Today I got up at 7 and prepared for my busy day. It is raining outside so it unfortunately has slowed down everything.
MY wife was a bit under the weather today since she went to bed last night around 1 am. Today I cooked breakfast for the first time since coming back to Korea 34 days ago. I made a simple omelet with sausage, onions and mushrooms and in all the confusion I forgot the cheese. It was tasty though and I didn't have to flip it. My cooking skills are superb and second only to me wife.
After cooking I had to hurry off to Yeon-san for my job. My boss ended up calling me as I was literally walking into her classroom at 8:52 class starts at 9.
She needs to prepare my lesson plan and present the material but its highly unorganized. i am literally making up lesson plans on the spot and watching the clock so I can go home asap.
Some say I have no care or respect for my work, my job Korea etc. Maybe they are right.
I find it hypocritical that a country wants to work so hard but when it comes to the actual work its carried out in an ill manner. Sometimes the classes are started late, everyday its up to me how I present the material and these teachers I am working with don't seem to care what happens in the classroom. Its a hard pill to swallow that the pride is gone but the greed is shining so clearly.
Another topic for later.
I am hoping to turn this blog into something more where I can answer people questions and give people more information on the trivial things that happen in Busan South Korea.
another post soon to follow...
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Morning Routine
Its a special week I am now working in the early morning. I enjoy working in the early morning however.
The after school program has been moved and now it starts at 9am and finishes at 1pm. This gives me the whole day to enjoy a vacation period rather than a long afternoon. Regular school is on Holiday since its Spring Break.
After getting home I had a Spaghetti dinner and cleaned the house up a little bit. I went to the bank and did regular house chores or family errands.
When my wife finished her swim lesson we went out and had Vietnam noodles for lunch. This a hot restaurant for us since we have gone there now 3 times since returning from America.
We are cooking well. My wife is teaching me slowly and I am so spoiled because I get to enjoy her good food. I am so lucky.
The after school program has been moved and now it starts at 9am and finishes at 1pm. This gives me the whole day to enjoy a vacation period rather than a long afternoon. Regular school is on Holiday since its Spring Break.
After getting home I had a Spaghetti dinner and cleaned the house up a little bit. I went to the bank and did regular house chores or family errands.
When my wife finished her swim lesson we went out and had Vietnam noodles for lunch. This a hot restaurant for us since we have gone there now 3 times since returning from America.
We are cooking well. My wife is teaching me slowly and I am so spoiled because I get to enjoy her good food. I am so lucky.
Friday, February 19, 2010
ONCHEONCheon River Walk
The end of the week and the end of my working week. Here is a small list of ironies.
1. Its ironic that this is the worst job for me (at least I feel this way).
-Its the first job that I have had that ends on Friday (no weekends)
YBM and YALE I both worked Saturdays
- The pay is the highest for me.
-The hours are the shortest.
I can't understand why some people work more hours at jobs much more intelligent than mine and make only half the price.
Today I got up and was still tired after not being able to sleep a wink last night. I had a quick lunch and was out the door before 12.
I went to Yeonsan the place I work 4 times during the week. Today was just as confusing and disorganized as always.
I had 4 classes with my Substitute teacher. The other one had an emergency in VANCOUVER of all places.
I taught a class for the first time. The youngest kids: MY lesson plan JKL on the spot.
Class whats this: J okay good Can you say JET... I wanted to shoot myself after 50 minutes.
After doing the next 3 classes I was ready for a break. This teacher is nice and great to work with. She even taught a little bit during my class time.
BIGGEST IRONY...
SHe is getting paid to sit there and watch me teach I am paid my salary regardless of the amount of teaching that I officially do. I just need to show up. Its not fair in my opinion if I get paid to teach and she gets paid to watch. The teaching should be equal.
I left work without getting a heads up on the week to come. This next week will be early in the morning. I think that it should be a lot of fun and I am actually looking forward to it. I hope a lot of kids dont show up and make my teaching days a lot easier.
After work my wife and I walked along the ONCHEONCHEON RIVER and had a cheese snack with Vegetable Soy milk drink for our energy. It was a little cold but otherwise good day. We walked for maybe 1 hour until we made our way home to Beef Soup.
