Fear the Grape

Dear ajummas at the gym,
I see you everyday. Could you stop staring? I know I'm wearing a "vote for Tim Bivins" tshirt while sweating like a horse, and you are working it with your gold hoop earrings and glistening in the sunlight, but seriously stop.

I just spent an hour and a half avoiding this blog post because my mind is so blank..and I was finishing up the latest American Idol episode. I realized something the other day while I was watching the Grammy's here in Korea..I really like Ryan Seacrest. He always gets mocked on like every single late night show or even his own network, BUT he just seems like a stand up guy, and let's face it, he asks the questions you've been wondering in your head. I won't go on about my new found love for Mr. Seacrest, but I will say my very favorite American Idol contestant is that guy who looks like Seth Rogen and plays the bass.

Speaking of Seth Rogen, a couple of weeks ago, in my kid classes, they kept telling me they wanted to watch the movie, "Superbad" and I was like "whattttt? That is highly inappropriate for you." and they were like, "teacher, what is 'inappropriate'?" And then of course that led to an awkward/"they have no idea what I'm saying" explanation, BUT movie day rolled around and I decided a good movie to watch and answer questions about was "Despicable Me." 1) I still crack up even though I watch the same 15 min. movie clip for 4 classes, 2) I love hearing my youngest students just burst into giggle fits and 3) it's appropriate. Well, it turns out, "Superbad" and "Despicable Me" are one in the same. I guess if you think about it, "spic" in "Despicable" doesn't really roll right off the tongue, does it? So, I've learned Korea, sometimes, will take Western movies and change the titles...I know, I just saved your life by informing you of this fun fact ;)

Once again, Mrs. Nam was the comedian or "gag man" (what Koreans call comedians) of the week. Earlier in the week we were discussing what our fears were, and I got some pretty great answers from my adults. While I said one of my fears was North Korea, Mrs. Ko told us about her fear of mice and a whole 10 minute story of her fruitless hunt for a mouse in her bedroom only to find it the next day hiding in her clothes. She ended her story by saying, "mouse is my enemy." I tell you what, I would not want to be a mouse in Mrs. Ko's house right now. Some other fears were mosquitos, pigeons, worms, and they all came with good stories, but Mrs. Nam's fear was by far my very favorite.

Me: Mrs. Nam, how about you?
Mrs. Nam: grapes
Me: what? did you say grenades?
Mrs. Nam: no, grapes.
Me: WHAT? Please explain to us
Mrs. Nam: I read if you eat grapes, a tree will grow out of your head.
Me: (long pause) Mrs. Nam, that's not true.

Clearly, it was a classic Mrs. Nam moment.

Another interesting classroom conversation this week was the topic of "blood type." I've known about Korean's obsession with blood type for awhile, but I don't think I've shared it with you guys yet. So, we were all giving opinions in the evening adult class, and this student asked another student this, "do you mind me asking, what's your blood type?" And she was like, "It's O" and he says, "Oh, that explains your opinion." That sparked a big conversation on blood types and they were shocked/apallad to discover I don't even know my own blood type. Apparently, they believe blood type tells you alot about personality. One of the students said, "If I found out you were A B I would run out of here screaming." Unfortunately, this conversation came at the end of class and I wasn't able to really ask more questions about it, but I plan to do my own little research in the coming days. What I know so far is that every person in Korea knows his/her bloodtype. In school, they put students in groups depending on their blood type. And on top of killer good looks and double eyelids, another requirement for a future mate includes a certain blood type.

Anyhow, we've had some pretty interesting conversations this week, and I hope you weren't too bored reading through the post :) This coming week I'm going snowboarding on Tuesday (it's a random Korean holiday) AND two of the foreign teachers went on a vacation for a week so the schedule is all sorts of crazy. But I'll fill you in all of this in a week!

Oh and P.S. since Friday, I've officially been in Korea for 5 months!

Valentines and Vampires

Dear taxi driver who perms his hair,
My sincere apologies.

Valentine's Day kicked the week off, and I'm going to just come out and say that it was one of the best Valentine's Days I think I've had. Not only did I spend it with some of my favorite people here, but I wasn't constantly bombarded with reminders of my singleness.

