I have now officially been in Korea for 148 days ,12,787,200 seconds, 213,120 minutes, 3552 hours, 21 weeks (rounded down) and I am unsure how much longer it will be. I know for sure that I will not leave (if I have to) until September as my wonderful Mum and Sister are coming to visit for a week. I really do not want to leave this country but everything boils down to my job and at the moment I feel that my position is on shaky grounds.
All was good until my pay stopped coming and now it has been over 6 weeks with no money in the bank. I have been assured that this will be resolved, but I am unsure how long I can go with this unknowing. If I was at home I would have already left the company and seeked a position elsewhere but it is harder in Korea as the company you work for supply your work visa and your accommodation. If I leave tomorrow I would basically have to move home and even if I did find another job I could only start it with a release letter from my current employer. It is all so annoying and unsettling. I work so hard to make sure my students are learning and reaching their full potential and I'm also putting my blood, sweat and tears into writing a yearly curriculum for the school which may shut down.
I'm in two minds, the heart is telling me to just continue as normal, keep growing as a teacher, keep learning and keep loving life. The brain is telling me to stop working for free and get the hell out before the company go bust and owe me a lot of money.
Any advise??????
What ever happens I know that I will never regret this life decision and believe in the words by Asha Tyson.
"Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. There is no short-cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time."
-- Asha Tyson
Living in Korea has allowed me to grow as a person, a teacher, a friend and a daughter. I have had the time to find myself and now know what I want for the next part of my life. I have learned who my real friends are, the value of living each day to the fullest and most importantly confirmed in my head and heart that I am a wonderful creative and inspiring teacher. This journey has allowed me to see the rest of my life in a very positive light and I look forward to all that will come.
So whether I'm still here for the next six months or starting my new journey in Perth (yes I'm moving to Perth) I am thankful for every day that I am alive and am able to smell the flowers.
xx
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Night Market
Gwangjang market 광장 시장
I'm going to look back on this one day and laugh my head off!
LOVE YOUR WORK NOE
Oly White vs korea
Its pouring down with rain I've lost my friends in the crowds of umbrellas and now I have to produce my ticket that my mate has who is already inside. Hmmmm. I hear my name being shouted from above and see said friend hanging over the side of the stadium with my ticket in his hand. Before I have time to react he is dangling it over the railing so I run to catch it on the way brushing my umbrella past a ladies face. She looked at me with the eyes of the devil and perhaps with less Soju in my system I may have stopped and apologised but instead I reached for the ticket and ran to the gates.
So far today has been awesome. I've met rob for a much needed coffee. Met up with Sam at Seoul station where we booked and paid for our train to take us down to busan for our much needed holiday in two weeks and had lunch at a Korean BBQ with a whole bunch of kiwis. And now I'm heading into the Seoul Olympic stadium to watch the under 23 nz soccer team kick Koreas arse.
On the way in I purchased a rain poncho for 2 bucks so I look like a plastic bag that has been been drowned in the river. Finding my seat I am thankful for the Cass that Rob puts in my hand and take in my surroundings. There are no less then 20 of us kiwis all proudly wearing white to support the Oly whites. We have a huge nz flag tied to the railing infront and we stand proud singing the national anthem along with the players. The game itself is a blur of rain, shouting, cheering, the usual kiwi abuse and the celebrations as we score a goal. Well gone with all the Soju and beer in our systems we enjoy every minute. Even though we lost we had a blast of a time and I hear that if you were watching the game on sky you would have caught a glimpse of our rowdiness. For only 20 bucks seeing a live soccer game in Korea is a must! . At the conclusion 2pm (a huge k pop band ) came out and performed and then booted no less than 100 singed balls into this crowd I tried so hard to get one but was seeing double so had no chance! !
So far today has been awesome. I've met rob for a much needed coffee. Met up with Sam at Seoul station where we booked and paid for our train to take us down to busan for our much needed holiday in two weeks and had lunch at a Korean BBQ with a whole bunch of kiwis. And now I'm heading into the Seoul Olympic stadium to watch the under 23 nz soccer team kick Koreas arse.