Its Friday night and I am happy cause I want to rest and relax tomorrow!
I hope something exciting happens
1. Its ironic that this is the worst job for me (at least I feel this way).
-Its the first job that I have had that ends on Friday (no weekends)
YBM and YALE I both worked Saturdays
- The pay is the highest for me.
-The hours are the shortest.
I can't understand why some people work more hours at jobs much more intelligent than mine and make only half the price.
Today I got up and was still tired after not being able to sleep a wink last night. I had a quick lunch and was out the door before 12.
I went to Yeonsan the place I work 4 times during the week. Today was just as confusing and disorganized as always.
I had 4 classes with my Substitute teacher. The other one had an emergency in VANCOUVER of all places.
I taught a class for the first time. The youngest kids: MY lesson plan JKL on the spot.
Class whats this: J okay good Can you say JET... I wanted to shoot myself after 50 minutes.
After doing the next 3 classes I was ready for a break. This teacher is nice and great to work with. She even taught a little bit during my class time.
BIGGEST IRONY...
SHe is getting paid to sit there and watch me teach I am paid my salary regardless of the amount of teaching that I officially do. I just need to show up. Its not fair in my opinion if I get paid to teach and she gets paid to watch. The teaching should be equal.
I left work without getting a heads up on the week to come. This next week will be early in the morning. I think that it should be a lot of fun and I am actually looking forward to it. I hope a lot of kids dont show up and make my teaching days a lot easier.
After work my wife and I walked along the ONCHEONCHEON RIVER and had a cheese snack with Vegetable Soy milk drink for our energy. It was a little cold but otherwise good day. We walked for maybe 1 hour until we made our way home to Beef Soup.
Its Friday night and I am happy cause I want to rest and relax tomorrow!
I hope something exciting happens
Mt. Hwangryoung
Last week, Nick and I went to see night life of Busan. My brother took us to Mt.Hwangryoung. It was gorgeous. All buildings were glittering here and there.
We saw every parts of Busan well on top of the mountain. Actually, Nick and I had to
listen to my brother cause we didn't know which part is the place we know.
Weather was so cold on that day. We drank hot coffee there and enjoyed scenery. The shining tower is for radio broadcasting.
We took several pictures but we didn't bring tripod so these are not clear.
I hope I can take better pictures next time.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
SamGyapSal Party
Another day of SSDD routine routine routine finished up like a samgyapsal wrap.
I went to my new hub (Yeonsan-dong) to teach 4 classes back to back at an elementary school. It was another typical day of following a textbook and hoping the 50 minute time went by fast. I am making lessons up on the spot still because this schedule is taking some getting used to. I get to my job by subway so it takes 30-40 minutes minimum. When I get up at 9am I dont have much time to eat two full meals so I am always hungry after work.
Ole~!
I met my wife at the Yeonsan-dong subway transfer area to go to line 1.
see map at the link below
http://www.johomaps.com/as/korea/busan/busanmetro_en.html
After transferring we went to PNU Busan National University to eat Samgyapsal at our favorite restaurant. WE ate a lot.
WE ordered 4 slices for round one, which came with a steamed egg and a lot of Kimchi. We also order another slab of pork that had a BBQ taste to it. I hope later pictures may be added.
We took a bus home that took over 40 minutes to get back home but it was a good way to end the day that began with me beign way too tired from no sleep.
Its time for bed. I can sleep a lot!
I went to my new hub (Yeonsan-dong) to teach 4 classes back to back at an elementary school. It was another typical day of following a textbook and hoping the 50 minute time went by fast. I am making lessons up on the spot still because this schedule is taking some getting used to. I get to my job by subway so it takes 30-40 minutes minimum. When I get up at 9am I dont have much time to eat two full meals so I am always hungry after work.
Ole~!
I met my wife at the Yeonsan-dong subway transfer area to go to line 1.
see map at the link below
http://www.johomaps.com/as/korea/busan/busanmetro_en.html
After transferring we went to PNU Busan National University to eat Samgyapsal at our favorite restaurant. WE ate a lot.
WE ordered 4 slices for round one, which came with a steamed egg and a lot of Kimchi. We also order another slab of pork that had a BBQ taste to it. I hope later pictures may be added.
