Spring is apparently here. Today's weather is glorious - not too hot, not too cold with brilliant sunshine and few clouds in sight. Such a change from the drizzle and sullen skies of home right now. Just back from the supermarket I walked through the apartment buildings which surround my area (and most areas in Korean cities). That route takes me past many children at almost every hour of the day, many whom I have taught/teach at my present workplace.
From time to time I get stares or acknowledgements accordingly. Often (younger) kids who have never seen me before or maybe even never seen a foreigner try to speak to me, either in Korean or English. Today was pretty normal and I said "hello" to those who tried to talk to me. A pair of young girls (maybe 8 or 9 years old) seemed giddy at seeing me and one of them plucked up the courage (I can see some of them actually thinking about doing it) and said in her best English, "Hello!". I replied "Hello", but in Korean - not difficult for me. Well this girl had never seen or heard anything like it. She said something like "Wuh wuh wuh wuh wuh wuh!" and then bumped into something on the street and fell over. She was so surprised to hear a foreigner actually speaking Korean. Funny to see such an honest reaction this has made my day.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Monday, 2 March 2009
Back to normality (sic)
Back at work today. Not much has changed, except for my new partner teacher who is male (a rarity for Korean English teachers in Academies) - I'm hoping all goes well there because it will make my life easier. It seemed like most of my students were happy to see me back (with one notable exception!). Whilst I did enjoy my time at home I do actually enjoy the process of being at work and interacting with people so in that sense it is nice to be back.
Today's also the first day of the new month (teaching wise) so this week there is no time for rest, with more preparation due than usual and also trying to figure out the names and abilities of some of my new students. Right now, I'm still experiencing some jet-lag and my sleep pattern is not settled yet. I woke up at 2pm today, almost unheard of for me lately. I have a busy next few days. No rest for the wicked. Plenty of coffee this week I think.
Today's also the first day of the new month (teaching wise) so this week there is no time for rest, with more preparation due than usual and also trying to figure out the names and abilities of some of my new students. Right now, I'm still experiencing some jet-lag and my sleep pattern is not settled yet. I woke up at 2pm today, almost unheard of for me lately. I have a busy next few days. No rest for the wicked. Plenty of coffee this week I think.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Liberation (of sorts)
At home for the week I'm having a good time with many changes to my daily schedule. It's good to get some fresh air and be surrounded by more nature than in Korea and also to be able to do many of the small things I can't often do. I'm also enjoying not being in the classroom for a while. Another thing that's different is the lack of a phone.
In Korea I always have my phone on and with me wherever I go. Having a poor command of the language means it's a necessity to be able to communicate with someone in my native tongue from time to time. Now it's harder to contact people or be contacted but the feeling is one of liberation. I dictate the terms of my day. No millstone round my neck. No expectancy or anticipation of receiving a message. No expectancy of a call or dependency on one.
Gone too is the feeling of irritation when someone takes an age to reply to a simple question or the bafflement of when someone prolongs a text 'conversation' with deliberate short messages such as "OK" or "Fine" when a brief phone call would suffice. Of course I need a phone but the feeling of being home is liberating, albeit a temporary one.
In Korea I always have my phone on and with me wherever I go. Having a poor command of the language means it's a necessity to be able to communicate with someone in my native tongue from time to time. Now it's harder to contact people or be contacted but the feeling is one of liberation. I dictate the terms of my day. No millstone round my neck. No expectancy or anticipation of receiving a message. No expectancy of a call or dependency on one.
Gone too is the feeling of irritation when someone takes an age to reply to a simple question or the bafflement of when someone prolongs a text 'conversation' with deliberate short messages such as "OK" or "Fine" when a brief phone call would suffice. Of course I need a phone but the feeling of being home is liberating, albeit a temporary one.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Reappraisal
Thank god I'm not a big fan of TV. Back home for the week there are many things to think about and many things to do, but right now at 9:30pm on Sunday night I'm staying in because I'm still jet lagged and all I can think about is how bad ITV is. No redeeming features (even the dire adverts are better than the programs). The program on now is Dancing On Ice (I think). If you don't know what it's about then good for you.