On the way in I purchased a rain poncho for 2 bucks so I look like a plastic bag that has been been drowned in the river. Finding my seat I am thankful for the Cass that Rob puts in my hand and take in my surroundings. There are no less then 20 of us kiwis all proudly wearing white to support the Oly whites. We have a huge nz flag tied to the railing infront and we stand proud singing the national anthem along with the players. The game itself is a blur of rain, shouting, cheering, the usual kiwi abuse and the celebrations as we score a goal. Well gone with all the Soju and beer in our systems we enjoy every minute. Even though we lost we had a blast of a time and I hear that if you were watching the game on sky you would have caught a glimpse of our rowdiness. For only 20 bucks seeing a live soccer game in Korea is a must! . At the conclusion 2pm (a huge k pop band ) came out and performed and then booted no less than 100 singed balls into this crowd I tried so hard to get one but was seeing double so had no chance! !
Korean bbq
Kiwi Sam and Rob
Nice t-shirt Tim
Makgoli (c#& juice!)
Sexy
Representing
Cass oh yeah!
We may have lost but we had a great time nevertheless
Drinks afterwards at Lucky Strike
Friday, July 6, 2012
Pojangmacha
The k food crew set out to find a Pojangmacha in the district of Jonggak and we came across a beauty!
A Pojangmacha refers to a small tented restaurant on wheels. It literally translates to covered wagon. Unfortunately it is becoming harder and harder to find them as city officials have been closing them down as they are considered as eyesores, illegal and unsanitary. Personally I thought it was great the food was fresh and as far as we could see it was clean and safe.
The following video made by the talented Noe, shows how the evening went. I am highly embarrassed with the candid shots of me deciding that I don't like raw squid, but I'm sure I will look back on this in the future and laugh!
Enjoy xx
MNet 20's Choice Awards 2012
Lets party at the MNet 20's choice awards 2012!
On the 28th of June I was lucky enough to be invited to the Korean equivalent of the MTV music awards and party we did.
It all started with a trip to every girls favourite shop in Korea, Forever 21! This shop is amazing think 5 floors of dresses, skirts, tops, sleepwear, lingerie, accessories and every other girly item you may need. And with normal sizes I can actually fit into the clothes! The mission was to find a sexy get up in neon, bright colours to fit the dress code. We were there for around 2 hours and all walked out having spent a little bit to much money, but hay there is nothing like a shopping spree to make a girl feel good.
We all managed to get off work early and jumped in taxis which took us to the exclusive Banyan Tree Club and Spa. We were overwhelmed with the sheer glamour of this place. We felt like we had been transported to Beverly Hills and we realised we were literally rolling with the stars. The pools, the cabanas, the sexy topless men, the hugeness of the Resort took our breathe away. We were issued with wrist bands and stamps which allowed us VIP access and free Asahi beer all evening. Our first stop was to find the restrooms and we found ourselves lost in wonderment as we passed the incredible pools, the cabanas, the private spas and found ourselves surrounding with beautiful Korean women wearing the tinniest bikinis I had ever seen. We knew we had struck gold having access to this exclusive event.
The party started with a bang with fountains of water sprayed over the crowd and K Pop stars ripping up the stage. We found ourselves lost amongst the crowds, dancing and drinking and taking in the surroundings. The beer was flowing and the music was amazing, surprisingly I recognised quite a few songs and found my self singing along.
It was an amazing evening and was wrapped up in the resorts own night club where we partied until I had to leave so that I would make it to work the next day!
http://www.banyantreeclub.net/image/contents/The_Oasis_1.jpg
http://www.banyantreeclub.net/image/contents/The_Oasis_1.jpg
Think we did pretty well with the Neon
Yummy
Beer
Lots of leg on show
Amazing
Meeting new friends
In the pool
The Club after!
WE EVEN GOT OUR TWO SECONDS OF FAME ON TV
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Writer's block
This month has been full to almost flooding with road trips, public holidays, epic drinking sessions, gourmet food, letter and package sending and good ole touristy things.
I have not had the time to sit down at the computer and even then I just don't even no where to start. I promise for recounts soon, for now I'll let you in to a moment of my life.
Watch this video which was made by Noe. It is a great introduction for the famous Korean dish of Bulgogi. You can also watch me fumble with chopsticks and stuff my mouth full of meat.
Talk soon xx
I have not had the time to sit down at the computer and even then I just don't even no where to start. I promise for recounts soon, for now I'll let you in to a moment of my life.
Watch this video which was made by Noe. It is a great introduction for the famous Korean dish of Bulgogi. You can also watch me fumble with chopsticks and stuff my mouth full of meat.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
melody of magic
Korean Emoticons
Living in Korea you meet Korean people who will text you and facebook you. You read Korean websites and see Korean everywhere so it kind of comes in handy to know what on earth the meaning of the emoticons are.
