Never Again

Remember last summer and the summer before that, when I had awesome field trips with my staff - great bonding, lots of drinking, singing and food.  Well, its' that time of year again err kind of, except this time it's winter not summer, anyway you get the idea.  A few weeks ago, we had our end of the year teachers field trip, 1박 2일 [1 night, 2 days].  I really think I got spoiled the first year because we had an awesome trip, almost everyone participated, we saw some sights, ate good food, sang, danced, drank and even swam;  on top of all that I even avoided having a hangover the next day.  Last winter our trip was snowed out so I'm not sure what exactly I missed out on, then this past summer we had a mediocre trip, food, drinking and signing but not quite like the year before.  All of this combined I wasn't really sure what was in store for me this winter but I was still looking forward to it regardless, until I found out half the teachers would either be driving themselves and leaving early, or simply not attending. 

Well, That was Interesting

Since my time in Korea is winding down (more on that later) I decided to start working on my Korean bucket list, you know the things that one "must do" while in Korea.  I've been talking about doing a temple stay since I first arrived in Korea, but for some reason kept putting it off.  About a month ago my vice principal walked over to my desk and handed me a packet of papers saying "umm if you're interested you can do" and then disappeared (he's sneaky like that).  I'm not sure if he can read minds (or maybe he spies on me?) because I had literally been searching for a temple stay that morning, and what he handed me was an application for a free temple stay at Jikj temple in Gimcheon.  I've been to this temple once before, with my dad and really enjoyed the scenery and beauty of the mountain setting.  The temple stay program is one of the most popular in this area so seeing as I hadn't yet made plans for that weekend I decided to apply, after all it was  free so I had nothing to lose. 

직지사 

Weekday Getaway

Despite the fact that I thought November would be a long month (only one scheduled day off for the Korean SAT and our school festival) I've been blessed with some extra surprises. Last week was the annual EPIK trip which I was lucky enough to join this year, giving me an extra two days off school, creating a nice little 4-day weekend.  The bi-annual trips are open to all EPIK teachers, however preference is given to those that have been here over a year (have renewed their contract) and received a positive recommendation from their school.  I was happy to hear that many of my friends, both from Buksam and my original orientation class would be joining for the adventure, although I had some reservations about spending 24+ hours with 150 foreigners, I guess I've gotten used to my isolation on the farm. Honestly the best part of the trip, in my opinion, was that I didn't have to go to school for two days. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and don't mind coming to school everyday, but the students seem to be in a slump with an insurmountable need for sleep, not ideal teaching conditions. So yes, I greeted the opportunity to wander Korea for two days with open arms, even if it did require my wearing a name tag.  

Woryeong bridge, Nakdong river and golden Ginko trees

School's Out for Summer

Last week we had our annual, end of summer faculty “workshop” which was once again, a success.  I remember last year when I was asked if I would join the workshop I wasn’t really sure what my response should be. Umm workshop? Well that sounds like, work.  I soon came to learn that’s just another term for ‘field trip’, I soon came to discover they have many of these such names: college students go on “MT’s”, students go on ‘picnics’ and staff/businessmen ‘workshops’.  All are considered to be a good bonding experience but none of which require work, if you know Korean culture at all you’ll know what’s coming next – the bonding that happens is, of course, over soju and beer. 

Hands down favorite picture from the trip

And the Fun Goes On

After the previous nights excitement and now two nights of fitful sleep, waking on Wednesday morning was admittedly a bit difficult.  I decided to forego breakfast (much to the dismay of my roommates),  giving me more time to get ready and enjoy some peace and quiet.  I knew i'd make it through the day after seeing the surplus of snacks the day before, so I passed on the morning kimchi. We were out the door again by 8 and ready for another day of fun throughout the island. 

Touring the Island

Tuesday morning came way too fast with a wake up call blasting through the PA system - music included.  Breakfast was being served at 7am and I knew if I didn't go people would question what was wrong - why aren't you eating. As much as I give myself credit for adapting to the culture here, Kimchi at 7am is still not okay with me.  I shuffled through the line and chose some of the milder options - bean sprouts, fish cake and soup - it entertained me that there were leftover french fries from the previous nights dinner also up for grabs. 

