Comforts of Home...

This weekend I saw the likes of Songton, Seoul, and Budang. Friday night I was out in Songton, had my first experience at a norabong, which is karaoke, but you have your own room! Fun thing to do with a group of people. The night started with some Turkish food. The city we went to was a little over an hour from Anseong (not all that far but the bus took a little while), it is home to an army base and therefore surrounded by foreigner things. Saturday, I was off to Seoul for some american food in Iteawon and then some shopping - Korean style! I went with 2 of my friends and we walked around this great shopping area, tons of little shops. Some were great, with cute clothes that were cheap and others were very pricey. Most all of them only had a small selection of clothing and only 1 or 2 sizes for each item. So many shoe stores ranging from high class to super cheap but super cute! I found  a store that had everything for 19,000won. I only bought 1 pair but by that time I had quite a few bags and couldn't carry much more. I'll be back there soon! After shopping, a friend and I navigated our way from Seoul to Budang - which is just SE of Seoul but still on the subway system. Budang is home to 2 of my friends from WMU!!! Also, the person I went to see them with also went to WMU. It was great to have a college reunion in South Korea! We went out to a few foreigner bars, a dance club, and ended the night at a norabang!  Sunday included some Mexican food, a movie, and a bus ride in the snow back to Anseong! Good weekend, very busy!!


I have managed to meet tons of people so far. I have made friends with people in Seoul, I have friends from school near Seoul, made some friends in the next town over, and of course my friends here in Anseong. My social life has been rather vibrant! Much more then I expected!


This week at school, I started my 2nd camp, this one is the boys soccer team. There are 15 boys, all about 12 years old. Some are a bit talkative, nothing overwhelming... and nothing as tough as teaching in inner-city Houston!!! We only have 3 days left, the camp is only 1 week long. I have been giving the children participation points for answering questions and have told them the person with the most points will win a prize at the end of the week. I think it helps create some competition and keep them interested. Not to mention, my lessons are all on soccer and sports! 


I've been doing a cooking class at school, I guess I should call it a baking class. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that all we have made/are schedule to make are baked good. I really wanted to learn how to make some good Korean food! The baked goods have been pretty tasty, they use an abundance of butter here, and I really am not a fan of that. They are very particular with presentation of the foods though. Everything must look good!


Today, I had my first frustrating experience. I was told I could leave school at about 3pm, encouraged to leave... the bus that I would take home is supposed to run every 30min or so I thought. After an hour of wasting time in the cold, I went back to the school. My co-teacher spoke with some of the other teachers only to find out the busy only comes at 2:40 and 4:20, it does not make a stop at all during the 3pm hour. UGH! At least I know for next time... :)

Guess I Can't be a Picky Eater Anymore...

Since I got here I have tried so many new things... my motto has been just eat, don't ask. ;) Some of the things I've tried so far are: anchovies (yep whole little baby fish - bones, eyes, scales and all...) May different types of kimchi (fermented cabbage) its quite good in soup! Different cuts of beef and pork on the grill - cook it yourself at you table, tofu if often used in soups and served as a side, its one of my favs, bibimbap - dish with rice and veggies, kimbap - rice and veggies wrapped in seaweed like sushi, dried fish with sauce, dumpling soup, Jajangmyun - udan noodles with black bean paste (tasty but super fattening), pollock soup - which is a spicy fish broth with tofu, veggies and pollock fish in it (the fish is not cleaned like it would be in the states, its simply chopped into thick pieces and served with the scales and bones still intact). Shrimp that stare at you with their eyes and lots of mussels. Most of the dishes are spicy. They use a lot of chili's and this stuff called Hot and Spicy Paste. I have bought some of the spicy paste to cook with at home. When you eat at a restaurant you will get rice and many side dishes with whatever you order. Also, all long the streets are street vendors, which will sever different types of rice cakes, pancakes, meat on a stick, corn dogs, chips that are shaped like fish, and other finger foods. I've tried some of the rice cakes - quite good, they were shaped like little logs or baby sausage and in spicy sauce, similar in consistency as thin pasta sauce. 

<-- bibimbap Kimchi -->

<--Pollock Soup - Jajangmyun-->     

<- Dried squid --- Kimbap -->

<--Tofu soup  --  Korean BBQ-->

Beverage choices differ a bit from the states.. the only "diet" drink they have is Coke Zero, they do not have diet coke. Their coffee is very tasty, most Koreans drink this instant coffee thats served in individual packets and pre-mixed with sugars - it is very sweet and full of fat! Good thing they have black coffee available too. Coffee shops are very popular here, they will offer drip coffee served as an americano, cappuccinos, lattes... the downside to the tasty coffees is that they only use whole milk, not a chance you will be able to order a "Skinny" latte here. Also, most the coffee shops will offer some food: waffles with sweet toppings, bagels (or as they seem to spell it "bagles"), soft pretzels, and bread - not just any bread Honey Bread this is topped with whipped cream and a bit of chocolate or caramel syrup. Presentation is HUGE here, so even your latte with look pretty. Anseong has an array of coffee shops to choose from, they are very popular hangouts for both foreigners and Koreans.