We took a bus home that took over 40 minutes to get back home but it was a good way to end the day that began with me beign way too tired from no sleep.
Its time for bed. I can sleep a lot!
We are living around here
If we walk for 5 mins, we can reach GwangAnri beach. Everybody can enjoy pub here
There are many beautiful scenes and this is great for night life . In front of the beach, there's a pretty bridge
called "GwangAnDaeGyo". It means, "The great GwangAn Bridge"
Look. Aren't they pretty?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Holiday GetAway
February 12th-15th My wife, brother in law and I went to Gumi to spend the "New Year" with her family.
While being in Gumi we mostly stayed home.
To begin our journey we left Gwangan (Busan) at 10:30 am and arrived in Gumi by mid afternoon. WE passed Yangsan Tower which is the end of Busan or the entrance depending on which direction you are coming from. We can eat there just like the space needle.
After getting to Gumi We first went to the Lotte mart in order to buy some presents. We bought some cosmetics for her mom and some ginseng for her father. After getting home we ate a lot of food and spend the entire evening just sitting in the living room and watching tv.
Saturday was more of the same thing. We got up early ate more food and aroudn 1pm visited with other family members. An uncle and cousin from her moms side and a family from Suwon (dads side) I felt jet lag because all I did was sit in an 8 by 10 room for 10 hours without doing much of anything. My Korean isn't very good, I am shy around more than 6 people and the corrections bother me.
Personally I just want to be admired or liked or disliked for who I am not what I can or cant do.
I know I am just complaining a little bit but anyone who lives away from home should be able to understand that its not fun being ignored, or the center of attention or helpless
We stayed for the main event on Sunday which was the New year feast.
We ate a lot of pork beef, fried food, and rice.
My father in law had to go to work at 1pm so the feast began around 9am. All the time we need to get up early, and go somewhere. I feel bad for my father in law who must work everyday.
Her families relatives left around 12 elaving my brother in law, wife and I to watch tv and just rest (again) laying on the floor and eating small snacks. I am so happy we don't have a tv here in Busan since I think the tv programs are kind of stupid.
Monday morning-
Father went to work at 7am i believe. WE got up at 9 and after eating a small snack we hit the road and it was back to Busan!
I enjoy living in Busan so returning back to my cold empty house was great. Its now 10:30 am and I have to go to work soon.
While being in Gumi we mostly stayed home.
To begin our journey we left Gwangan (Busan) at 10:30 am and arrived in Gumi by mid afternoon. WE passed Yangsan Tower which is the end of Busan or the entrance depending on which direction you are coming from. We can eat there just like the space needle.
After getting to Gumi We first went to the Lotte mart in order to buy some presents. We bought some cosmetics for her mom and some ginseng for her father. After getting home we ate a lot of food and spend the entire evening just sitting in the living room and watching tv.
Saturday was more of the same thing. We got up early ate more food and aroudn 1pm visited with other family members. An uncle and cousin from her moms side and a family from Suwon (dads side) I felt jet lag because all I did was sit in an 8 by 10 room for 10 hours without doing much of anything. My Korean isn't very good, I am shy around more than 6 people and the corrections bother me.
Personally I just want to be admired or liked or disliked for who I am not what I can or cant do.
I know I am just complaining a little bit but anyone who lives away from home should be able to understand that its not fun being ignored, or the center of attention or helpless
We stayed for the main event on Sunday which was the New year feast.
We ate a lot of pork beef, fried food, and rice.
My father in law had to go to work at 1pm so the feast began around 9am. All the time we need to get up early, and go somewhere. I feel bad for my father in law who must work everyday.
Her families relatives left around 12 elaving my brother in law, wife and I to watch tv and just rest (again) laying on the floor and eating small snacks. I am so happy we don't have a tv here in Busan since I think the tv programs are kind of stupid.
Monday morning-
Father went to work at 7am i believe. WE got up at 9 and after eating a small snack we hit the road and it was back to Busan!
I enjoy living in Busan so returning back to my cold empty house was great. Its now 10:30 am and I have to go to work soon.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Recipe: Meat Ball
First, Prepare ingredients above. You can add what you want to eat. I added garlic, onion, spring onion and mushroom. Sometimes I add carrot there. Chop the all ingredients. Especially, You have to cut the meat small pieces and mince it. Or you can pound the meat with the blade of the knife.