I've noticed that holidays (and I know that's not the right term for Valentine's Day) are not as commercialized here. It's kind of nice and refreshing to not be bombarded with every tiny "holiday." Of course, I could have very well been surrounded by banners that read, "Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart" -author unknown or "Roses are Red Violets are blue..you are single, stinks to be you," or I could have daily walked by neon lighted signs that had some sort of countdown to Valentine's Day for the past 3 months, BUT that's the joy of living in a foreign country and not understanding a lick of the language.

Sorry, rabbit trail..So my Valentine's Day really was the highlight of the week. In Korea, apparently there is Valentine's Day, where the girl is supposed to get her boyfriend chocolate and there is White Day on March 14th, when the boy is supposed to get his girlfriend some sort of candy. I'll fill you in on all that after March 14 rolls around. Nonetheless, I actually got a good amount of chocolate.. some from my students, church members, and coworkers. It was a pleasant surprise. But the best thing about Valentine's Day was when one of my old students, Mrs. Ko, walked into class after being gone for a few months studying English in the States.

She took our class out to lunch and we ate and heard her stories and opinions of America. I told her to be honest, but she had all nice things to say. She said she loved that people said "hi" to each other even if they didn't know each other, the fact that people are friends with each other even if they aren't the same age, and she loved that people who were in wheelchairs led normal lives and were not ashamed of their condition. It was very interesting hearing about her trip..it really made me proud to be an American (cue music).

After work, Elizabeth and I went to a coffee house called Santa Rosa. Apparently, they have really good coffee, but we still don't know because we went straight for the waffles. Elizabeth had this chocolate waffle deal and I had this cheese waffle and a salad...I know, "cheese waffle?" I can't explain it, but it was perfect. The conversation was great, the food delish, and the taxi ride back unforgettable. We had to walk a ways to get a taxi but finally we waved down a taxi, and I said to Elizabeth before getting in "look at this a female taxi driver, you don't see that everyday." Then we jump in and after hearing a deep, "Anyeong haseyo" we realize it was a man with ridiculously puffy permed hair, and I just lost it, I could not stop giggling..Taxi drivers rarely understand where I tell them to go when I'm not having a laughing fit, so it was a miracle that he could even make out the name of my market through all my giggles.

The school week was very normal. I'm still having a good time with my kid classes. They are pretty clever sometimes. Like last week, I walked into one of the classes that is a group of eight 11 year olds and I say to them, "why does it always smell in here?" and one, very animated student says, "Teacher, you go on airplane, and then (insert airplane noises and hand motion) and then get off airplane in America and then (insert one deep sniff sound) and then get on airplane (insert airplane noises and hand motion) and then come back to school." This class if full of students who would rather make hand motions and noises than actually use their words, but sometimes it's fun..like charades.

Random: I was in the bank the other day and I saw this lady walk in with this tiny dog with his tiny hoodie, WITH his tiny winter coat, and I couldn't resist:


Lastly, I ended my work week with a little soup...blood soup that is. Well, I actually ordered something else, but Yogita and Jemal ordered it, and I decided I needed to try this "blood soup" just because I think I was due for another "first." Apparently, it's blood of animals boiled down, or cooked down into this tofu looking thing..I really don't know what I'm saying, and it tasted like air, so it wasn't too extreme, BUT now, I think I'm a solid candidate for at least an extra in the next Twilight movie.

The weekend was fun and relaxing. I was able to go on base with my friends Nick and Melanie, get some Taco Bell, Starbucks, and some much needed shampoo and orthodox..I know, weird combo. Later we ate pizza, played wii, and I finished the week off with the latest American Idol episode. I'm loving that guy who played the bass/cello looking thing. Hope your week has started off well..and oh yeah, the Packers still won the Superbowl :)

Subtitles Please

Dear Lotte Mart,
Thank you so much for all the free samples you dish out.

Considering the highlight of last week was going to Lotte Mart after work and eating all the samples I could get my hands on for dinner, you could say this blog entry might be a bit dull. But about the samples, what I love about Lotte Mart (It's equivalent to Walmart or a non bulk Sam's Club) is the free samples they give out every night (not just on Saturdays). They usually hook me with the samples too since I never can read what I'm buying. And they don't have the grumpy old women at the stands who take mental pictures of everyone and verbally punish those who try to get seconds.

Although the week was a down week, it was a really good one. My kid students were actually a lot of fun. I decided to really crack down on the kids speaking Korean in class. I first gave them a "yellow card" (warning) and then if they spoke in Korean a second time, I took a point away (if they have points at the end of the week they get to pick out of a prize bucket). So that little rule really quieted down the classes.

