a baby". Unfair! I'm already at a disadvantage.
And from the word go, to at least the age of 3, it appears (to the untrained eye) that they just cry at whim. And it's so noisy. And they don't just.. be quiet.
Then they learn to walk and run. And they just go and 'do stuff'. They run under tables, they hid under things, they go this way and that way, they go places that they aren't meant to go to. Like out of the parents reach, beyond their ability to quickly reel them back into restraint. And they do all of this while being noisy and loud.
If I have kids they will be super quiet. Silent even.
And then they reach about the age of 7 and they start to grow. And they grow ugly. And they start to develop attitudes, and realise whether they are cool or whether they need to be friends with the cool ones. The mean streak develops.
Then they hit puberty. God, they are so boring during puberty. And lame. And moody. And giggly. And angry. And lazy. And unproductive. And still unattractive. And yeah, boring.
Then they come out of puberty, hit a good age. One would be naive enough to suggest that they may have developed somewhat of a decent personality. But, as a parent still apt enough to cause further inconveniences.
I'm all for piercings and tattoos, indulging, drinking, travelling, holidays and fun times. But I still think I'm rather conservative. God forbid having kids that are way out there.
And all of what I've just said is without even mentioning the trouble that friends and boyfriends or girlfriends can add to the situation.
I think teaching is turning me into a cynic.
From pregnancy you are automatically limited. Some may call the small growth a handbrake. You can't eat this, you can't drink that, you shouldn't do this and you definitely shouldn't be acting like that. What a downer.
From it's birth up until at least 12 months, I'm presently pretty determined to not touch the small bundle of wrinkles and pinkness. I shake way to much and the possibility of me dropping the baby is therefore higher than anyone else. So not only am I horribly scared of dropping the baby, I'm sure we all acquainted with the saying "Never shake a baby". Unfair! I'm already at a disadvantage.
And from the word go, to at least the age of 3, it appears (to the untrained eye) that they just cry at whim. And it's so noisy. And they don't just.. be quiet.
Then they learn to walk and run. And they just go and 'do stuff'. They run under tables, they hid under things, they go this way and that way, they go places that they aren't meant to go to. Like out of the parents reach, beyond their ability to quickly reel them back into restraint. And they do all of this while being noisy and loud.
If I have kids they will be super quiet. Silent even.
And then they reach about the age of 7 and they start to grow. And they grow ugly. And they start to develop attitudes, and realise whether they are cool or whether they need to be friends with the cool ones. The mean streak develops.
Then they hit puberty. God, they are so boring during puberty. And lame. And moody. And giggly. And angry. And lazy. And unproductive. And still unattractive. And yeah, boring.
Then they come out of puberty, hit a good age. One would be naive enough to suggest that they may have developed somewhat of a decent personality. But, as a parent still apt enough to cause further inconveniences.
I'm all for piercings and tattoos, indulging, drinking, travelling, holidays and fun times. But I still think I'm rather conservative. God forbid having kids that are way out there.
And all of what I've just said is without even mentioning the trouble that friends and boyfriends or girlfriends can add to the situation.
I think teaching is turning me into a cynic.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The dream is over
Sunday night and work tomorrow. Kiri Teacher will be returning. And I'm so god damn nervous it's horrible.
In my month holiday I have completely forgotten, and lost, the headspace of teaching. I'm hoping 'cool' and 'fun' Kiri Teacher will return quickly this week.
Unfortunately I'm not working the afternoon hours I thought I was for the first month, instead doing 9.30am till 1.30pm. So I don't even have tomorrow morning to 'psyhc up' for the teaching. It's just wake up, get there and straight into it.
The kids will like me though. I bought lots of lollies (candy) on the way back from dinner tonight. I will bribe them. Oh, they will like me. Even if they do end up fat.
Being back is all a little surreal to be honest. Feels strangely normal, but somewhat out of place at the same time. It is awesome to see everyone though, and it has been fun catching up with everyone and with all of their news.
It is somewhat great to be back. There are some great things about Seoul that I forgot. Namely how cheap this place is. Been out for dinner each night I've been back and I seriously forgot just how cheap it can be. And how good the food is.
Would love to say that I've been out drinking and partying, but no, not really. First night back I caught up with Ali and Browna, had some drinks and visited the Anyang local, Psycho, but that's been the extent of it. It appears my tummy is up to its usual Seoul tricks and rejecting most things. I'm just hoping it isn't going to be the same ordeal as last year when I got here. Anyhows...
First day back at work tomorrow. Nothing seems to scream "HOLIDAYS OVER" more than the prospect of work. Mind you I washed my hair for the first time in 2 weeks... that kind of gave me a small indication I had to get more serious about things.
Yeah, my hair's clean, my fringe is back... my holiday's over.
In my month holiday I have completely forgotten, and lost, the headspace of teaching. I'm hoping 'cool' and 'fun' Kiri Teacher will return quickly this week.
Unfortunately I'm not working the afternoon hours I thought I was for the first month, instead doing 9.30am till 1.30pm. So I don't even have tomorrow morning to 'psyhc up' for the teaching. It's just wake up, get there and straight into it.
The kids will like me though. I bought lots of lollies (candy) on the way back from dinner tonight. I will bribe them. Oh, they will like me. Even if they do end up fat.
Being back is all a little surreal to be honest. Feels strangely normal, but somewhat out of place at the same time. It is awesome to see everyone though, and it has been fun catching up with everyone and with all of their news.
It is somewhat great to be back. There are some great things about Seoul that I forgot. Namely how cheap this place is. Been out for dinner each night I've been back and I seriously forgot just how cheap it can be. And how good the food is.
Would love to say that I've been out drinking and partying, but no, not really. First night back I caught up with Ali and Browna, had some drinks and visited the Anyang local, Psycho, but that's been the extent of it. It appears my tummy is up to its usual Seoul tricks and rejecting most things. I'm just hoping it isn't going to be the same ordeal as last year when I got here. Anyhows...
First day back at work tomorrow. Nothing seems to scream "HOLIDAYS OVER" more than the prospect of work. Mind you I washed my hair for the first time in 2 weeks... that kind of gave me a small indication I had to get more serious about things.
Yeah, my hair's clean, my fringe is back... my holiday's over.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
2 hours to go....
Somehow, at some stage, time did fly by and now I am down to my final 2 hours in Bangkok. The bus to the airport has been booked, and I fly back to the ROK tonight.
After just reading my last entry where time seemed to be going slowly, and the time spent here in Thailand lasting forever, I am shocked and sadden at this sudden departure that is too happen.
Since Koh Toa I went back to Koh Phangan and went to the infamous Full Moon Party. I met up with two girls from Seoul, and a group of British guys who they met at their guest house. It was a fantastic crew to be hanging out with, although most of us lost each other in the madness that night. I thankfully managed to hang on to Ruth and a few others. It was a lot of fun, but quite simply, NZ beach parties are so much better. Full Moon was just overloaded with young, drunken, wasted kids. With so much rubbish everywhere, and just a general vibe that I did not enjoy all that much. I still had fun, but by no means would I claim it a compulsory event when travelling through Thailand. Avoiding it last year was probably the better decision out of the two. I unfortunately also saw the horrible side to the event, where on the way home we picked up a girl on the side of the road who must of had her drink spiked. She came to focus when on a motorbike with Thai guys, and when they wouldn't let her off, she jumped off. She even thought she was on a completely different island. It wasn't so nice.
I returned to Bottle Beach and continued with my 'Nothing to do in Thailand' theme before returning to Bangkok. I was apprehensive about coming to Bangkok, but I ended up meeting up with a couple of the guys I meet before the Full Moon Party. It proved to be a fantastic stay in Bangkok and got to see some cool things. We had a Thai Spirit Guide - Tan (said with a Brit accent so more like 'Tarn') - who took us to some awesome little local places. My fave night was definitely when she took us to see some local ska bands play. They were awesome, and I only wished my camera was working to video it. The band was great, and the crowd awesome. I'm thinking they don't get many westerners in there, as when they saw us, they would come over to do a 'cheers' and then dance with us. It was such a nice difference to see compared with the pushy thai's on the street making their wage. "Tuk Tuk miss? Where you go?" My other highlight from Bangkok was the Zoo. God I love zoo's and it proved very entertaining. Right Dom?
Anyhows, I shouldn't really be spending my last hours in an internet cafe. So instead I sign off from Bangkok, and will update again when back in Seoul. I will also attempt to get some photos on here.
Overall though, a fantastic trip. Travelling by myself was great, and I met some great people. Yeah, that was definitely the best part of this trip.
To those I meet on this Thailand Holiday - thanks heaps for an awesome time. Arohanui and travel safe xx
After just reading my last entry where time seemed to be going slowly, and the time spent here in Thailand lasting forever, I am shocked and sadden at this sudden departure that is too happen.
Since Koh Toa I went back to Koh Phangan and went to the infamous Full Moon Party. I met up with two girls from Seoul, and a group of British guys who they met at their guest house. It was a fantastic crew to be hanging out with, although most of us lost each other in the madness that night. I thankfully managed to hang on to Ruth and a few others. It was a lot of fun, but quite simply, NZ beach parties are so much better. Full Moon was just overloaded with young, drunken, wasted kids. With so much rubbish everywhere, and just a general vibe that I did not enjoy all that much. I still had fun, but by no means would I claim it a compulsory event when travelling through Thailand. Avoiding it last year was probably the better decision out of the two. I unfortunately also saw the horrible side to the event, where on the way home we picked up a girl on the side of the road who must of had her drink spiked. She came to focus when on a motorbike with Thai guys, and when they wouldn't let her off, she jumped off. She even thought she was on a completely different island. It wasn't so nice.