Second, put the meat in the bowl and add an egg(Only yellow part). Mix them well and add other ingredients and mix again.
Third, divide into small portions. If you make a bigger size, it's hard to fry when you put it into the pan.
Fourth, roll the meat in flour. If you don't roll it, the meat won't stick together.
Finally, you can make a sauce for meatball. You can add Ketchup(3 teaspoon), steak sauce(1 teaspoon), syrup(1 teaspoon), pepper, water(3 teaspoon), soy sauce(1 teaspoon) and chopped garlic. I just minced the garlic though. If you need more sauce, add all the sauce a little bit more.
Monday, February 8, 2010
End of the weekend
I enjoyed my last solo day before I started work. I slept in until 10, woke up to pancakes and a usual big American great breakfast. I cooked actually because at 1230 I met two of my old co-workers in order to share American stories, and my new Korean life. This was done in Nampo-dong.
When I go out actually i end up listening more than talking. Its my way of fitting in here since its hard for me to speak even when I am aware of over 75% of what is being said.
After drinking coffee and enjoying some Vietnam food with Yana and Mihee my wife and I went to the department store. We saw the skyview (Seaside) which overlooked the Port of Busan and Youngdo Island.
Later that night we went out with her brother to a Kamja tongue restaurant in Suyoung close to our home.
we then proceeded up Hawyang Mountain which overlooks The East side of Busan. Centum City, Haeundae, Gwangan... you can also see the center of Busan with Seomyeon and Youngdo, Nampo-dong Busan Station. There is a radio tower at the top that controls main channels throughout Busan. Further north you can see the subway lights dissipating behidn the mountains and showing the entrance and end of Busan. IT truly felt magical being up there.
Tomorrow or today rather I went to work for the first time in over 50 days. I went to a small elementary school outside of Yeonsan-dong. I was given a ride there and ended up walking for 50 minutes before I took a taxi back to my home.
I walked from the school towards Dongnae and haeundae which are opposite subway stops, couldn't find a subway kept walking to Suyoung Jct. and finally hailed a taxi paid 4000 won and went to Gwangan station. Walked another 10 minutes to get home ...terrible since it was in the rain too.
here I am the end of the weekend in America and the start of my work experience. Colts lost thats great... maybe Farve and the Vikings can do it next year.
When I go out actually i end up listening more than talking. Its my way of fitting in here since its hard for me to speak even when I am aware of over 75% of what is being said.
After drinking coffee and enjoying some Vietnam food with Yana and Mihee my wife and I went to the department store. We saw the skyview (Seaside) which overlooked the Port of Busan and Youngdo Island.
Later that night we went out with her brother to a Kamja tongue restaurant in Suyoung close to our home.
we then proceeded up Hawyang Mountain which overlooks The East side of Busan. Centum City, Haeundae, Gwangan... you can also see the center of Busan with Seomyeon and Youngdo, Nampo-dong Busan Station. There is a radio tower at the top that controls main channels throughout Busan. Further north you can see the subway lights dissipating behidn the mountains and showing the entrance and end of Busan. IT truly felt magical being up there.
Tomorrow or today rather I went to work for the first time in over 50 days. I went to a small elementary school outside of Yeonsan-dong. I was given a ride there and ended up walking for 50 minutes before I took a taxi back to my home.
I walked from the school towards Dongnae and haeundae which are opposite subway stops, couldn't find a subway kept walking to Suyoung Jct. and finally hailed a taxi paid 4000 won and went to Gwangan station. Walked another 10 minutes to get home ...terrible since it was in the rain too.
here I am the end of the weekend in America and the start of my work experience. Colts lost thats great... maybe Farve and the Vikings can do it next year.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Hae Dong Young Gong Sa
Today was a special day. I woke up late (10:15) and had a wonderful breakfast prepared by my wife. She cooked some steak meatball and egg mix. It was very delicious.
After eating we met a couple of my friends at the beach not far from my house. HAeundae. Mrs. Kim and late girl.