Weekends are never long enough....

Yet another weekend! :)  The week finished up quickly, it was a good one. School is going well, my one class is great. The children are enjoying the lessons and participating quite a bit. Thursday night was girls night, we got together and watched this silly show: The Only Way is Essex, its like the British version of Jersey Shore, got a good kick out of it! 

I wish I could say this weekend was relaxing, however, it was anything but! Friday after the gym - far to cold to run outside - I went to the pool hall to hang out with the other foreigners in Anseong. There was quite a few people out, a few that I hadn't met before. Saturday, I finally found a place to get a massage, it was wonderful and necessary! I've had a growing knot on my shoulder since the plane ride. Did my shopping and spent the evening out in Hongdae, which is a part of Seoul. It was a fun time!! Hongdae is like a college town, I believe there is a university in the area. The crowd was a mix of foreigners and Koreans. Despite the freezing temps there was tons of people out and about for the night. I didn't bring my camera out since I usually have pretty bad luck with them, I think I'm on my 5th or 6th digital camera, eek! 

Back to work today.... should be a busy week, lots of planning to do at school for my next camp that begins next week. It will be sports themed since they are a soccer team. Lots of social outings as well! 

Soju = no-ju

This week has been very packed! I believe I've been up till 11 or 12 every night just busy with stuff to do! Monday, I made it to the gym for a run, swim, and short lifting session. I have completed my training schedule for my next marathon. Although, I really want to do the one in Australia on May 15th, I may have to pick another. We have class that week and I can't take days off that the students have class. However, the week before, the students are off... so I can take some time off then to go do a race. I believe there in one in Singapore that weekend :) I have my registration filled out for the Adidas 1/2 marathon in April! Can't wait for that race!!

Tuesday, after work and running to E-mart, I went out to dinner with my friends. A place they call Meat Palace, its Korean BBQ - buffet style. Not the highest of quality, but all the meat you can eat for 10,000Won. They had plenty of pork, a bit of beef and some very odd things like: chicken feet, pig intestine, gizzards, ewww! I tried this bamboo drink, it is a type of liqueur that has an apple like flavor, pretty tasty. After dinner we made our way through the snow to the pub for our quiz night. There I gave in and tried soju... they made me a glass of Soju and Cider. Easy on the taste buds... but a bit harsh the next day! I had the 1 drink and got suckered into a shot by loosing a round of categories. I paid for it on Wednesday, they all told me soju has a terrible after-effect. Needless to say, on Wednesday, I didn't make it for a workout. For some reason everyone drinks soju quite often, even though it makes you feel terrible the next day. I guess it's incredibly cheap - about 1,000won per bottle ($1)!! All I have to say is never-again!

Yesterday, I got back on track with the gym, cooked home made bibimbop, and went out for coffee night with the girls! I have been spending some time going through my maps/brochures on things to do in and around Seoul and the providence I live in. I managed to plan some day trips for hiking, going to indoor water parks, spas, and museums! I will have so much to do and see in the coming weeks! I am very anxious for it to warm up, it will be much better for all the day trips I have planned!!  

This morning, my alien card arrived! My one of my co-workers took me to open up my bank account! Hooray, I can get paid next week! And after work today, I will meet my co-teacher to get a cell phone :) I'm very excited for that, although it has been a breath of fresh air to not have a cell to be attached to for the last 2 weeks! 

1st Class - A Success!

Yesterday, I taught my first English class. Since this is a winter camp, the students can choose if they wish to take the class. I have only 6 students... the good kids of the school! There is 5 girls and 1 boy. The first thing we did was choose English names, some of them are Catholic and have an English name that was given to them already... other don't. My camp theme is Around the World. For 10 days we will learn different countries, languages, foods, dances, cultures, etc from all over the world. The first day was a big hit, they said they enjoyed it and I had participation from all the students. 

I do need some suggestions. Since the children are not graded in this class, I have assigned points to each activity we do. The person at the end of the camp with the most points will win a prize. I need some ideas on the prize?? I have some of these silly bands (which the girls will like), I figure I'll buy a little bit of Hershey's chocolate, but I need another prize to give.... suggestions please?!?!