I returned to Bottle Beach and continued with my 'Nothing to do in Thailand' theme before returning to Bangkok. I was apprehensive about coming to Bangkok, but I ended up meeting up with a couple of the guys I meet before the Full Moon Party. It proved to be a fantastic stay in Bangkok and got to see some cool things. We had a Thai Spirit Guide - Tan (said with a Brit accent so more like 'Tarn') - who took us to some awesome little local places. My fave night was definitely when she took us to see some local ska bands play. They were awesome, and I only wished my camera was working to video it. The band was great, and the crowd awesome. I'm thinking they don't get many westerners in there, as when they saw us, they would come over to do a 'cheers' and then dance with us. It was such a nice difference to see compared with the pushy thai's on the street making their wage. "Tuk Tuk miss? Where you go?" My other highlight from Bangkok was the Zoo. God I love zoo's and it proved very entertaining. Right Dom?
Anyhows, I shouldn't really be spending my last hours in an internet cafe. So instead I sign off from Bangkok, and will update again when back in Seoul. I will also attempt to get some photos on here.
Overall though, a fantastic trip. Travelling by myself was great, and I met some great people. Yeah, that was definitely the best part of this trip.
To those I meet on this Thailand Holiday - thanks heaps for an awesome time. Arohanui and travel safe xx
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Nothing to do in Thailand.
The daily mantra continues. Everyday the above thought 'Nothing to do in Thailand' features at least 10 times. It's fantastic.
Touch down in Thailand was just under 2 weeks ago, but feeling as though it was at least 4. The chilled out, relaxed and slow holiday I was hoping for has been an absolute success thus far.
I flew straight down to Koh Samui and met up with Becky and Gemma. AWESOME to see Becky and just as awesome to get to know Gemma really well. Especially after our few days on Bottle Beach by ourselves. Bottle Beach Revelations 2008. They were, ah, revealing. Yeah.
We also met up with James who I had met in Seoul, and Denis, who James met while trying to negotiate Bangkok with limited success. Our random little crew of 5 missioned over to Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan. My absolute fave place from last years travels.
The extent of activities on Bottle Beach was limited. Frisbee, Connect Four, eating, drinking, swimming and sunbathing. Oh and of course maximum Hammock Time. For such a random group of people, to stay in such an isolated place, we had an awesome time.
Cue: Big shout out to the Bottle Beach Crew 2008. See photo below.
(Okay. So check this space later. Im having a few issues with the computer. And an incredibly annoying bug. ugh.)
Koh Toa was the next destination for James and I. I didn't come here last year so was looking forward to seeing something new. And I love it! I think it is officially my favorite island. Its gorgeous, so quiet, chilled out, and so scenic. If not a little too romantic. We did a lot more of what we did at Bottle Beach but also hired quad bikes and went exploring (read: lost) all around the island. Was probably one of my favorite days so far, but probably because it reminds of the missions you do around New Zealand. But not so tropical, and less Palm Trees, no Nemo fish or coconuts.
I have still got another 2 weeks to go, with minimal plans still. I am probably going to head back to Bottle Beach I know that much. I have to spend a few days in Bangkok at the end sorting out my new visa also.
My highlight so far has probably been the chance to hang out with people who aren't from New Zealand. I love Kiwi's, we're a special breed, but it has been great meeting people from different place etc. Which has fueled along my revelations of Bottle Beach. That and Gemma. Love Gemma.
Not yet willing to expose the revelations, but I know they will be put into place ASAP when I get back to Korea and in a better place to organise myself. But this is just another space to watch.
Well, banana shakes to be drunken, Singha's to be consumed and a Massamum Curry to be demolished.
Peace from the South East
Touch down in Thailand was just under 2 weeks ago, but feeling as though it was at least 4. The chilled out, relaxed and slow holiday I was hoping for has been an absolute success thus far.
I flew straight down to Koh Samui and met up with Becky and Gemma. AWESOME to see Becky and just as awesome to get to know Gemma really well. Especially after our few days on Bottle Beach by ourselves. Bottle Beach Revelations 2008. They were, ah, revealing. Yeah.
We also met up with James who I had met in Seoul, and Denis, who James met while trying to negotiate Bangkok with limited success. Our random little crew of 5 missioned over to Bottle Beach on Koh Phangan. My absolute fave place from last years travels.
The extent of activities on Bottle Beach was limited. Frisbee, Connect Four, eating, drinking, swimming and sunbathing. Oh and of course maximum Hammock Time. For such a random group of people, to stay in such an isolated place, we had an awesome time.
Cue: Big shout out to the Bottle Beach Crew 2008. See photo below.
(Okay. So check this space later. Im having a few issues with the computer. And an incredibly annoying bug. ugh.)
Koh Toa was the next destination for James and I. I didn't come here last year so was looking forward to seeing something new. And I love it! I think it is officially my favorite island. Its gorgeous, so quiet, chilled out, and so scenic. If not a little too romantic. We did a lot more of what we did at Bottle Beach but also hired quad bikes and went exploring (read: lost) all around the island. Was probably one of my favorite days so far, but probably because it reminds of the missions you do around New Zealand. But not so tropical, and less Palm Trees, no Nemo fish or coconuts.
I have still got another 2 weeks to go, with minimal plans still. I am probably going to head back to Bottle Beach I know that much. I have to spend a few days in Bangkok at the end sorting out my new visa also.
My highlight so far has probably been the chance to hang out with people who aren't from New Zealand. I love Kiwi's, we're a special breed, but it has been great meeting people from different place etc. Which has fueled along my revelations of Bottle Beach. That and Gemma. Love Gemma.
Not yet willing to expose the revelations, but I know they will be put into place ASAP when I get back to Korea and in a better place to organise myself. But this is just another space to watch.
Well, banana shakes to be drunken, Singha's to be consumed and a Massamum Curry to be demolished.
Peace from the South East
Monday, June 30, 2008
I made it
I'm currently unemployed, homeless and going to Thailand in 3 days.
Life is good. Life is good.
Yesterday was my last day at CLS, said my good-byes to the kidlets, farewell to Jen, and gave a half-hearted hug to Kwonny. That was a little weird.
I've moved out of my little whare, scattered my belongings around friends houses and crashing on a bed base (surprisingly comfortable) at a friends old apartment where another homeless friend is also staying.
I've removed my watch, had a great sleep in and embracing holiday mode. I'm giving Holiday Mode somewhat of a bear hug. It's been too long.
I got a few errands and the like to do around Seoul for the next few days and so will be fairly busy perhaps. I am on the International Touch Seoul Committee which is organising an International Tournament in September. I'm really stoked I am in the committee, and it's nice to do something that requires effort from me that isn't all about me. Such a weird and odd event for me these days. But as I am away for the next month I have got to do some work for that before I leave.
My plans for Thailand are vague at best at the moment, which is kind of how I want them to go. To begin with though I get in on Friday afternoon, and am then going to head straight down to Koh Samui to meet Becky. Am so super excited about catching up with that one. I've got 5 days with her before she flies out. I am also meeting another friend there, who has been studying here in Seoul. It is looking like Thailand could be rather random.
Before I leave though, I am signing a new contract. Feeling a little nervous about it all, but I know I don't really want to be leaving Korea yet either. Although after my holiday it could be a little different.
Anyhows, just wanted to drop a quick line seen the end of CLS, Kwonny and all dramas has arrived. I know its been a long time since I have written, but hopefully now that things have calmed down I will be able to write some more stuff.
Sorry Matt, I tried not to be dramatic or over the top in this posting. Hope my writing was up to standard this time. Punknuts.
Life is good. Life is good.
Yesterday was my last day at CLS, said my good-byes to the kidlets, farewell to Jen, and gave a half-hearted hug to Kwonny. That was a little weird.
I've moved out of my little whare, scattered my belongings around friends houses and crashing on a bed base (surprisingly comfortable) at a friends old apartment where another homeless friend is also staying.
I've removed my watch, had a great sleep in and embracing holiday mode. I'm giving Holiday Mode somewhat of a bear hug. It's been too long.
I got a few errands and the like to do around Seoul for the next few days and so will be fairly busy perhaps. I am on the International Touch Seoul Committee which is organising an International Tournament in September. I'm really stoked I am in the committee, and it's nice to do something that requires effort from me that isn't all about me. Such a weird and odd event for me these days. But as I am away for the next month I have got to do some work for that before I leave.
My plans for Thailand are vague at best at the moment, which is kind of how I want them to go. To begin with though I get in on Friday afternoon, and am then going to head straight down to Koh Samui to meet Becky. Am so super excited about catching up with that one. I've got 5 days with her before she flies out. I am also meeting another friend there, who has been studying here in Seoul. It is looking like Thailand could be rather random.
Before I leave though, I am signing a new contract. Feeling a little nervous about it all, but I know I don't really want to be leaving Korea yet either. Although after my holiday it could be a little different.
Anyhows, just wanted to drop a quick line seen the end of CLS, Kwonny and all dramas has arrived. I know its been a long time since I have written, but hopefully now that things have calmed down I will be able to write some more stuff.
Sorry Matt, I tried not to be dramatic or over the top in this posting. Hope my writing was up to standard this time. Punknuts.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wise words from a favorite friend....
"I think that Wednesday is the new Friday and Thursday is the old Friday and Friday is the original Friday- we need more Fridays in our life."
- the response I got from Ro Clark when I enquired as to her hung over state on a working Thursday. Drinking on Wednesday nights - Little early for the week? Apprantely not. Love your work Ro xx
- the response I got from Ro Clark when I enquired as to her hung over state on a working Thursday. Drinking on Wednesday nights - Little early for the week? Apprantely not. Love your work Ro xx
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Quick Update
My last entry was pretty dramatic and so I thought I would offer just a brief update on things right now. I would write more - but I can't really be arsed. I have spent far too much time on the computer lately tapping away at the keys.