It's a fine example of the malaise of current British television. What a depressing thought it is that millions of people watch this and like it. The premise, 'talent' and execution are all of the lowest quality. What a sad reflection of my country. Could Alan Partridge's pitch for Monkey Tennis ever come true? It'd be a big improvement on this I'm pretty sure. A reappraisal of Korean TV is perhaps in order.
It's a fine example of the malaise of current British television. What a depressing thought it is that millions of people watch this and like it. The premise, 'talent' and execution are all of the lowest quality. What a sad reflection of my country. Could Alan Partridge's pitch for Monkey Tennis ever come true? It'd be a big improvement on this I'm pretty sure. A reappraisal of Korean TV is perhaps in order.
Friday, 20 February 2009
By the way
The boy who last week got caught cheating in his test, who then denied it and later apologised, yesterday I found him doing his homework in class - basically cheating again. I told him to erase it which he did, then during the break he did the homework again, and got caught out again and had retest again.
Not long now...
My last day at work today before my trip home, In fact my plane is set to depart exactly 24 hours from as I'm writing this. Needless to say I'm looking forward to being off this peninsula for a short while. I've had hardly any sleep at night this week and I'm starting to feel sleepy right now. Going to have to have a few coffees to pep me up in class.
Today's also my the last time I will see my partner teacher as she leaves one week from today, so by the time I am back I will have a new co-worker. In my current academy you share all your classes with just one Korean teacher (you're not in the room at the same time because you are teaching another class, which your partner then teaches). I couldn't have wished for a nicer more co-operative partner and I hope she enjoys her new life away from teaching. No big deal about getting someone new to work with, just that I'll have to sit next to her/him for the foreseeable future so someone interesting and talkative would do nicely. I just hope that things don't get switched around and I have to work with my nemesis. Fingers crossed.
Today's also my the last time I will see my partner teacher as she leaves one week from today, so by the time I am back I will have a new co-worker. In my current academy you share all your classes with just one Korean teacher (you're not in the room at the same time because you are teaching another class, which your partner then teaches). I couldn't have wished for a nicer more co-operative partner and I hope she enjoys her new life away from teaching. No big deal about getting someone new to work with, just that I'll have to sit next to her/him for the foreseeable future so someone interesting and talkative would do nicely. I just hope that things don't get switched around and I have to work with my nemesis. Fingers crossed.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Dozen. Currently my least favourite word
Today I had a check up at the doctor's who confirmed that I would need more injections. This time there would be injections on my right foot, whilst some additional ones to my left. I was prepared for more needles but anticipated only two or three, however the doctor had other plans. As the first injection went in he said, "Yeah, maybe a dozen today". I'm sure you can imagine how I felt. The pain isn't terrible but it isn't fun either. At the moment I am thankfully not in too much discomfort but there is a slight burning sensation and my feet are a bit itchy. It's better than two weeks ago but time will tell.
I certainly underestimated how many injections I had last time, so maybe in total I have had thirty on the soles of my feet, but perhaps that part of the treatment is over now. It would appear that the problem will not be cured as quickly as I had first hoped. Right now I feel that it may take three-four weeks to clear up. I wonder if it will affect my holiday or not.
I certainly underestimated how many injections I had last time, so maybe in total I have had thirty on the soles of my feet, but perhaps that part of the treatment is over now. It would appear that the problem will not be cured as quickly as I had first hoped. Right now I feel that it may take three-four weeks to clear up. I wonder if it will affect my holiday or not.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
6,900 ₩
Right now I'm enjoying a nice bottle of red wine. When I say nice, I of course mean the cheapest bottle I could find in the shop. It's going down very well thank you and I wish I had another if only to make me feel like I wasn't drinking the only alcohol left in the apartment.
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