My co-teacher gave me an Elementary Korean book to help me learn Korean. I also have the help of some of the teacher here. And... one of my foreigner friends pays about $10 per hour for Korean lessons in downtown Anseong, I might end up doing that, but so far between online, books, and my coworkers, I'm doing pretty well! :) I might also learn a bit of French while I'm here, a friend of mine is teaching another foreigner French (it was her major in college) so I'm going to get in on those lessons! The joys of learning.....

Oh boo, I just looked outside the teachers lounge window - its snowing. 

This city has Seoul!

Saturday after a late morning coffee with a friend, I was off to explore Seoul! I had no troubles getting there, it was rather simple, 2 bus rides. The second being an hour ride to the Express Bus Terminal where 3 lines of the subway system connect, a massive department store (like the big Macy's in Chicago), and the City Center build is. I spent a few hours walking though some of the Markets!   

There was ungodly amounts of clothes, shoes, fabric, socks, and food! After walking up an appetite, I took the subway over to Itaewon, a part of Seoul which is well known to foreigners. The main drag is filled with shops, street vendors (mostly selling knock-off sunglasses, wallets, clothes, socks, purses, etc), and lots of restaurants boasting of food from all over the world. I ducked into the Tennessee Pub and had a burger and diet coke! I haven't had any luck finding Diet Coke in the markets near me... only the E-Mart seems to have Coke Zero. 

The main strip also has 2 Starbucks... I was sure to have a Starbucks coffee!!! :) I didn't make it to any of the museums on this trip, but over the next year, I'm sure I will see them all! 

This past Friday, I signed up for a gym membership. I found a health club that has everything I need, pool, sauna, weights, treadmills, etc, so I can get back on track with my tri training. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather! I will be looking to purchase a road bike and start cycling! My next planned marathon is the weekend of May 14-15th in Australia!!! It's called The Great Ocean Road Marathon, near Melbourne. I can't wait :)

My Day Off

This morning, my co-teacher took me up to Suwon to turn in my paperwork to the immigration office, on the way home she asked me what I was going to to do for the rest of the day.... I was surpised to find out that I had the day off.

I had a very nice relaxing day... I went to a bath house, got nice and warm in the sauna and hot tub!! I managed to go out to eat at a Korean restaruant and order on my own! Then walked around Anseong and explored some more. I walked throught the street market, tons of street food and vendors selling clothes, fruit, fish, and veggies! I also made it out for a 3 mile run today! Great use of a day off work! This evening, coffee with the girls!

Last night, I met some more foreigners! Had some coffee, learned some more Korean words, and some more about the town. :)

Tomorrow is Friday, back to the lesson planning for 1 more day! This weekend should be exciting, I have a trip to Seoul planned.

Pub Quiz, Book Club, and Coffee Night - oh my!

Last night I went out for the Pub Quiz, it is done every Tuesday night at a local pub. Its just a little gathering of the foreigners, the winners from the previous week make up the questions for the current week's quiz. The players pay 2,000 won each and pair up to answer the questions. Winners get the pot of money and get to make up questions. Good fun! Great getting to know some of the native English speakers here in Anseong. I was also told that they are forming a book club! The book that they have all begun reading in Don Quixote. Also, every Thursday the girls of the group have started meeting for coffee. Either at someone's home or at one of the many coffee shops Anseong has to offer. 

Yesterday, I made it out for another bitter cold run.  The forecast is looking grim for the next week. Temps still not reaching above 0, I am looking forward to spring. I might scope out some of the other gym's in town to see if they have a steam room. I need that to keep warm! Plus a treadmill wouldn't be so bad on the very cold days.

Term of the day = Desk-warming - the term used to describe a public school teachers job in the winter time in South Korea. Since students are on vacation and there is just a few camps run in January, most of Dec - March are used to warm the desks. :)  (this is for the public schools only, in private schools the teachers are still working/teaching 8+ hours per day)


Here is the links to my pictures (in case you're not on facebook):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2544112&id=12104592&l=b8c6d8d52d
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2544406&id=12104592&l=27c17b5b7c
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2544647&id=12104592&l=2285366f08
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2545197&id=12104592&l=97451974a3

1st Day of School

Food, Glorious Food: My co-teacher took me to lunch Sunday. We went for Chinese, which is much different here then in the US. I ordered seafood, noodles, and veggies, the seafood was octopus, shrimp, mussel, and squid, different but good. I feel like I've had more octopus and squid in the last few days then I have my whole life! We had a plate of fried shrimp to share at the table, this was covered in spicy chili sauce, very good! I also tried the Chinese noodles with bean sauce, lacking a lot of flavor, but something I would order. For dinner I met one of the american's I met for some Korean! I had their traditional bibimbap dish, rice with veggies and spicy sauce. It came with some miso-like soup and all the sides (kim chi, broccoli, tofu, and anchovies.) For 4,000won it was very good and filling! 