I personally think they are spectacular and superior to the western emoticons. Maybe this is because I like cute things, so here is a quick key to the main ones used.
(^_^) = smile
(^o^) = laughing out loud
d(^_^)b = thumbs up (not ears)
(T_T) = sad (it's a crying face)
(-.-)Zzz = sleeping
(Z.Z) = sleepy person
\(^_^)/ = cheers, hurrah
(*^^*) = shyness
(-_-); = sweating (as in ashamed)
(^_^);; = sorry! my mistake
(?_?) = nonsense, I don't know
(^_~) = wink
(o.O) = surprise
-(O_O)- = shocked
v(^_^)v = victory
(>^_^)> = hugging
(>^_^)> <(^_^<) = hugging each other
ㅅ or ㅗ = middle finger
>))))'> = a fish
>))))'><'((((< = kissing fish
<')++++< = a fish bone
Vm~ = a fox
() () = a rabbit
(^.^)
(^(oo)^) = a pig
('v')
(( )) = a bird
-"-"-
()()() ()()()
(-(-(-.-)-)-) = rabbit gang
= = = = :} = a snake
@}-;--`-- = a rose
>(/////)< = a candy
=]::::::> = a sword
---E = a fork
______|\____\o/_____ = Shark attack.
||||||////////////////### = Cigarette break
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Used to make a statement more friendly, especially at the end of conversation.
MY FAVOURITE
OTL or ORZ = FML
Shape of a person fallen on the floor in representation of a failure or mistake.
(O - head, T - torso and arms, L - legs)
요TL = someone in a similar position throwing up
I personally think they are spectacular and superior to the western emoticons. Maybe this is because I like cute things, so here is a quick key to the main ones used.
(^_^) = smile
(^o^) = laughing out loud
d(^_^)b = thumbs up (not ears)
(T_T) = sad (it's a crying face)
(-.-)Zzz = sleeping
(Z.Z) = sleepy person
\(^_^)/ = cheers, hurrah
(*^^*) = shyness
(-_-); = sweating (as in ashamed)
(^_^);; = sorry! my mistake
(?_?) = nonsense, I don't know
(^_~) = wink
(o.O) = surprise
-(O_O)- = shocked
v(^_^)v = victory
(>^_^)> = hugging
(>^_^)> <(^_^<) = hugging each other
ㅅ or ㅗ = middle finger
>))))'> = a fish
>))))'><'((((< = kissing fish
<')++++< = a fish bone
Vm~ = a fox
() () = a rabbit
(^.^)
(^(oo)^) = a pig
('v')
(( )) = a bird
-"-"-
()()() ()()()
(-(-(-.-)-)-) = rabbit gang
= = = = :} = a snake
@}-;--`-- = a rose
>(/////)< = a candy
=]::::::> = a sword
---E = a fork
______|\____\o/_____ = Shark attack.
||||||////////////////### = Cigarette break
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Used to make a statement more friendly, especially at the end of conversation.
MY FAVOURITE
OTL or ORZ = FML
Shape of a person fallen on the floor in representation of a failure or mistake.
(O - head, T - torso and arms, L - legs)
요TL = someone in a similar position throwing up
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Thinking about moving to Korea?
You must check out this brand new website
http://www.thearrivalstore.com/
When abroad, some things are difficult - or simply impossible! - to find. We work with hundreds of teachers every year to make sure that the "must haves" are easily accessible. These are the "must haves," according to our teachers and friends currently living in Korea. Sure, with a lot of time, energy and money, youmight be able to track them down. But why sweat the small stuff? Have the following items waiting in a consolidated package upon your arrival, and turn what has been an aggravating transition for most people into a pleasant transition for you!
If only this had been around when I was making the move!!!!!
http://www.thearrivalstore.com/
When abroad, some things are difficult - or simply impossible! - to find. We work with hundreds of teachers every year to make sure that the "must haves" are easily accessible. These are the "must haves," according to our teachers and friends currently living in Korea. Sure, with a lot of time, energy and money, youmight be able to track them down. But why sweat the small stuff? Have the following items waiting in a consolidated package upon your arrival, and turn what has been an aggravating transition for most people into a pleasant transition for you!
If only this had been around when I was making the move!!!!!
To put your trust in someone you will never see again
Visited Techno mart again today and it was just as spectacular as the last time. We took a lift up to the top and gorged on burgers and fries before we attempted to find what we were looking for in the 8 stories of shops selling technology. The restaurant we went to was called Popeyes and the fries were amazing, they were coated in a cajun seasoning and went well with the juicy burger. I still do not know what exactly the meat in my burger was but it was good so I don't really care. I've stopped questioning what I am eating and just enjoy the flavours hoping it is not something too foul.