You remember Lina right? Well, she's in a class that has really shrunk in size. They split up the class, so now I have a half hour class with only two students. They are both 12 year old girls and they are both so goofy. This past week we were reading a story, and in the story the girl was wearing "ripped jeans." They were very curious about the word, "ripped." So they looked it up in their little electronic dictionary and the definition they read was "totally drunk," so of course that put them in a giggling frenzy. I set them straight, but the giggling was non stop for the rest of the class.

The week went by really fast. I went to the gym everyday last week. I feel like I stick out in the gym more than anywhere else in this city. But people are fairly nice. The other day, in the locker room, a nice older lady gave me a tangerine. A little random, but a very nice gesture. Also last week, the owner of the gym, who is in his 70's but looks like he's in his early 40's, was walking around the gym and he would always come to my station, stop, observe, and just nod his head. I awkwardly smiled at him and was inwardly proud of myself.

The weekend was very restful and somewhat exciting. On Saturday, Elizabeth, Stephanie, and I went to dinner at an Italian restaurant and then to a movie at the theater. We wanted to see the movie "Tangled" and it was playing here in 3D. Typically, movies that are Western are in English with Korean subtitles. So, we were very excited. We waited around after dinner, got our popcorn, that was actually really good and found our seats. At the theaters here, there is assigned seating. so I sat next to Stephanie and then a dad who was there with his two daughters. The crowd consisted of mostly little girls wearing these over sized 3D glasses. I was so excited. The movie began. The seats were comfy. The popcorn was delicious. The 3D was awesome. The glasses weren't geeky. The movie was all in Korean. The floors weren't sticky. scrreeeeeech...hold on..the movie was ALL in Korean. UGH!

At first we just looked at each other, and then I said out loud, "We need to get our money back." So I stood up, crawled over everybody and left. Stephanie and Elizabeth followed and unfortunately Stephanie didn't see the last step so she tripped and spilled half of our popcorn all over the little Korean girls in the front row. We all made it out alive and miraculously I was able to communicate with the people at the desk the situation. And after a few embarrassed laughs we were fully refunded and on our way back to the apt. It was quite the memory and yet another reminder that I really am in another country half way around the world.

"Tangled"...also available in Korean with no English subtitles

Stephanie, myself, and Elizabeth oblivious to what's about to happen

Well, I know it's not much, but there's not much to tell unless you want me to go on about how amazing the Packers are and how they are going to repeat next year. :) But seriously, I don't think I've dwelled enough on how the Packers WON the Superbowl! I was able to watch it on my T.V. at home with my parents through Skype. ahhhh Skype, you have done so much for me! Anyway, Happy Valentines Day to all and to all a good night (or good day depending on where you are.)

Hafa Adai from Guam!

Dear all Guamians,
Thank you so much for your hospitality and just being so friendly! You made my trip!

I'm afraid I don't have too much to say about Guam. We did fit alot into three days, but it was just so relaxing that I'm afraid I would bore you with details. Nonetheless, I have lots of pictures that I will just include at the end to keep you interested :)

Well, Tuesday morning I said my possible final goodbye to Lilly and left my apartment at 2:30 a.m. I took a bus from Gunsan to the airport in Incheon, boarded an hour and a half flight to Osaka Japan, and had a (wah wah wah) 9 hour layover...so me and my adventurous self decided leaving the airport was worth at least getting my passport stamped. Maybe it was my traumatic experience at the border in Canada, but I get so nervous when I talk to custom officers, my quick speech and nervous laughter definitely makes me look suspicious. But I made it out and back in just fine. I took a little bus ride to Rinku town shopping outlet mall. I just ate what I thought was some sort of Japanese food, walked around, but found that Japan is soooo expensive. So, sadly walked out of Gap and the Asics store empty-handed. I made my way back to the airport with plenty of time and finally at 9:30 p.m. boarded my flight to Guam. I got in around 1:30 a.m. and slept so great at Anita's house (my friend, Hwa Jeong's friend (Hwa Jeong was the bride).)

Wednesday morning I woke up already feeling refreshed. While I was gazing out the window at the amazing view of the Sea and the Reef that surrounds Guam, I saw something that totally confirmed I was in the right place for my vacation. I saw Anita let out their dog, Riley...the 2nd cutest Golden Retriever ever! So, that morning I took Riley for a little walk around the neighborhood. People would drive by and say, "hello," "hey there," "Hafa Adai" (which means hello in the native language of Guam). I felt a little bit of "reverse culture shock." I'm so used to just walking around Gunsan with my headphones in and my head down avoiding all eye contact with the little starring eyes of all my "fans." But I felt very welcomed, back in the land of the free!