Today was my first day at school. My co-teacher was kind enough to drive me. I met the vice principle and more of the teachers. They are all very nice. One of the teachers is going to teach myself, my co-teacher and a few others some recipes next week!! I am going to be helping them all learn English, since they want to learn. I spent my day making power points, reviewing the course book, and making lesson plans. I will have more of that to do all week! Next week I will have 1 class to teach, it will be a 2 week winter camp. When that class is over, I teach a 1 week camp to the soccer team. Then I have the whole month of Feb to show up at work and lesson plan, since the children are on holiday until March. I hope I have more then 1 class per day after March! :) At lunch the teachers and I went to the same place we did last week, I believe they go each day. Its traditional Korean food, today they served us sides, rice, and a stew like soup with tofu and potatoes, yum! They served the same thing to everyone in the restaurant. I get the feeling they server something different each day.


This evening I ventured off for a run! It was brutally cold, -6c!! The run was great, I went through the outskirts of the city, stayed on one road that it took me up this massive hill, which is also the base of one of the Mountains. This weekend, when its not dark, I'll be sure to run up the mountain. 

A Taste of Home

Pizza and native English speakers! :)


Yesterday was a fantastic day here in Anseong! I went out for my first run! There is a river that runs though the city, I live about 3 blocks from it, so I ran down to the river and ran along side it till I couldn't go any further, then ran off on some road to try and get to the base of one of the mountains. I came quite close to the mountain, not sure if there is some good hiking there, I bet there is! Today I am likely to not run due to the freezing temps (currently -12c *feels like -16* outside!) I hope it will warm up later. 


After my run, I walked over to the Domino's pizza and successfully ordered a p'i-ja! 

It came with a side of garlic sauce, pickles, hot sauce, and a little gift, the pizza was wrapped with a bow. The gift is very useful, its a clock/pen holder. The pizza was good, the crust is not the same as in the US, but I didn't complain. 


I took some time to explore the downtown too. I found a dunkin donuts and had a americano :) yum coffee! I also picked up some supply's/materials to decorate my classroom with. 


On my way back I ran into a fellow American. He showed me a few useful places: Picasso's, the GYM, and Oasis. Every Tuesday night a group of native English speakers get together at Oasis and play a Quiz game at a bar, so I'll be sure to attend that and meet some other foreigners! He and another gentleman had plans for a huf (beer) at Picasso's yesterday evening and he invited me to attend. While there, he had invited some of the other foreigners to stop by and meet me! So I met 5 new people yesterday. I look forward to Tuesday night and getting to know them all. I'll be sure to check out the gym soon, he said its 40,000 won a month to be a member. I'm not sure if I need my alien card or not to join, but I'm going to check it out this week.

Happy 2011

Welcome to 2011 :) 

Last night was new years eve, it was a bit low key since I don't know any one here yet. I spent it on Skype and google voice talking with my best friends.... and having a glass of wine! 

Yesterday was my first day on my own here! For most of the day I was stuck at my apartment waiting on a delivery of my new kitchen table (that my school bought for me) and at 2pm the telephone company came to hook up my phone! The table delivery did not give me a time that they would be here, so I had to stick around. Mid-day, I went for a short walk around the block to see what was around me, and took a few pictures! The phone guy came at 2pm and I now have a home phone for people to call me on. I heard from my co-teacher yesterday, she and I made some lunch plans for Sunday. My kitchen table was delivered at about 4pm. The guy set it all up for me :) it's a nice addition to my apartment.

In the evening, I ventured out once again. This time, I brought my new Garmin watch, and good news the satellite works here! I found the E-mart, I only have to walk down 2 streets to get to it. I also found a river to run along. I am going to head out for a run later this morning. At the E-mart I picked up a few things including a wine opener, I was hoping they would have some wine as well, but I was sad to only find beer and liquor there. I stopped at a little corner shoppe on my way home to get some wine. They weren't labeled with pricing, so I had the lady give me the price on 2 bottles, both were the same price 29,000 won! (about $28). Not sure if all wine is that expensive, but I'll try a different store next time. The wine likely cost $10-15 back in the US.

Some prices differences I've found so far:

Chapstick = 2,600 won ($2.50) for 1 stick

Banana's = 3,900 won ($3.75) for 5 banana's

Sushi = 3,700 won ($3.50) for 6 large pieces

Crab meat = 6,000 won ($5.80) for a 1/2 pound! 

Body wash = 10,500 won ($10.00) for a bottle for some american brands

I bought a laundry basket for $4, which I thought was pretty cheap. 

Most food items are pretty in expensive, unless they are imported. I have found brands like Nestle's and Coke here. The E-marts beer selection wasn't bad: Carlsburg, Corona, Heineken, Bud Light, and a few others (and of course some korean beers)!

Happy New Years :)