Mrs Kim and late girl are very special friends of mine. i had the privilege of teaching them for one month at YBM. WE shared personal stories as that was one of my methods of teaching. Late girl usually came to class 10 minutes behind schedule and as a result earned this nickname but we can tease each other easily.
Today we went to a special temple where you can ask for a wish and hope that it may come true.
After viewing the temple we ate a lot of Chinese food. The food was very delicious but we ended up ordering too much and had to leave a plate of it behind. This temple isn't very far from Haeundae about 25 minutes by bus. Its hard to believe that I took a subway for 20 minutes, a bus for 25 minutes and I am still within the city limits of Busan.
I will post some pictures tomorrow.
Costco Run
I got my Costco Card... I am now an official member to the Foreign Grocery Store in Busan. Its a good deal for us because we can buy a lot of food in Bulk. We are still in the beginners stage so we are not using the system to our advantage yet.
Inho, my brother in law takes us there or anywhere else we need to go. This saves alot of money that would be reserved for Taxi fare or at the minimum a subway ride. My mybi card is jealous but its great for us as well.
At Costco we bought some steak for 25 dollars, chicken $9, ice cream $10, $5 Orange juice, water $2
I think next time we need to buy some bathroom products, kitchen equipment and a lot of other things. If we spend it properly we can save a lot and go only twice a month.
Yesterday, My wife went out looking for a private teaching job. It was an unsuccessful trip and a waste of my time to be quite honest. I am really not excited about teaching kids much less extra ones on the side. I am hoping that in the months to come I can spread my influence to better serve Busan and have more fun in the process.
Right now I am enjoying the last few hours of my vacation. Today we will go up a mountain to see a temple, cook some more meat balls (steak) and I will hear about the Superbowl. I dont know why I care though since my team is out in a poor last half effort.
I went to nampo-dong yesterday and got my new updated Visa which is F-2. Its about time the Fuckers at the immigration Office get their shit together I had to go 4 times, and even on the last trip to simply pick up I had to wait for 15 minutes while they fixed some mistake yet again. Andrew at the moment failed me at YBM yet again because he couldn't respond to my email in time. I lost out on working there on Saturdays this month and maybe this year as a result.
Today is Saturday and currently in the morning, My brother in law is reading a book, I am playing on the computer and my wife is "cooking" I hope its a good day...
Inho, my brother in law takes us there or anywhere else we need to go. This saves alot of money that would be reserved for Taxi fare or at the minimum a subway ride. My mybi card is jealous but its great for us as well.
At Costco we bought some steak for 25 dollars, chicken $9, ice cream $10, $5 Orange juice, water $2
I think next time we need to buy some bathroom products, kitchen equipment and a lot of other things. If we spend it properly we can save a lot and go only twice a month.
Yesterday, My wife went out looking for a private teaching job. It was an unsuccessful trip and a waste of my time to be quite honest. I am really not excited about teaching kids much less extra ones on the side. I am hoping that in the months to come I can spread my influence to better serve Busan and have more fun in the process.
Right now I am enjoying the last few hours of my vacation. Today we will go up a mountain to see a temple, cook some more meat balls (steak) and I will hear about the Superbowl. I dont know why I care though since my team is out in a poor last half effort.
I went to nampo-dong yesterday and got my new updated Visa which is F-2. Its about time the Fuckers at the immigration Office get their shit together I had to go 4 times, and even on the last trip to simply pick up I had to wait for 15 minutes while they fixed some mistake yet again. Andrew at the moment failed me at YBM yet again because he couldn't respond to my email in time. I lost out on working there on Saturdays this month and maybe this year as a result.
Today is Saturday and currently in the morning, My brother in law is reading a book, I am playing on the computer and my wife is "cooking" I hope its a good day...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
House wifework
Day two or three of February depending on which side of the world you are standing on and I am taking small steps towards learning housework. Yesterday we put up pictures from our wedding on the wall near our mini-bedroom (my wife hung them, I mostly watched in anticipation for the unwrapping of something marvelous). After doing this I did the dishes (something Korean men still need to learn after 5000 years of history).
Each day my wife thinks its necessary to wipe the floors, wash clothes and take out the infinitesimally amount of trash. From an American perspective this is time consuming and extra work but the house is never dirty. I have a lot to learn still.