Anyhows, yes still at work. It's still painful. Kwonny is still a bitch. But, I do now have my favorite kindy kid all day as opposed to just my afternoon class. And his english is pretty good, so it means I can actually almost hold some sort of a conversation during the day. Well, depending on what you consider a conversation with a three and a half year old to be. But, he also definitely helps the standard of the class along as well. Leader of the pack to some extent. Am thinking of taking in my camera and getting some footage of my kindy kids over the next few weeks.
Am heading south down to Busan this weekend for 3 days of surfing. ASSABIYO! Can't wait to get back to the beach, and in the water. Will let you know how the actual surfing goes. Am super excited though.
Once I get back I only 3 weeks left at school. YES!
And Rat and Kate are visiting next weekend. AWESOME!
The week after I got another touch tournament in Gumi. Where ever that is. YEYA!
The week after that I got a wedding. And will be celebrating ten times over as Monday will be last day at work.... Can't even think of a big-enough-excitement-word to convey those feelings. !!!!!!!!!!
Am applying for more jobs over here. Admin is still as painful as it was last time I did it. But yes, it will all be worth it.
Right. That's all I can be bothered with. Once I get my resume sorted, and all my admin sorted, I'll start posting more worthwhile entries.
Until then team, rest easy.
Arohanui to all xx
Anyhows, yes still at work. It's still painful. Kwonny is still a bitch. But, I do now have my favorite kindy kid all day as opposed to just my afternoon class. And his english is pretty good, so it means I can actually almost hold some sort of a conversation during the day. Well, depending on what you consider a conversation with a three and a half year old to be. But, he also definitely helps the standard of the class along as well. Leader of the pack to some extent. Am thinking of taking in my camera and getting some footage of my kindy kids over the next few weeks.
Am heading south down to Busan this weekend for 3 days of surfing. ASSABIYO! Can't wait to get back to the beach, and in the water. Will let you know how the actual surfing goes. Am super excited though.
Once I get back I only 3 weeks left at school. YES!
And Rat and Kate are visiting next weekend. AWESOME!
The week after I got another touch tournament in Gumi. Where ever that is. YEYA!
The week after that I got a wedding. And will be celebrating ten times over as Monday will be last day at work.... Can't even think of a big-enough-excitement-word to convey those feelings. !!!!!!!!!!
Am applying for more jobs over here. Admin is still as painful as it was last time I did it. But yes, it will all be worth it.
Right. That's all I can be bothered with. Once I get my resume sorted, and all my admin sorted, I'll start posting more worthwhile entries.
Until then team, rest easy.
Arohanui to all xx
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
DJ Festival, Doek Joek Do... and then I got fired.
So it's been an interesting month for me, May has. It started off with promise and joy, with plans and holidays. It was visioned to lead me into a sweet, smooth countdown to the end of my contract. This last week though has been a sharp jolting turnaround in expectations with the boss firing me after my holiday. Then, due to some threatening of legal action I was rehired. It is debatable as to whether I am thankful, grateful, fortunate or even remotely happy about being back at CLS. Let's recount my month so far.
01.05.2008 Thursday
Pay Day. Its worthy of a mention. I countdown to it every month. And this one arrived one day before my holiday began. Noice!
02.05.2008 Friday
Last day at school. 12 days kid free!
03.05.2008 Saturday - DJ Festival begins.
The day began out at CJ's rooftop for some brunch and delicious Strawberry Daiquiris. It was a scorcher day, good vibes and some great team outfits. We had team singlets 'Minga Massive in Seoul', with our nicknames and country of origin on the back. See photo.
From Anyang, to the train, to a bus, to the campsite, we arrived for two days and two nights of music, shows and workshops. We set up camp, drunk some more and than donned the outfits for the night time activities. Full-body animal suits. Yours truly a monkey. See video.
The animal suits were fantastic! Super, super warm. Ultra comfy. Heaps of fun. Great conversation starter. And excellent for spotting your friends in a crowd of thousands of people. That momentary panic of 'Oh god, I just lost everyone' is quickly replaced with, 'wait no, there goes a frog! Schweet!' DJ Festival was full of some very fun times and some great quotes. I do think Westie was the one to out do all. It was a consistently hilarious 'Westie Show' throughout the whole weekend.
06.05.2008 Tuesday
My day to catch up on sleep, pack and get ready for the next mission. Doek Joek Do. My favourite place in South Korea to date. Slept too much though, ended up incredibly disorganised and very late to Jihee's farewell dinner. Dammit. Holiday mode snuck up on me before I knew it.
07.05.2008 Wednesday TO DOEK JOEK DO!!
Wednesday started early with a mission, with a lot of gear, out to Incheon Port and on to Doek Joek Do. Personally I was incredibly impressed that CJ and I managed to get out to the Port with time to spare and not a single problem. We even managed to buy things such as a torch and bottle opener at the shops opposite the Port. On the boat we meet Captain Kim who organised us a Taxi round to Seopori Beach where we were camping. Things were sailing smoothly. (Yes, I employed a terrible pun just then.) Things were off to a great start. We got the tent up, played some Frisbee, chilled out and had some beer. Life was grand.
08.05.2008 Thursday
Smooth sailing prevails to some problems. There are no shops on the island open. We didn't take any food over, didn't have any water, and our nourishment for day 2 consisted of Snakes Alive lollies, about 3 slices of bread and some tomatoes. After going for a 40 minute run up to the pagoda and getting back down to the beach in some hot sunshine - water was needed. Badly. We walked around Seopori Beach but no shops were open. And no mimbups/hotels had any food. Because it wasn't 'summer' nothing was opened Monday to Friday. Yikes.
Cut a long story short: One restaurant would open for us at night and close as soon as we finished. This meant we had to buy beer and water for all of the next day. We did not take into consideration however the possibility of us getting incredibly drunk one night (in our animal costumes) on red wine and drinking all the water we had. And then to wake up incredibly hung over. Cue my massive power chuck on the beach. Noice.
10.05.2008 Saturday
The rest of the crew arrives. WITH FOOD! And also alot of other people. Which bought the end to our solitude on the beach. But all good, impact players are great. Had some solid times in the sun playing Cricket, Touch, Volleyball and good old Cups. A great Frisbee game. Other events that featured; Backwards running race and Three legged race.
11.05.2008 Sunday and My Birthday
Welcomed my birthday in at midnight down on the beach sitting around a bonfire. It was sweet times. Sunday morning bought on a great breakfast brunch, more sunshine, and more alcohol. The day breezed past with joyous fun. I had the best birthday. Seriously. I am really glad I stuck around for my birthday now, because I know it was the only birthday I will have in Korea. And it was a great way to spend the day with all of my favourite and best mates over here. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.
12.05.2008 Monday
Last day on Doek Joek Do. It was a long and drawn out return to Seoul. And a little weird to be back in my own company.
13.05.2008 Tuesday
My last day on holiday. I had dedicated the day to unpacking and writing my resume to apply for more jobs over here. It was actually a draining thing to do.. well, more so than usual. Mainly because I am in a bit of a weird head space at the moment about coming back. Should I? Shouldn't I? What should I do? What do I want to do? What's more important? I think you'll be getting the picture by now.
Got my resume done.
And then Kwonny called.
"We don't need you to come into work tomorrow. We have replacement teacher. Children miss you, they confused, you leave, you come back and then you leave again. Very hard on children. We must think of the children. We found replacement teacher, she observed last week. Yes, she very good. So no, no need to come to work tomorrow."
Cue: full body shakes, swearing, arguing, demands, a thorough read of my contract, emails sent, meeting demanded.
Demands: Pay me out or legal action.
Result post 2 hour meeting:
1) They would not pay me out. Not even to the end of May. Cheap bastards. Clearly it isn't the children they are thinking about. It was a satisfying comment to finish the meeting on.
2) After myself and my recruiter threatening legal action, I am finishing my contract under certain conditions. These being the following; 'you must be happier, no talking to teachers. Nooo, you must say no, I cannot talk to you if they start speaking to them. And you must not drink. And no friends at your house. You must have meetings away from house. You are a teacher. Yes. Very important.'
21.05.2008 Wednesday. Today.
And so now I wake every morning, dreading work more and find Monday to Friday all a little too depressing at the moment. Any desire and motivation to do anything that would benefit the school has gone. Which has included all my preparation work and lesson plans which results in some boring classes for both me and the children.
Weekends are being lived for even more. The countdown is down to 'working days' and at a total of only 27.
5.5 weeks. 27 working days. And then what???
01.05.2008 Thursday
Pay Day. Its worthy of a mention. I countdown to it every month. And this one arrived one day before my holiday began. Noice!
02.05.2008 Friday
Last day at school. 12 days kid free!
03.05.2008 Saturday - DJ Festival begins.
The day began out at CJ's rooftop for some brunch and delicious Strawberry Daiquiris. It was a scorcher day, good vibes and some great team outfits. We had team singlets 'Minga Massive in Seoul', with our nicknames and country of origin on the back. See photo.
From Anyang, to the train, to a bus, to the campsite, we arrived for two days and two nights of music, shows and workshops. We set up camp, drunk some more and than donned the outfits for the night time activities. Full-body animal suits. Yours truly a monkey. See video.
The animal suits were fantastic! Super, super warm. Ultra comfy. Heaps of fun. Great conversation starter. And excellent for spotting your friends in a crowd of thousands of people. That momentary panic of 'Oh god, I just lost everyone' is quickly replaced with, 'wait no, there goes a frog! Schweet!' DJ Festival was full of some very fun times and some great quotes. I do think Westie was the one to out do all. It was a consistently hilarious 'Westie Show' throughout the whole weekend.