I ordered a set (combo) with an iced tea (my new obsession) and got a soft drink as well. Turns out I paid for an extra drink. That's the trouble with not being able to speak Korean but it is just something I have got used to.
Before our shopping adventure we went out onto the roof top to take in the incredible view of our new home town.
Breathtaking!
Kiwis on top of the world
After exploring for a while Robert found what he was after and we went on a search to locate a new battery and charger for my camera which has been out of action for far too long. Not such an easy task in a building that has a total of more than 2,000 electronic stores under one roof. We went to the floor dedicated to cameras and I went to the first counter that had a Panasonic sign visible. I passed over my battery and charger and the shop owner had quite a good grasp of English and was able to understand what I wanted. After a few minutes of him calling various other stores he told me there were none in stock but there would be a delivery in 2 days. Disappointed I said "ok, thank you I will come back" he quickly responded with "No I will send it to your house in 2 days." How's that for service. So I handed over the cash, gave him my address and walked away with his business card. "Um, Rob what just happened there? Do you think I just lost my money?" We both shrugged and had a laugh. I guess I will just see if my package arrives on Tuesday!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Bong's Noodles
Today was a day dedicated to rest and I didn't want to go far for dinner. I noticed that this place opened up yesterday so I decided to give it a try. It is a small dinky little noodle bar and was really good.
The only menu available was in Korean so I pointed to the first optioin and hoped that I would like it
I did like it. It was noodles in a vegetable broth and the guy indicated that I should mix the kimchi into the broth. It was great, very light and refreshing and for less then $3.50 I will be coming back here.
Tonight I am going to try my best at translating the menu so that next time I can say what I would like. Wish me luck
The sights I see
After leaving the bulgolgi Restaurant we went for a stroll through the alleys of the French District and came across this site. I have seen clothes for dogs, even shoes but never in my life have I seen or heard about doggie diapers and this seriously made me feel all weird inside.
Video courtesy of Noe http://www.no-kancho.net/ check him out.
Music that speaks to me #2
Life sure hasn't gone to plan, but for this I am great full, I will set out on my way and take one day at a time.
"Our Story (One Day At A Time)"
♫♫♫
So it didn't go to plan
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
I will set out on my way
You're never in one place
And now I can learn to walk before we,
Run away to the sin,
It's just me
It's just you
One day at a time
When nothing's for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
I know that we can make it one day
At a time
Yeah, we hear it from our friends
They tell us how this ends
But they don't know this is not their story
I know we will find a way
We're gonna be okay
Cause I'm here
You don't need to worry
Now all we should be
Is just you and me
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
And I know that we can make it
One day, One day at a time
We'll flee the memories like the dark, the in between
I want everything
And love I know will carry us
With you I'll always have enough
We'll work together through this life
One day at a time
So It didn't go to plan
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
We've got the rest of our lives
and I still believe that it's ours for the taking
and I know we're gonna make it
one day, one day at a time
one day at a time
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
I will set out on my way
You're never in one place
And now I can learn to walk before we,
Run away to the sin,
It's just me
It's just you
One day at a time
When nothing's for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
I know that we can make it one day
At a time
Yeah, we hear it from our friends
They tell us how this ends
But they don't know this is not their story
I know we will find a way
We're gonna be okay
Cause I'm here
You don't need to worry
Now all we should be
Is just you and me
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
And I know that we can make it
One day, One day at a time
We'll flee the memories like the dark, the in between
I want everything
And love I know will carry us
With you I'll always have enough
We'll work together through this life
One day at a time
So It didn't go to plan
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
We've got the rest of our lives
and I still believe that it's ours for the taking
and I know we're gonna make it
one day, one day at a time
one day at a time
♫♫♫
Food Glorious Food
Yesterday I set off to meet up with a friend and to grab
some Bulgolgi for dinner in the French District of Seoul. I never imagined that
the night would turn out to be as magical as it did and it reminded me to
appreciate the little things. Finding myself fully immersed in the culture and
history of this crazy land of Seoul did wonders for the Seoul.
The group I went with are seriously into their food and I
later found out that one has his own Food App available on I tunes and the
other has his own website where he video blogs about all the food he tries and
all that he experiences in Korea.