Most of the time she cooks breakfast to dinner and I am supposed to set the table. The irony is that once again men aren't supposed to do this. I am different I don't follow these beliefs. My wife is really interested in cooking American foods these days. She is very excited because she wants to make an omelet or pancake. I am so lucky now because I don't want to eat rice each day. Today she made a huge pancake but still needs to learn to flip properly so I stepped in and did my DUTY for the day. We should open a restaurant soon.
At our home there is a lot of fixing up to do. The bathroom is freezing, the door is a little broken, the light fixture in the kitchen doesn't work and I think I can find many more things around the house to do.
The days are going by pretty fast here. Its the start of the second week already and in the mean time I am waiting for my job to start.
My wife went out looking for private teaching jobs yesterday we may end up teaching some neighborhood kids in the days to follow. That will be a nice extra bonus I am hopeful that we can do anything that we put our minds to.
Today is a home day again. I am writing a lot and trying to start up a successful blog. I am also going to look into more ideas to improve our life and home.
One day at a time. Unfortunately the time before going back to work is in loom....
Each day my wife thinks its necessary to wipe the floors, wash clothes and take out the infinitesimally amount of trash. From an American perspective this is time consuming and extra work but the house is never dirty. I have a lot to learn still.
Most of the time she cooks breakfast to dinner and I am supposed to set the table. The irony is that once again men aren't supposed to do this. I am different I don't follow these beliefs. My wife is really interested in cooking American foods these days. She is very excited because she wants to make an omelet or pancake. I am so lucky now because I don't want to eat rice each day. Today she made a huge pancake but still needs to learn to flip properly so I stepped in and did my DUTY for the day. We should open a restaurant soon.
At our home there is a lot of fixing up to do. The bathroom is freezing, the door is a little broken, the light fixture in the kitchen doesn't work and I think I can find many more things around the house to do.
The days are going by pretty fast here. Its the start of the second week already and in the mean time I am waiting for my job to start.
My wife went out looking for private teaching jobs yesterday we may end up teaching some neighborhood kids in the days to follow. That will be a nice extra bonus I am hopeful that we can do anything that we put our minds to.
Today is a home day again. I am writing a lot and trying to start up a successful blog. I am also going to look into more ideas to improve our life and home.
One day at a time. Unfortunately the time before going back to work is in loom....
Monday, February 1, 2010
Korean plateau
February 2nd, 2010
We have been back in Korea for 8 days now. Its hard to believe that its only been 8 days. After a bout with Jet lag, and a small germ of the common cold for me we are both almost on our feet.
Today its cold outside and we are planning on staying inside for the duration of the day. I am trying to make a blog and get better connected with my surroundings. From a personal perspective I am already tired of being back in Korea again.
I can't get a good grasp of the language, I can't do anything because everything is going at its own speed and no matter how I feel about it I can't change the situation. I feel totally alone right now because there isn't anything anyone can do for me its all up to me.
Yesterday, we went to Costco and bought a card in order to enable us to buy bulk products. I got bacon, pancake mix, eggs, muffins and other things that only are found in America. A country thats all but lost to me.
I start work on Monday hopefully. That is if I can get my Visa papers picked up ( I have to call them even though they can't speak English) I don't know what this month will bring but I am hopeful....
We have been back in Korea for 8 days now. Its hard to believe that its only been 8 days. After a bout with Jet lag, and a small germ of the common cold for me we are both almost on our feet.
Today its cold outside and we are planning on staying inside for the duration of the day. I am trying to make a blog and get better connected with my surroundings. From a personal perspective I am already tired of being back in Korea again.
I can't get a good grasp of the language, I can't do anything because everything is going at its own speed and no matter how I feel about it I can't change the situation. I feel totally alone right now because there isn't anything anyone can do for me its all up to me.
Yesterday, we went to Costco and bought a card in order to enable us to buy bulk products. I got bacon, pancake mix, eggs, muffins and other things that only are found in America. A country thats all but lost to me.
I start work on Monday hopefully. That is if I can get my Visa papers picked up ( I have to call them even though they can't speak English) I don't know what this month will bring but I am hopeful....
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