06.05.2008 Tuesday
My day to catch up on sleep, pack and get ready for the next mission. Doek Joek Do. My favourite place in South Korea to date. Slept too much though, ended up incredibly disorganised and very late to Jihee's farewell dinner. Dammit. Holiday mode snuck up on me before I knew it.
07.05.2008 Wednesday TO DOEK JOEK DO!!
Wednesday started early with a mission, with a lot of gear, out to Incheon Port and on to Doek Joek Do. Personally I was incredibly impressed that CJ and I managed to get out to the Port with time to spare and not a single problem. We even managed to buy things such as a torch and bottle opener at the shops opposite the Port. On the boat we meet Captain Kim who organised us a Taxi round to Seopori Beach where we were camping. Things were sailing smoothly. (Yes, I employed a terrible pun just then.) Things were off to a great start. We got the tent up, played some Frisbee, chilled out and had some beer. Life was grand.
08.05.2008 Thursday
Smooth sailing prevails to some problems. There are no shops on the island open. We didn't take any food over, didn't have any water, and our nourishment for day 2 consisted of Snakes Alive lollies, about 3 slices of bread and some tomatoes. After going for a 40 minute run up to the pagoda and getting back down to the beach in some hot sunshine - water was needed. Badly. We walked around Seopori Beach but no shops were open. And no mimbups/hotels had any food. Because it wasn't 'summer' nothing was opened Monday to Friday. Yikes.
Cut a long story short: One restaurant would open for us at night and close as soon as we finished. This meant we had to buy beer and water for all of the next day. We did not take into consideration however the possibility of us getting incredibly drunk one night (in our animal costumes) on red wine and drinking all the water we had. And then to wake up incredibly hung over. Cue my massive power chuck on the beach. Noice.
10.05.2008 Saturday
The rest of the crew arrives. WITH FOOD! And also alot of other people. Which bought the end to our solitude on the beach. But all good, impact players are great. Had some solid times in the sun playing Cricket, Touch, Volleyball and good old Cups. A great Frisbee game. Other events that featured; Backwards running race and Three legged race.
11.05.2008 Sunday and My Birthday
Welcomed my birthday in at midnight down on the beach sitting around a bonfire. It was sweet times. Sunday morning bought on a great breakfast brunch, more sunshine, and more alcohol. The day breezed past with joyous fun. I had the best birthday. Seriously. I am really glad I stuck around for my birthday now, because I know it was the only birthday I will have in Korea. And it was a great way to spend the day with all of my favourite and best mates over here. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.
12.05.2008 Monday
Last day on Doek Joek Do. It was a long and drawn out return to Seoul. And a little weird to be back in my own company.
13.05.2008 Tuesday
My last day on holiday. I had dedicated the day to unpacking and writing my resume to apply for more jobs over here. It was actually a draining thing to do.. well, more so than usual. Mainly because I am in a bit of a weird head space at the moment about coming back. Should I? Shouldn't I? What should I do? What do I want to do? What's more important? I think you'll be getting the picture by now.
Got my resume done.
And then Kwonny called.
"We don't need you to come into work tomorrow. We have replacement teacher. Children miss you, they confused, you leave, you come back and then you leave again. Very hard on children. We must think of the children. We found replacement teacher, she observed last week. Yes, she very good. So no, no need to come to work tomorrow."
Cue: full body shakes, swearing, arguing, demands, a thorough read of my contract, emails sent, meeting demanded.
Demands: Pay me out or legal action.
Result post 2 hour meeting:
1) They would not pay me out. Not even to the end of May. Cheap bastards. Clearly it isn't the children they are thinking about. It was a satisfying comment to finish the meeting on.
2) After myself and my recruiter threatening legal action, I am finishing my contract under certain conditions. These being the following; 'you must be happier, no talking to teachers. Nooo, you must say no, I cannot talk to you if they start speaking to them. And you must not drink. And no friends at your house. You must have meetings away from house. You are a teacher. Yes. Very important.'
21.05.2008 Wednesday. Today.
And so now I wake every morning, dreading work more and find Monday to Friday all a little too depressing at the moment. Any desire and motivation to do anything that would benefit the school has gone. Which has included all my preparation work and lesson plans which results in some boring classes for both me and the children.
Weekends are being lived for even more. The countdown is down to 'working days' and at a total of only 27.
5.5 weeks. 27 working days. And then what???
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Touch Video
This video is by no means an indication of the level of Touch I am playing over here. At all.
I wish.
Found this video posted on the Korea Touch, Tag, Rugby website. Not even sure where it is being played - although I am thinking Australia. Maybe.
But hell, smooth moves, sweet passes, quick steps.
Cheeky passes, sailing dives, pace plus more.
I love the open move with the double whammy sidestep. And I definitely need to split as soon as I dump the ball. Anyhows... enjoy.
I wish.
Found this video posted on the Korea Touch, Tag, Rugby website. Not even sure where it is being played - although I am thinking Australia. Maybe.
But hell, smooth moves, sweet passes, quick steps.
Cheeky passes, sailing dives, pace plus more.
I love the open move with the double whammy sidestep. And I definitely need to split as soon as I dump the ball. Anyhows... enjoy.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Hong Kong Touch Tournament
But yes, Hong Kong. I know Barnaby Weir claims Wellington 'packs a lot of punch'. But Hong Kong packs some sort of an Asian-fighter-mega-karate-chop-punch. Plus more.
Heading to Hong Kong made me realise what, and how accustomed I have become to Seoul. Hong Kong was amazing. It's super modern, tall and skinny, beautiful, green, clean and feels relatively spacious despite the millions of elbows you bump on the street and the millions of high-rises that contribute to a glamorous show of a skyline. And did I mention it's modern? So modern. Beautifully modern. And everyone speaks English. Yet I continually tried to speak Korean. To the taxi drivers, shop keepers and generally anyone I met. I never realised how much basic korean I have adopted into my day-to-day life.
And there are SO many Westerners. Our first night there, Friday, we went to Lan Kwai Fong, which is an area full of western style bars and pubs, where punters spill out over on to the footpath and establish some sort of an informal street party. And it is loud, busy and FULL of westerners. It was the most foreigners I have seen in one place in yonks. The music was loud, the pubs were busy, and I could understand everyone's conversation and everyone could understand mine. The people watching was great but sadly I admit, I experienced some culture shock with the whole scene. Admittedly I was tired, originally hung over which quickly changed to drunk due to drinking on the plane and a little buzzed out. Or massively buzzed out if you want the details. But to be honest, it was all a little too much for me. So I stuck around for one beer, but only at Dad's request. I think he was a little disappointed that I suggested leaving. Poor form huh.
On our way home though we went to a 24 hour supermarket. Now, I have had numerous people comment on how one of the things that blow them away when they go home is the supermarket. The options and the variety numerous to say the least. I always thought that was a little weird but each to their own. But wowsa, going into that supermarket was like going into a toy store before Christmas. When 5 years old. "wow, salt n' vinegar chips" "oh my god, look at all the fruit" "MUESLI BARS!!!" "Greek salad?! Quiche. Awesome." "Check out all the cereal. Oh, and porridge." and my favourite... "Holy shit, they have pies!" I ate so much all weekend. I without a doubt put weight on while there.
The amount of beer we, or well I, drunk also added to this situation. And so cheap. At the 7-eleven, a tall can of Heineken cost around $1.50NZD. The cost of beer I have discovered, is an essential part of my travelling queries and stories.
Saturday bought on the reason for the trip, The Hong Kong Inter-Cities Touch Championships. It was a warm, smoggy day with an early start. The first thing I noticed when I got there - how fit all the women looked. And how hot their legs were. I definitely needed at least another month of training to feel up to scratch there. Damn them and their hot legs.
We unfortunately had our hardest game first against the Hong Kong Development Team which consisted of some very fit young people, with some smooth cuts, angles and a HK 7s team member with awesome dreads and mean pace. Yeah, he smoked us a couple of times. To be honest though, if we had come up against them second game round we probably could have taken the game. But in saying that they had the harder semi-final when we crossed pools.
Our next two games we took easily with some decent tries coming out in our second game. Smooth moves, dives and pace down the side line gave all 4 of our supporters something to cheer about. However when we crossed into the semi-final we bombed. Badly. Our game plan went out the window, our defence turned to custard and mouthing off at the ref's never helps anyone. Or their team. We should have won the game, but we let ourselves down and lost. My team mates heard me lose the guts at one team member in particularly and discovered the extent of my foul language and rage. I was left to my own company for at least a good 30 minutes post game, as everyone let me simmer down.
Once I got myself out of the bad mood though we moved onto some good times at the ground watching some of the best touch I have seen in years. The Beijing Team, which consists of two ex-NZ players, totally carved up and were smooth, effortless and entertaining while doing so. And although a mixed team they were entered in both the mixed grade and the Open Mens grade. The finals were played back-to-back and they won both. They were wicked. As the night progressed though our team proved just as entertaining with Loren treating us all to a streak across the soccer game that was being played at the end. Might I add, the dinner there was amazing that night.
The only bit of sight seeing I partook too (apart from just driving around in Taxi's and buses, which I think does still show you a bit) was the ferry we took from Jordon across to Won Chai. It was around 9ish at night so we were treated to some spectacular night time lights of the skyline. And it truly was beautiful. Again, the modernity and scale of the place really shone through.
Hong Kong is leagues ahead of Seoul and South Korea in terms of 'this day in age'. It is so well set up, full of money and business. If not a little 'the right place to be seen, with the right people, wearing the right clothes.' It would definitely be a great place to live, and I'm definitely thinking it would be an easier place to live than Seoul. Not too sure why I am trying to compare the places, they were always going to be leagues apart in similarities.
So Hong Kong on it's own accord...