Before long we were out the door and loading up the buses for a day of adventure. I was given a schedule before we left (all in Korean) but per usual our plans had changed - same destinations but all out of order. Thankfully that didn't matter much to me, I was just along for the ride. Our first stop was a beautiful coastal walk at a place I can't remember (or was never told) the name of.  Basically it was time to hear the students complaining that their legs were tired and it was too hot ~ not a good sign for the rest of the trip. Aside from the beautiful views and walking we took numerous pictures, the boys were hilarious (and gullible) as I got them believing my boyfriend was back in Buksam at my house while I was on this trip. I'm hoping these guys continue to talk to me back in the school setting because they were a blast to spend time with in Jeju ~ their true colors were definitely showing. 

This may be my new fan club 

Field Trippin'

So as I've mentioned multiple times, my school is awesome - I love the students, my co-teachers are helpful (most of the time) and my administration adores me. Last week I had the privilege to accompany the second grade students on their annual trip to Jeju-do, also known as the "Island of the Gods" and a popular tourist destination for Koreans and foreigners alike. Many teachers told me it wouldn't  be fun because I was touring with the students and wouldn't be able to see what I wanted on the island - okay fair enough, but let's consider the following: 1) I wouldn't have to come to school or teach for those four days 2) I'm going to Jeju (regardless of what I see the islands beautiful) 3) I get time to bond with the 2nd graders outside of the classroom and 4) Did I mention the principal wasn't making me pay?  - um yeah i'm not complaining.

Seoul Surprises

This past weekend I had plans to travel to Seoul with Sara so she could scope out the location of where she'll be taking the GRE next month.  I knew that I didn't have classes on Friday and found out Thursday night (from one of my students, 이장희) it was because my second graders were going to Seoul for the day to tour Seoul National University. As I approached school Friday morning it dawned on me that I should have asked to go with, scoring myself a free ride since I was already planning to be there for the weekend, oh well too late.  Or was it?

I sat down at my desk and seconds later my phone was ringing, it was the principal telling me I should come with "hurry, we're going to Seoul now".  I tried explaining that I needed my backpack since I wanted to stay for the weekend, but there was some info. lost in translation.  With the help of one of the English teachers it was arranged that I could run home, grab my stuff and they would wait for me to leave. Score! This is where my planning ahead totally pays off, I had thankfully laid out what I planned to pack for the weekend so I was able to throw it all together fairly quickly.  10 minutes later instead of sitting at my desk drinking coffee and catching up on emails I was on my way to Seoul.

Middle School

When you're living abroad facebook starts to become more important than checking out random friends pictures of food and drunken nights out.  Here it's used as a resource for teaching, living and working.  A few weeks ago I came across a post asking for native english teachers to help out with a middle school overnight field trip.  I emailed the guy, got some more information and figured why not? So last Saturday I found myself on the way to Daegu with Sara (who I dragged into this) for an overnight field trip with 30 middle school students.  We were sent the itinerary in advance (even in English this time!) but still weren't quite sure what we were in for. The up side - they decided they'd pay us even though it was originally supposed to be a volunteer position.

Play Time

To cap off the end of the semester and beginning of summer break (well that's a lie because i'm the only one getting a break, the rest of the staff and students will be at school for the next month) we had a teachers "workshop" which seems to have been poorly translated cuz really it's was a field trip.  Thursday morning we had a half day at school, packed up the bus with loads of food, beer and of course soju and made our way to...? Yeah, I had no idea where we were going or what we would be doing.  I tried to get some more information but this is all I came away with: 

Me: "So what are we doing to do on this trip?"
Math Teacher: "Oh probably drink, and eat, but mostly just drink"
Me: "Well what else, like activities"
Math Teacher: "Maybe cards or some games, but we will drink" 

Me: "Is there anything special I should bring for the trip?"
Co-T: "The school uniform for a picture, and extra clothes the boys will probably throw you in the water"   

Well okay then, bring clothes and my liver...got it.  I did get a copy of the itinerary but it was in Korean and google translate was no help at all.  I should also note my main co-teacher would not be making the trip do to being ready to burst (8 1/2 months pregnant) so some of the other teachers told me they were worried for me, who would I talk to?  Umm did they forget we have like 8 English teachers at our school and the principal LOVES practicing his English with me.  

Teacher - Picture!

The past week hasn't been all that exciting. After spending St. Paddy's weekend in Daegu with some friends I caught the cold that's floating around Korea. I figured water and sleep would be my cure, and I was right, until I decided it was a good idea to go out on Friday.