Later Wednesday, Anita dropped me off at the beach where there was no shortage of beauty or men in speedos...and those two things are NOT one in the same. I had never seen water so blue and clear. The reef made it calm and clear and safe from sharks! So after my laying out, Anita joined me and we went snorkeling around the reef. We saw such beautiful fish. I really wish my camera was waterproof. Maybe I'll find the fish online and post pictures on my facebook later. Snorkeling was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Wednesday late afternoon after a much appreciated lunch and frosty from Wendy's, Anita took me to Two Lover's Point. It's this beautiful lookout over the Philippine Sea where a legend is told that two lovers who were not to marry because of their different ethnicities and could not bear marrying anyone else, tied their hair together and jumped off the cliff to their death. How original.

Wednesday night, we went to a village market where souvenirs are sold and good food is served. I got a few souvenirs for my coworkers and students and a free Guam sticker for myself.

Thursday was a more historical sightseeing day. I had no idea Guam has been through so much. From the Magellan landing to the Japanese invading to the Americans taking it over and numerous super typhoons, this little island has been through the fire. We saw a couple different Spanish forts and homes. Apparently the Spanish has a house dedicated solely to chocolate time..called the chocolate house. Who wants to have tea time when you can have chocolate time? Also on Thursday I spent a little more time at a beach and cafe reading the time away. Thursday night we had the rehearsal for the wedding and ate out at a Japanese restaurant called Benni's.

Friday rolled around and Anita, myself, and Alma (mother of the bride) went down south to pick some tropical flowers for the wedding decorations and leis. The flowers as you can see are so beautiful. While I was picking flowers from the tree, a gecko totally landed on my neck (PTL it missed my mouth which was wide open).

When I say we went "south" I mean we went 30 minutes away to the most southern tip of the island. The waist of Guam takes about 30 minutes to cross and from North to South I think it takes about an hour to travel. We did some more sightseeing in the South. I saw where Magellan first landed and met the Chamurros (native people of Guam) and I saw the small village where a super typhoon had destroyed most of it. After getting a second and savored lunch from Wendy's with a frosty of course, we were in route to the house when the itching set in. I don't know if I told you this, but I forgot to put sunscreen on my back the first day at the beach and that was a mistake. You could not possibly understand this itching unless you've experienced it yourself. You can't focus on anything, and you can't sit still for more than 2 seconds. I was reading online later about it and someone wrote, "it was worse than giving birth." After Anita graciously picked an Aloe leaf from outside (how cool is that that an aloe plant is just chillin in her back yard?) and squeezed the leaf over my tortured back, the itching subsided to some degree.

The couple getting married were getting married outside at a hotel right near the beach at sunset. It had been raining so the sunset wasn't magnificent but it was all still so beautiful. Anita, me, and others quickly decorated with the flowers we had picked and then enjoyed the ceremony and reception. So, the vacation was over early Saturday morning and I started the trek back to my little market. And after a plane ride, another layover, another plane ride, another bus ride, and a taxi ride I made it back to find Lily still alive and kicking.

The trip to Guam was so refreshing, relaxing, and exactly what I needed to get through these next 8 months. The diversity, the friendly spirit, the great company, Riley, Wendy's, etc was a much needed breath of fresh air!

Here's Riley during our walk...he filled the empty hole in my heart from missing Cami!
The Plumerias that I just can't get over!
Seriously, look at this water!
Fritters soaking up the sun and enjoying the view
Snorkeling the afternoon away


hanging out at Two Lover's Point

While at breakfast at Shirley's the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration was complete with some sort of dragon dance
These are supports from the indigenous houses of Guam..before the Spainards took over and forced "chocolate time" on everyone.
The smallest hermit crab I've ever seen!
Sunset in Guam
I need to do something with this picture
Where Magallen landed and was met by a bunch of grown men in G-strings
Protecting the island
The cakes!
Night of the wedding
The happy couple
Gettin' their cake kiss on!

And that's all folks. Oh yeah, I don't know if you've heard or anything, but the PACKERS are SUPERBOWL champs!!!!!!! Couldn't have started off my week better!