Hong Kong is: food glorious food. Beautiful buildings. Tall; buildings, buses, trams and people. Skinny; buildings, buses, trams and people. Great urban landscaping. Great scenery. Huge. Colossal. Cramped. Allusion-ally spacious. Western. Rich. English advertising. Expensive advertising. Crowded. Busy. Surprisingly quiet. Awesome. Wicked. Great. A place I will definitely go back to.
I give Hong Kong two thumbs up. Would give it more if I could.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Quick, short and sharp. And young.
As some may have noticed from my status on Stalkbook, the countdown is over, and the fun indeed has begun.
The parentals have arrived, the working weeks are short and the adventures for the weekends are upon me. And aplenty.
Oh the grandness of life.
But yes, Maggie and The Nevster are here in Seoul. Have claimed my bed, and making their mark in my tiny one room apartment. Oh yes, we will be one tight family unit at the end of this little excursion. So far so good however. Beyond that, it's been awesome seeing them. And if anything they have surprised me immensely as to how much they have gone about their own things, how much they have researched and read up on the place, and how little they are looking at me for help/directions or an itinerary. Which is a good thing seen I have known for months about their arrival, and done nothing but discuss and talk to others about what they could possibly do. Yet neither organise, nor write down, a single thing. Except the Hong Kong trip, which although a surprise, and a large payment out of my pay packet - wasn't met with quite the enthusiastic response I was thinking I would get. Instead "You didn't. Really? I was quite looking forward to sitting at Soho by myself and having a few beers and listening to music." And that was the end of that discussion.
Yep, thrilled was not the response I got for the Hong Kong trip. Thrilled/love is what the response was for the local Soho bar though. However, I always knew it was going to be an absolute hit with Nevster. The first night we went there, Dad pretty much got kicked out of the place by Mum. And on the return walk home from dinner, again the foot was firmly planted down by mother as she stopped Dad from heading back up the random, narrow stairs to the sound of sweet, sweet music.
Thursday night, which IS the beginning to the weekend, brings a few friends into Seoul to have a few drinks and dinner with Ma and Pa. Should be fun times, and with Friday being the day we travel to Hong Kong it will mark the start of a great weekend.
So yes, a short working week it is. Work at the moment has taken a bit of a turn for the difference. I have been teaching a three and a half year old for the past two months one-on-one, which has been pretty cruisey. But, I have now acquired a new student, and a whooping 31 months old. When her mum told me her age, I actually questioned as to how many months are in a year. 31 months - anyone else finding that a little ridiculous to be sending a kid to learn English for 6 hours a day? As can be expected - she has the concentration of a 2 year old, doesn't know how to share, cries when things don't go her way, and to top it all off is a stroppy wee biatch. Today she threw a cup at me. Lucky for her, I have the reflexes of a turtle and she has terrible aim. It ended up hitting my 3 year old instead. At present, I'm not really liking her much. Way too much effort. And dare I remind you, I don't do effort.
For the next month though I have a 2 week holiday and 2 short weeks at work. Yeya. Next weekend we have the DJ Festival, then I head camping for a week with the crew. Oh the fun times to be had.
And to top off all this excitement. I got sun burnt in the weekend. Oh the tanning process has begun.
Hopefully I will be able to pass myself off as a Maori sometime soon. With something resembling a tan, combined with my sprint training hopefully resultingly resembling speed and pace, and with 7s training perhaps I will be able to pull of the sidestep and dummy to show up all those fools fo' shore.
Until then, peace out my niggas.
The parentals have arrived, the working weeks are short and the adventures for the weekends are upon me. And aplenty.
Oh the grandness of life.
But yes, Maggie and The Nevster are here in Seoul. Have claimed my bed, and making their mark in my tiny one room apartment. Oh yes, we will be one tight family unit at the end of this little excursion. So far so good however. Beyond that, it's been awesome seeing them. And if anything they have surprised me immensely as to how much they have gone about their own things, how much they have researched and read up on the place, and how little they are looking at me for help/directions or an itinerary. Which is a good thing seen I have known for months about their arrival, and done nothing but discuss and talk to others about what they could possibly do. Yet neither organise, nor write down, a single thing. Except the Hong Kong trip, which although a surprise, and a large payment out of my pay packet - wasn't met with quite the enthusiastic response I was thinking I would get. Instead "You didn't. Really? I was quite looking forward to sitting at Soho by myself and having a few beers and listening to music." And that was the end of that discussion.
Yep, thrilled was not the response I got for the Hong Kong trip. Thrilled/love is what the response was for the local Soho bar though. However, I always knew it was going to be an absolute hit with Nevster. The first night we went there, Dad pretty much got kicked out of the place by Mum. And on the return walk home from dinner, again the foot was firmly planted down by mother as she stopped Dad from heading back up the random, narrow stairs to the sound of sweet, sweet music.
Thursday night, which IS the beginning to the weekend, brings a few friends into Seoul to have a few drinks and dinner with Ma and Pa. Should be fun times, and with Friday being the day we travel to Hong Kong it will mark the start of a great weekend.
So yes, a short working week it is. Work at the moment has taken a bit of a turn for the difference. I have been teaching a three and a half year old for the past two months one-on-one, which has been pretty cruisey. But, I have now acquired a new student, and a whooping 31 months old. When her mum told me her age, I actually questioned as to how many months are in a year. 31 months - anyone else finding that a little ridiculous to be sending a kid to learn English for 6 hours a day? As can be expected - she has the concentration of a 2 year old, doesn't know how to share, cries when things don't go her way, and to top it all off is a stroppy wee biatch. Today she threw a cup at me. Lucky for her, I have the reflexes of a turtle and she has terrible aim. It ended up hitting my 3 year old instead. At present, I'm not really liking her much. Way too much effort. And dare I remind you, I don't do effort.
For the next month though I have a 2 week holiday and 2 short weeks at work. Yeya. Next weekend we have the DJ Festival, then I head camping for a week with the crew. Oh the fun times to be had.
And to top off all this excitement. I got sun burnt in the weekend. Oh the tanning process has begun.
Hopefully I will be able to pass myself off as a Maori sometime soon. With something resembling a tan, combined with my sprint training hopefully resultingly resembling speed and pace, and with 7s training perhaps I will be able to pull of the sidestep and dummy to show up all those fools fo' shore.
Until then, peace out my niggas.
Friday, April 11, 2008
My Tattoo
"Ka iri nga koa nui e runga i ahau"
2. One night stop overs to the UK and good old school friends. Awesome ones like Bronwyn. Nothing better than catching up with a school friend you haven't seen in years that you grew up with. Nothing makes you realise more, where you are from.
3. Good weather and Spring to have sprung. I am now understanding why so many Asian students at Otago University stood under the Cherry Blossom Trees and took photos.
5. Yeouido Park and the Hun River. The river is still brown, the air is still hazy with pollution, the grass isn't quite green, yet the weather is warm enough for us to all hang outside until 10pm at night to throw a rugby ball around. And a Frisbee. Not that I can throw a Frisbee. That doesn't make me happy. But I'm willing to work on it.
6. Knowing I only have 10 weeks left at CLS. And only 7 of them are full weeks. Catch you later Kwonny.
10. The fact that I'm happy, and realise I'm happy, makes me more happy. And resultingly, make me happier about the the rest of the year. As much as it is up in the air. And who the hell knows what I will end up doing.
... here's to the things that make me happy right now...
1. My crew in Korea. They rock. Totally rock. Massive, colossal, big ups to Fiona, Loren, Carla, Tom, Browna, Carla Dawson, Jase and Allie. They make the weekends amazing, make the weeks bearable and make this place awesomely livable.
2. One night stop overs to the UK and good old school friends. Awesome ones like Bronwyn. Nothing better than catching up with a school friend you haven't seen in years that you grew up with. Nothing makes you realise more, where you are from.3. Good weather and Spring to have sprung. I am now understanding why so many Asian students at Otago University stood under the Cherry Blossom Trees and took photos.4. Sports. Right about now... Touch and 7's. Touch and the upcoming trip to Hong Kong - hello motivation to actually get out there and train and run. 7's... it is a wonderful change to be able to play against girls (as opposed to Touch where we play against the guys due to being the only girls team) and carving up. Nothing better than winning. Not that I'm competitive or anything.
5. Yeouido Park and the Hun River. The river is still brown, the air is still hazy with pollution, the grass isn't quite green, yet the weather is warm enough for us to all hang outside until 10pm at night to throw a rugby ball around. And a Frisbee. Not that I can throw a Frisbee. That doesn't make me happy. But I'm willing to work on it. 6. Knowing I only have 10 weeks left at CLS. And only 7 of them are full weeks. Catch you later Kwonny.7. Only 1 weekend until Mum and Dad get here. Only 2 weekends until I go to Hong Kong for the Touch Tournament. Only 3 weekends until the DJ Festival weekend. And therefore only 3 weekends until I get 10 days off work. 10 DAYS WITHOUT KIDS. Which includes a 6 day camping trip to Doek Joek Do. With, an awesome crew, with wicked minga styles.
8. I found Museli Bars and Tim Tams at my local shop. What choc-o-holic wouldn't be happy with this simple fact.
9. My friends and family. Had a conversation tonight (yes a brief one seen it was about my feelings) that made me realise how much I still miss my friends. And how supportive and wicked they all are, despite you all choosing to live in places such as London. Why are you all there? The photos kill me. As for the family - I'm stoked they are all back in Aotearoa. They are the reason I want to go home.
10. The fact that I'm happy, and realise I'm happy, makes me more happy. And resultingly, make me happier about the the rest of the year. As much as it is up in the air. And who the hell knows what I will end up doing.Ka iri nga koa nui e runga i ahau... May happiness rest upon me.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
I hate umbrellas.