I would've been fine had I made my way home that night, however this was not the case.  I decided to stay out with my friends Son and Em, until eh maybe 3am.  The 12 hours between 8pm Friday and 8am Saturday were somewhat of a blur which included walking around in cold wind and rain - not what my cold asked for.  Once home, at around 9:30am saturday,  after my lovely bus ride (would be sarcasm except for the fact that I called Shane and got to talk to him for the first time since seeing him in Nashville so it was bearable) it was back to bed.  I slept on and off for a majority of the day until it was time to meet Delarey (South African who lives in my town) for a round of screen golf.  It's a little hard to get used to, or at least that's what i'm blaming my +45 score on.  By 8 o'clock I was exhausted, my throat hurt and I could barely talk so I was ready to call it a night.Sunday - Wednesday I decided to give myself adequate time to recover. Luckily my 2nd graders were on a field trip all week (to Jeju Island - lucky ducks) so I had more time to relax.  Good thing too because today was field trip day!  Half the first grade students were going to Pohang and half to Mungyeong, with me joining the latter group.

Class 1-7

I think I might have messed up because I was supposed to be going with one of my co-teachers and her class (1-2) but I got on the bus with the Math teacher and his class (1-7).  It wasn't a mistake as 1-2 was just playing games all day and 1-7 was going to a coal museum, riding rail cars and theeen playing games for the rest of the day.  We started at the coal museum which I never really caught the name of. The kids basically ran through the museum part of the place and moved on to the outdoor area where we proceeded to take pictures and play some old school games.  

 

Around 11 it was time to leave and head to the next destination, we were off to ride old fashion rail cars.  I really had no idea what that meant but sounded fun. There's really no way to describe it so i'll let the pictures do the talking. A nice man was giving us instructions, for a good mmmh 3 minutes? The only thing I understood was that the lever next to me was the break for my car - and that's only because of the lovely student seated to my left. I hope the rest of what he said wasn't too important considering I couldn't understan a damn word.

After our ride - which was actually a lot of work, it was time for lunch. We drove for close to a half an hour before arriving at what I thought was our rest stop for lunch.  All of the students got off the bus carrying their Kimbap and various other snacks they had packed.  No one told me to bring a lunch, but thankfully my co-teachers are like angels sent from Heaven.  They take care of me like a lost puppy found on the side of the road.  So, we start walking up this winding road (mind you were in the middle of a mountain).  After passing multiple restaurants and picnic areas I begin to wonder where the F we're going.  

By this point I was a bit peeved, I thought we were breaking for lunch, not climbing a mountain. Then again, I was wondering what the driver and teacher were announcing to the students for a good 5 minutes before we got off the bus. Maybe they were explaining this journey we were about to embark on, but no one felt it necessary to inform me so you know, when in Korea - roll with it.  Alas, a big stone with some crazy writing on it - no picnic tables, nah not even a garbage can, but this - this is where we are going to take a break for lunch.

So by this point I realized that I had no idea what the day held for me. I thought we were breaking for a quick lunch and then meeting up with class 1-2 to play "running man".  Nope, wrong again, we'd be playing right here, in the mountain.  Basically there's two teams, the "horses" and the "spys". Horses get like 5 minutes to run away and then the spies have to go find them - wearing bells on their shoes so that they knew we were coming (yes, I got to be a spy). 

Some of my favorite boys 

During the bus ride home I began wondering what class 1-2 and the students who went to Pohang did all day.  I realized that our field trip didn't seem to have much of a purpose, were they all this way?  Usually in the states your field trips coincide with something your studying, a cultural event, holiday, something.....didn't seem this way today.  I mean there was the coal museum, but I don't think one student stopped at an exhibit for more than 5 seconds - and that was just to snap a quick picture.  I feel like today really was just a play day, a break from the never ending hours these kids spend in the classroom.  Either way, I had fun and I hope they did too. 

Sorry that post was about 2209384 miles long - kind of how my day felt. It's 9pm and I'm ready for bed.  One more day and then it's off to Busan to see some family! I am so excited - I'll be meeting up with  Darren, Joan, Alivia, Claire and Adam for the weekend.  As Alivia said it will be a crazy day, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  

Lots of love, 

Stephanie