So the weather has definitely turned for the better. Well, in temperatures that is. Over the past week or so we have consistently made the high teens, and a couple of twenty-type numbers have even been reached.
Unfortunately, with this warmer weather comes the rain. And umbrellas. I strongly dislike umbrellas. And I have always attempted to avoid using them, although that isn't going so well over here.
Another thing I strongly dislike, and which is my biggest annoyance factor while living over here, is the MASSIVE lack of spatial awareness Koreans have. Walking the streets - usually at a faster pace than the normal high-heeled-wearing, arm-linking female Korean - is a frustrating ordeal for myself. As they negotiate the uneven footpath, in heels, with an apparent inability to walk without holding hands, or talking on their mobiles, they veer from side to side and leave you no option but to walk on the road. Which considering the way in which the motorcycles and scooters run the footpaths, it ain't that bad of an idea some times.
But life has got worse. Koreans with umbrellas.
Nothing is highlighting their lack of spatial awareness more. A mobile phone in one hand, that is linked to their friends arm, while holding their purse on the other hand and an umbrella... an extension of themselves. Hell, they can't even negotiate themselves as it is. Let alone a contraption that makes them taller and wider, with numerous metal spike-like ends.
Walking the streets of Seoul in fine weather is annoying. Walking the streets of Seoul with an umbrella is incredibly frustrating. Not to mention dangerous.
And then you run the streets of Seoul. In the rain.
It's like catching the rapid train to Rage Town. And I jumped on at the first stop.
Unfortunately, with this warmer weather comes the rain. And umbrellas. I strongly dislike umbrellas. And I have always attempted to avoid using them, although that isn't going so well over here.
Another thing I strongly dislike, and which is my biggest annoyance factor while living over here, is the MASSIVE lack of spatial awareness Koreans have. Walking the streets - usually at a faster pace than the normal high-heeled-wearing, arm-linking female Korean - is a frustrating ordeal for myself. As they negotiate the uneven footpath, in heels, with an apparent inability to walk without holding hands, or talking on their mobiles, they veer from side to side and leave you no option but to walk on the road. Which considering the way in which the motorcycles and scooters run the footpaths, it ain't that bad of an idea some times.
But life has got worse. Koreans with umbrellas.
Nothing is highlighting their lack of spatial awareness more. A mobile phone in one hand, that is linked to their friends arm, while holding their purse on the other hand and an umbrella... an extension of themselves. Hell, they can't even negotiate themselves as it is. Let alone a contraption that makes them taller and wider, with numerous metal spike-like ends.
Walking the streets of Seoul in fine weather is annoying. Walking the streets of Seoul with an umbrella is incredibly frustrating. Not to mention dangerous.
And then you run the streets of Seoul. In the rain.
It's like catching the rapid train to Rage Town. And I jumped on at the first stop.
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Death Star Cafeteria
Mentioning the 'Kwonny Death Stare' in my last post reminded me of 'The Death Star Cafeteria' video clip.
I LOVE this video. I have watched it at least 60 odd times. I think it is pure gold. And so it is time to share the wealth.
Thank you heaps BSP for sending it through. Enjoy.
I LOVE this video. I have watched it at least 60 odd times. I think it is pure gold. And so it is time to share the wealth.
Thank you heaps BSP for sending it through. Enjoy.
'Many Boyfriends'
There is a little something I need to clear up in regards to my last post. That being the comment, 'many boyfriends'.
Dare I remind you of whose blog you are reading. Mine. Kiri Haggart.
I have since been sent many emails enquiring into this 'many boyfriends' comment. And as my brother said it, 'What? Have you finally managed to pull a bloke Kiri?'. Or as Becky put it, ' Are you pashing up a storm?'.
No I haven't Matt. And No I am not Becky.
The comment made is in some sense, described below:
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends.
Me: Boyfriends? Um no, I don't even have one boyfriend?!
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends at your house. I pay for you. Not for your boyfriends.
Me: I don't have a boyfriend Ms. Kwon. I don't know what you are talking about.
Kwonny: I pay for you. Only you. No one else.
Me: Ms. Kwon, I am the only one living there. No one lives with me. And I don't have a boyfriend.
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends. Yes?
Me: No. I have friends who are boys. And they visit me WITH their girlfriends. But I do not have a boyfriend.
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends. And you drink much beer. And wine. No. You are a teacher. You must set a good example. Are you a teacher?
Me: Monday to Friday I am a teacher. (note: that answer did not sit well) But in the weekend I am not.
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends. You must not have people at your house. If you want to meet friends, you must not do at your house. You must have meeting elsewhere. No people at your house, I pay only for you.
In another fight that followed, she again asked if I was a teacher. This time I replied with, "Well, no, I'm not a teacher. I am simply a University Graduate whose first language is English. I am only a teacher here in Korea."
Oh the death stare I received. To which I gave straight back.
Welcome to my world. My teaching world. It exists only here in Korea, Monday to Friday.
Dare I remind you of whose blog you are reading. Mine. Kiri Haggart.
I have since been sent many emails enquiring into this 'many boyfriends' comment. And as my brother said it, 'What? Have you finally managed to pull a bloke Kiri?'. Or as Becky put it, ' Are you pashing up a storm?'.
No I haven't Matt. And No I am not Becky.
The comment made is in some sense, described below:
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends.
Me: Boyfriends? Um no, I don't even have one boyfriend?!
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends at your house. I pay for you. Not for your boyfriends.
Me: I don't have a boyfriend Ms. Kwon. I don't know what you are talking about.
Kwonny: I pay for you. Only you. No one else.
Me: Ms. Kwon, I am the only one living there. No one lives with me. And I don't have a boyfriend.
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends. Yes?
Me: No. I have friends who are boys. And they visit me WITH their girlfriends. But I do not have a boyfriend.
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends. And you drink much beer. And wine. No. You are a teacher. You must set a good example. Are you a teacher?
Me: Monday to Friday I am a teacher. (note: that answer did not sit well) But in the weekend I am not.
Kwonny: You have many boyfriends. You must not have people at your house. If you want to meet friends, you must not do at your house. You must have meeting elsewhere. No people at your house, I pay only for you.
In another fight that followed, she again asked if I was a teacher. This time I replied with, "Well, no, I'm not a teacher. I am simply a University Graduate whose first language is English. I am only a teacher here in Korea."
Oh the death stare I received. To which I gave straight back.
Welcome to my world. My teaching world. It exists only here in Korea, Monday to Friday.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Happy Easter, Happy Touch and Happy Travels
I'm not sure how it has happened but I've found myself at home, and running a little ahead of time. What better way to make me late than write a post? And what better way to make my shakes worse than make yet another coffee.
And yeah... I think my shakes have over all, got worse here in Korea. I really am 'Wiri'. (wiriwiri meaning 'shaky' in Maori)
Anyway, It is Easter weekend however, much like Christmas it does not feature at all over here. I wouldn't have even known it was that time already if it was not for all you dudes in the UK raving on about your awesome holiday destinations you got planned. Meh, I hope you all have a fantastic time skiing in France, or sightseeing in Portugal. Whatever.
Speaking of holidays and destinations... ahahaha... I'm sure most are aware that we had a touch tournament last weekend. My team, Seoul Sisters, is the only all girls team in the league but still play against the guys teams. Last year, every game, we got thrashed. It wasn't much fun. This year our team is SO much better. At the tournament we managed to score every game, win games and even make Plate Play Offs. Which we did lose, but a close game to our defence. But to be the only girls team playing against the boys, we are definitely managing to hold our own. It's great.
The good news from this tournament is that I was selected for a mixed team to represent South Korea to play in Hong Kong at the end of April. So I'm going to Hong Kong baby yeya.
The weekend after that tournament I fly to Laos to meet up with two of my best of the bestest friends, Harriet and Sam. Which also includes my birthday which I am super stoked about. And I simply cannot wait to see those two kids. It's going to be awesome.
When I arrive back in South Korea I will only have around 6 weeks left on my contract. Thank fuck. Pardon my language, but seriously my principal is so psycho, insulting, rude and Korean, she manages to reduce me to full on body shakes and tears of frustration. She has been incredibly close to several punches in the face. Her claims of my kiwi accent being 'an embarrassment to the school and her', her comments about my 'many boyfriends' 'much beer and wine drinking' and resulting banning me from having any friends at my flat, and banning me from talking to any of the teachers at school, requesting that I only communicate with them via written form, is beginning to push me over the edge.
I know for sure, I will NOT be signing another contract with CLS. What I am going to do I am not sure. I'm fairly confident I will stick around in Korea but with what work, and for how long, who knows. I say this now, fully knowing that with Mum and Dad visiting in a month or so, then seeing Spy and Sam, they will all be making various attempts to have me leave the ROK. And seeing them will definitely make it harder to stick around. I miss my friends, and family, a lot. Heaps. Seeing people from 'outside' Korea is definitely going to get my mind wandering even more so as to where else, and who else. As if it doesn't wander enough already.
It's the usual story with me and where the next destination is. The ideas are flowing, but the cash is not.
Happy Easter everyone. Safe travels and be safe.
And yeah... I think my shakes have over all, got worse here in Korea. I really am 'Wiri'. (wiriwiri meaning 'shaky' in Maori)
Anyway, It is Easter weekend however, much like Christmas it does not feature at all over here. I wouldn't have even known it was that time already if it was not for all you dudes in the UK raving on about your awesome holiday destinations you got planned. Meh, I hope you all have a fantastic time skiing in France, or sightseeing in Portugal. Whatever.
Speaking of holidays and destinations... ahahaha... I'm sure most are aware that we had a touch tournament last weekend. My team, Seoul Sisters, is the only all girls team in the league but still play against the guys teams. Last year, every game, we got thrashed. It wasn't much fun. This year our team is SO much better. At the tournament we managed to score every game, win games and even make Plate Play Offs. Which we did lose, but a close game to our defence. But to be the only girls team playing against the boys, we are definitely managing to hold our own. It's great.
The good news from this tournament is that I was selected for a mixed team to represent South Korea to play in Hong Kong at the end of April. So I'm going to Hong Kong baby yeya.
The weekend after that tournament I fly to Laos to meet up with two of my best of the bestest friends, Harriet and Sam. Which also includes my birthday which I am super stoked about. And I simply cannot wait to see those two kids. It's going to be awesome.
When I arrive back in South Korea I will only have around 6 weeks left on my contract. Thank fuck. Pardon my language, but seriously my principal is so psycho, insulting, rude and Korean, she manages to reduce me to full on body shakes and tears of frustration. She has been incredibly close to several punches in the face. Her claims of my kiwi accent being 'an embarrassment to the school and her', her comments about my 'many boyfriends' 'much beer and wine drinking' and resulting banning me from having any friends at my flat, and banning me from talking to any of the teachers at school, requesting that I only communicate with them via written form, is beginning to push me over the edge.
I know for sure, I will NOT be signing another contract with CLS. What I am going to do I am not sure. I'm fairly confident I will stick around in Korea but with what work, and for how long, who knows. I say this now, fully knowing that with Mum and Dad visiting in a month or so, then seeing Spy and Sam, they will all be making various attempts to have me leave the ROK. And seeing them will definitely make it harder to stick around. I miss my friends, and family, a lot. Heaps. Seeing people from 'outside' Korea is definitely going to get my mind wandering even more so as to where else, and who else. As if it doesn't wander enough already.
It's the usual story with me and where the next destination is. The ideas are flowing, but the cash is not.
Happy Easter everyone. Safe travels and be safe.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Soho
Soho, My local pub. Its amazing. The owner - Mr Lee. He's awesome. He has great taste in music. Let me attempt to paint some sort of a picture as to what Soho is.
Soho... you walk up a very narrow stairwell, by following the smallest neon light displaying its name, one even wonders as to what would draw you up that stairwell. But as you reach the door, and push on through, you are greeted with a bar that has a floor to ceiling bookshelf of vinyl records.
The place is tiny. In fact it only has three tables. Two which seat 4 people, the other - only 3 people, and the bar holds 4 bar stools. Yes, a total seating capacity of 11, perhaps 13 people should my memory be wrong.
The tables are positioned over three large windows that look down on the main street in front of Sookmyung Womens University. In a nutshell, it's great people watching and staring facilities.
Mr Lee is fantastic. He's got decent English to the point where he can hold basic conversations with me. He's welcoming, has always remembered my name, and has always shouted me a drink here and there. Or in the case of tonight, about five.
But tonight, wow. I love Soho.
When Rachel left, we started her farewell at Soho. And although we have a limited group of friends... numbering that night around 12 (yes, capacity full), I think it was possibly Mr Lee's busiest night. He was so sweet. He panicked, got a spare keg, moved the tables around, and also got confused thinking that both of us were leaving. This was around 3 weeks ago.
Tonight was the first night I went back. I walked in, did the 'yogiyo' call because he didn't see me, and then sat down at the bar. He turned around, gasped, panicked, freaked out... and eventually shook my hand. Followed by the usual comment... 'Where is Rachel?". I explained she left etc. But my god, I think I gave him the fright of his life, yet, made his night. Hopefully.
He then preceded to play all of my favorite songs. Time - Pink Floyd, Four Strong Winds - Neil Young, Stir it up - Bob Marley, Angie - Rolling Stones. Each song I gave a 'Yeya' too. He then pulled a long list of his fridge.... "I have always kept a list of the songs that you and Rachel always requested." Ohhhh, it was a sweet, sweet moment.
We started talking, and eventually we ended up doing a Korean lesson. Which lasted over at least 6 beers and a couple of hours, and numerous pages of notes. I think my local pub, that entails an awesome owner, with exceptional taste in music and cheap, occasionally free beer - just turned into my Korean exchange language partner. And hell, what a situation. Korean lessons for free, cheap beer (free every now and then) and amazing music. Life is good, oh life is good.
I do love Soho. Both Rach and I always have. And honestly - for those that know me, how much does it sound like 'me'? Could I have a better local? Seriously. I have managed to introduce it to my closest crew over here, but there are definitely a few other people that I know here that I reckon would love it. And I do aim to get them there for sure.
But in regards to my free Korean lessons tonight:
Na neum Soho reul jo a haeyo.
(subject to Korean translation to written English)
Soho rocks. So does Rachel. This post is definitely dedicated to you Rach.
Miss you. And love you.
P.S I'm definitely a little tipsy writing this. oops.
Soho... you walk up a very narrow stairwell, by following the smallest neon light displaying its name, one even wonders as to what would draw you up that stairwell. But as you reach the door, and push on through, you are greeted with a bar that has a floor to ceiling bookshelf of vinyl records.
The place is tiny. In fact it only has three tables. Two which seat 4 people, the other - only 3 people, and the bar holds 4 bar stools. Yes, a total seating capacity of 11, perhaps 13 people should my memory be wrong.
The tables are positioned over three large windows that look down on the main street in front of Sookmyung Womens University. In a nutshell, it's great people watching and staring facilities.
Mr Lee is fantastic. He's got decent English to the point where he can hold basic conversations with me. He's welcoming, has always remembered my name, and has always shouted me a drink here and there. Or in the case of tonight, about five.
But tonight, wow. I love Soho.
When Rachel left, we started her farewell at Soho. And although we have a limited group of friends... numbering that night around 12 (yes, capacity full), I think it was possibly Mr Lee's busiest night. He was so sweet. He panicked, got a spare keg, moved the tables around, and also got confused thinking that both of us were leaving. This was around 3 weeks ago.
Tonight was the first night I went back. I walked in, did the 'yogiyo' call because he didn't see me, and then sat down at the bar. He turned around, gasped, panicked, freaked out... and eventually shook my hand. Followed by the usual comment... 'Where is Rachel?". I explained she left etc. But my god, I think I gave him the fright of his life, yet, made his night. Hopefully.
He then preceded to play all of my favorite songs. Time - Pink Floyd, Four Strong Winds - Neil Young, Stir it up - Bob Marley, Angie - Rolling Stones. Each song I gave a 'Yeya' too. He then pulled a long list of his fridge.... "I have always kept a list of the songs that you and Rachel always requested." Ohhhh, it was a sweet, sweet moment.
We started talking, and eventually we ended up doing a Korean lesson. Which lasted over at least 6 beers and a couple of hours, and numerous pages of notes. I think my local pub, that entails an awesome owner, with exceptional taste in music and cheap, occasionally free beer - just turned into my Korean exchange language partner. And hell, what a situation. Korean lessons for free, cheap beer (free every now and then) and amazing music. Life is good, oh life is good.
I do love Soho. Both Rach and I always have. And honestly - for those that know me, how much does it sound like 'me'? Could I have a better local? Seriously. I have managed to introduce it to my closest crew over here, but there are definitely a few other people that I know here that I reckon would love it. And I do aim to get them there for sure.
But in regards to my free Korean lessons tonight:
Na neum Soho reul jo a haeyo.
(subject to Korean translation to written English)
Soho rocks. So does Rachel. This post is definitely dedicated to you Rach.
Miss you. And love you.
P.S I'm definitely a little tipsy writing this. oops.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Saturday Morning Sports and Summertime. Oh how grand is life.
Seriously, how grand does life seem when you realise that you really have escaped the claws of winter, and you can feel summer slowly shining its way back into your world.
It's pretty damn grand.
Especially after being in the clutches of the coldest winter you have ever experienced. Daily temperatures of -8 degrees. Experiencing -18 degrees with a wind chill factor added to that. I mean honestly, it's a little ridiculous and I didn't really need to learn that New Zealand is incredibly mild.
And yes, I have since learnt that places such as Canada get even colder (around -30 perhaps?), but just let me have my moan.
However, as Boarding was the Light of Winter, Sunshine and Warmth are the Light of Summer. And oh how I missed them!
The sunshine has arrived, with clear skies, weak warmth, (but warmth none-the-less) and double figured temperatures. Yes people, not only are we consistently making positive temperatures, we have made 11 degrees. Oh its time to celebrate.
And celebrate we have. Touch has began. Last weekend was the first practice/run around for the season. I was up at 8.30am, out of the house and strolling the streets of the Land of the Morning Calm in the beautiful sunshine. I played amongst some brown grass, bare trees, but I was wearing shorts and a short sleeve thermal. And I was hot. In temperature. By no means attractive as someone kindly pointed out last weekend. Hmmm, thanks Tom and Fiona.
Everyone who was down there was in good spirits, commenting on the weather and the turn out. I replied with "Saturday Morning Sports people, you simply can't beat it" and did a little jig. This was met with a few nervous smiles and small giggles. It was about then I missed Carla.. normally I kept the weird side of me hidden and only expose it too a select few. Slight slip up on my behalf. But I again caught myself about 30 minutes later.
I did a dive - of which resulted in a try might I add - but as I was running, or perhaps walking, back to the half way mark I noticed I had mud on my legs and clothes. To which I exclaimed, "Oh my god, Sunshine, Saturday Morning Sports and mud on my clothes. Yeya!". Followed by another small jig. "All I need now is a sporting injury". Perhaps you can sense my excitement at Touch and Sports and the arrival of summer. And my need to shut up sometimes.
I am sure living in the smelly, concrete jungle that is Seoul is what has influenced my incredible need to be in open space. Preferably grassy and green, with trees and birds, and with some attempt of serenity. Touch definitely helps. But also the crews energy and activeness also.
Saturday Sports Day are a large part of summer here, and last week we held our first one for the year. At Yongsan Family Park, the crew arrived to watch the Touch practice to then follow on with Frisbee games and beer. It was awesome. Fiona was even in bare feet.
Anyway, summer time has arrived. With sports and promises of outdoor adventures, festivals and holidays. Bring on Doek Joek Do, DJ Festival, Flow Festival and Mud Festival. Bring it all on.
It's my turn in the sun. Bring on summer.
It's pretty damn grand.
Especially after being in the clutches of the coldest winter you have ever experienced. Daily temperatures of -8 degrees. Experiencing -18 degrees with a wind chill factor added to that. I mean honestly, it's a little ridiculous and I didn't really need to learn that New Zealand is incredibly mild.
And yes, I have since learnt that places such as Canada get even colder (around -30 perhaps?), but just let me have my moan.
However, as Boarding was the Light of Winter, Sunshine and Warmth are the Light of Summer. And oh how I missed them!
The sunshine has arrived, with clear skies, weak warmth, (but warmth none-the-less) and double figured temperatures. Yes people, not only are we consistently making positive temperatures, we have made 11 degrees. Oh its time to celebrate.
And celebrate we have. Touch has began. Last weekend was the first practice/run around for the season. I was up at 8.30am, out of the house and strolling the streets of the Land of the Morning Calm in the beautiful sunshine. I played amongst some brown grass, bare trees, but I was wearing shorts and a short sleeve thermal. And I was hot. In temperature. By no means attractive as someone kindly pointed out last weekend. Hmmm, thanks Tom and Fiona.
Everyone who was down there was in good spirits, commenting on the weather and the turn out. I replied with "Saturday Morning Sports people, you simply can't beat it" and did a little jig. This was met with a few nervous smiles and small giggles. It was about then I missed Carla.. normally I kept the weird side of me hidden and only expose it too a select few. Slight slip up on my behalf. But I again caught myself about 30 minutes later.
I did a dive - of which resulted in a try might I add - but as I was running, or perhaps walking, back to the half way mark I noticed I had mud on my legs and clothes. To which I exclaimed, "Oh my god, Sunshine, Saturday Morning Sports and mud on my clothes. Yeya!". Followed by another small jig. "All I need now is a sporting injury". Perhaps you can sense my excitement at Touch and Sports and the arrival of summer. And my need to shut up sometimes.
I am sure living in the smelly, concrete jungle that is Seoul is what has influenced my incredible need to be in open space. Preferably grassy and green, with trees and birds, and with some attempt of serenity. Touch definitely helps. But also the crews energy and activeness also.
Saturday Sports Day are a large part of summer here, and last week we held our first one for the year. At Yongsan Family Park, the crew arrived to watch the Touch practice to then follow on with Frisbee games and beer. It was awesome. Fiona was even in bare feet.
Anyway, summer time has arrived. With sports and promises of outdoor adventures, festivals and holidays. Bring on Doek Joek Do, DJ Festival, Flow Festival and Mud Festival. Bring it all on.
It's my turn in the sun. Bring on summer.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ode to my Sheep Class
"We are Sheep Class!We are awesome!
We are strong!
We aren't babies,
We don't cry.
We are Sheep Class!
We are awesome."
That's right, Sheep Class. So far to date, in my limited teaching career - the BEST class I have ever had to teach. They absolutely rocked and thankfully have influenced my minor turn around in my attitude towards teaching. Unfortunately, with the arrival of the new semester, and the end of winter, it means I no longer have the joy of teaching these little kidlets anymore. Boo.
And so, here is my Ode to my Sheep Class.
Okay, well, actually, there is nothing lyrical, therefore Ode-like, about this post, but here is my 'Big Ups' to my fave little kidlets.
A couple of the kids I ended up teaching for around 5 or 6 months perhaps. When they first arrived they had minimal english. They could say 'Hello', would perhaps understand 'How are you?' or 'What is your name?', but generally knew nothing. This often could result in some frustrating moments as you refuse to let them leave the room, thinking they are just being little shites, when actually they are screaming at you "Hwajangshil!" which I have since learnt, means 'toilet'. It was a little touch and go sometimes.
However, I finally managed to get their English to a stage where we could hold basic conversations. And conduct a whole lesson with no Korean spoken. Sounds like a minor thing, but to remember how little these kids knew, and now what they understand, is amazing. And god it made teaching fun.
With their improvement in English, came the opportunity for their humor to shine. And boy did they shine. And oh the games we played. And oh the laughs we had. And good god, the stupid things I taught them.
The chant up written above was what I taught them in hope it would stop the younger ones from crying and throwing hissy fits. I used to make them chant it, with actions, probably around 4 times a day. And they got shockingly into it. With the introduction of this chant though, I came to realise that they couldn't really pronounce 'Sheep' properly. They for some reason would always miss the pronunciation of the 'p' at the end. And resultingly would say/scream: "We are She Class!" The unfortunate part of this is that 'she' means 'pee' in Korean. Opps. I am no longer allowed to call my current class 'Sheep Class'.
Other mindless things I taught them, and loved listening to them shout back at me, are:
Me: Who rocks the party that rocks the party?Children: We rock the party that rocks the party!
This provided me with endless entertainment. As I would indicate the beat of the chant with my hands, which they depicted as dance moves. This meant that the class all ended up doing what looked like black-homie-rap-type dance moves. It was hilarious to watch when they all got into it.
And for you Aussies out there:
Teacher: Look at moiiiee. Look at moie.
In true Cath and Kim accents. And Yes, the kids eventually started doing this back to me when I had my back to them doing something and ignoring their 'Teacherrr. Teacheerrrr!' yells. It sure as hell got my attention. And I sure as hell did turn around and look at them after that.
Also, the classic chant - Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy. Oi, Oi, Oi!
I know its not really English but in Korean they yell, 'Yah', and I would always yell 'Oi' at them. And for some strange reason a couple of them would always yell back 'cucumber' and then bend over in the giggles. Little did I realise that 'Oi' is infact cucumber in Korean. When I realised this I also laughed, and came to appreciate the little jokes they were making at my expense.
One of my favorite kids is Lance. I have been teaching him for around 6 months now and he is awesome. I love him, he's so funny. And he has the best laugh. He opens his whole mouth up, throws his head back and totally loses it. And when he's really cracking up, he throws in the knee slap for good effect. Or table slap should he be sitting down. And he's super ticklish, and as soon as you even begin to tickle him, he throws himself, stomuch first, down on the floor and just screams with laughter. Its hilarious and so much fun. But one day when I was watching a DVD with the kids, he came and crawled onto my lap. I patted him on his head and said "Oh hello my Little One" he turned around, hugged me, and replied with "Hello my Big One". It was sooo cute. And I'm scared as to how happy that made me. Does make me.
Here is a picture of me and My Little One, Lance. My other favorite kidlet is Jennifer. Who is incidently, Lance's best friend. Might I add, god they can fight. But Jennifer, although a little stroppy, is hilarious. And bascially treats me as a Jungle Gym. At any given moment, she will jump on my back, sit on my knee, climb on my shoulders, climb into my lap, hang off my arms or just wrap herself around my waist. Her favorite thing to do is instead of calling me "Teacher Kiri", is too come up with different names for me. For example, "Teacher Monkey, hahahaha" or "Teacher Elephant, hahahaha". Lately, I have just started to finish teaching at 5.30 but stay at school until 6.30, and she does also as she waits for her brother. Jennifer has now turned into quite the little teacher, and as I potter about doing whatever Teachers are meant to be doing, she follows me around with a set of flashcards asking in a twisted kiwi/korean accent "What is it?" "What color is it?" and with each correct answer, I get the flashcard to keep. And boy, does she lose it when I get it wrong. But again, just an indication of how much she has learnt. Its great.
Here is a picture of Me and Teacher Jennifer. (wish you could see her awesome Winnie the Pooh slippers)
But, yes unfortunately, a new semester has started and I choose to give my little kidlets up in order to teach the babies. Yeah, 3 year olds. Its a little different. But I think I will always look back on Sheep Class and realise that some joy does come out of teaching. These kids rocked. Totally rocked. I still get to hang out with them at school. And as stupid as it sounds, it brings me sooo much joy listening to them ask every morning when they arrive "Teacher Kiri! Sheep Class? Me, Sheep Class?" To which I reply, "Sorry guys, you've grown up and gone to a big class now". Their response, "Oh, noooo." And they point to me and say "Me, in Teacher Kiri's class."
But, yes unfortunately, a new semester has started and I choose to give my little kidlets up in order to teach the babies. Yeah, 3 year olds. Its a little different. But I think I will always look back on Sheep Class and realise that some joy does come out of teaching. These kids rocked. Totally rocked. I still get to hang out with them at school. And as stupid as it sounds, it brings me sooo much joy listening to them ask every morning when they arrive "Teacher Kiri! Sheep Class? Me, Sheep Class?" To which I reply, "Sorry guys, you've grown up and gone to a big class now". Their response, "Oh, noooo." And they point to me and say "Me, in Teacher Kiri's class." And I'm grateful I had such a good class. After hating teaching for 6 months, it was super-duper rewarding to finally get to that stage where the kids have improved so much, that it makes teaching that much easier. And more fun for all.
Here are a few more photos of our various activities at school.
Getting ready for Duck, Duck, Goose.
Jennifers Birthday.
And FYI - Birthdays aren't celebrated over here, everyone turns one year older at New Years. Little Jennifer didn't even know it was her birthday. How sad huh.
Taking the kids down the Chocolate and Cookie aisle at the supermarket. It was a little stressful.
"One, Two, Three - Strike a pose"
Another random thing I taught them for a laugh.
I Love Sheep Class. They feckin rock.
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