I want to give both of these guys credit because I think
they are both amazing people and so passionate about their work. I also am
overwhelmed with the number of brilliant people that I am meeting while
travelling around, this is living the dream.
K food is available through
This is a beautiful app which shows you how to prepare and enjoy
Korean Cuisine. Recipes and methods are
shown through magnificent HD videos and photos.
Noe’s website is
Noe, the sole creator of this blog inspires me to see more
of this country. His video blogs are both informative and funny and I found myself
getting lost in his videos for most of this morning. I invite you all to check
out his work and soon I will publish his video of this night. Yep as Noe said “I’m
going to be famous on you tube.”
The Restaurant we went to was called Seorae
Bulgogi 서래 불고기 From what I understand from the conversation last night,
this Restaurant is one a kind and serves two varieties of Bulgogi, which is
simply thin cuts of beef marinated in a variety of spices and herbs.
Photo courtesy of Noe http://www.no-kancho.net/
The food was amazing . We tried the two types of bulgogi,
one that was grilled over an open flame see left and the other which is Seoul
style that was cooked over an inverted metal dish on top of coals. We also had
a dish of Yuk Hoe (the middle bowl with the radish and cucumbers) which is a
seasoned raw beef dish, I guess it is similar
to what we would call tartare. On the table were a selection of side dishes
that complimented the meat. The lettuce and perilla ( thanks Julia for
repeating that name over and over so that I finally remembered it ) leaves are
used to wrap up the meat , noodles , veges and sauces to be eaten as one. The
green peppers are dipped in the sauces and eaten as is. The black bowl to the
right is ox blood soup. This is the only dish that I didn’t try as it was just congealed
pieces of blood in a broth. Noe tried it and said it tasted like old pennies. I
had to get him to explain this to me and realised he was referring to old copper
coins. On the grill next to the bulgogi you can see a sliced mushroom, I
noticed that it has been stamped with some kind of mark and found out that it
was the name of the restaurant scorched into the flesh of the mushroom. I
thought this was really a really neat and unique idea.
All of this was washed down with Makgeolli and cider. Makgeolli
is a Korean rice wine and cider is actually what they call lemonade here! I
know it’s weird when I heard we were having cider I got all excited until I
remembered that cider is not that magical crisp alcoholic drink that we have at
home. So the Makgeolli and cider are mixed together in a tall teapot with a
long spout and is poured into cute little wooden bowls. It was fantastic to cheers this local drink
with new friends over a magnificent feast.
Music that speaks to me #1
Music has
become my savior as I continue on this journey through the unknown.
When I find myself over thinking things or stressing or becoming obsessed
with an idea I turn to music.
Lately I have been exploring new radio
stations, new albums and listening to songs that I never even knew existed. I
am going to share a few of these songs with you as I know that the lyrics of
these songs will be meaning full to others just as they are to me.
I feel that music can be interpreted how ever the person who is listening feels. For me the main thing is the lyrics (even just a part of the lyrics).
This song speaks to me
“The Sudden Passion (Everybody
wants somethin)”
♫♫♫
everybody
wants somethin
this i
know for sure
everybody
wants somethin
i just want a little more
i dont do it for the fame, no
and i dont do it for the kids
and i dont do it for the money
cause you know i aint gettin paid shit
get in the van i'll take you there
to the roads that i declare my own
my home is between point a and b
no days off and no sick pay
hungover but im on my way
gotta get the guarantee so i can eat
everybody's
feelin somethin
and
everyone's had their heart broke
and in a world of 7 billion
you'll sometimes still feel all alone
you and can blame it on your sign, doll,
now can't you?
or your god who's so divine
i dont believe in much of nothin
you take the stars i'll take real life
i'll be home on tuesday night
tonight im up here on stage right
a bottle and a mic up in my face
dont get me wrong im having fun
this is me, old, or young
i cant escape, i cant escape i'm free
keep
up
slow
down
take it back
say what you want
keep up
slow down
take it back
just dont give up
everybody
wants somethin
this i
know for sure
everybody wants somethin
i just want a little more
everybody wants somethin
this i know for sure
everybody wants somethin
i just want a little more
♫♫♫
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Damn girl your'e getting old
So I'm officially 26 but in Korea I am 27 ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Beautiful card from Mum and Paul
Presents! Got this package over a week ago and was so hard keeping it wrapped up till now. But it was worth the wait! Thank you
Designer head band from Boss!
Awesome cupcakes from my work mate Betty! I had to eat the teddy bear today it was sooooo good.
Present from my fav student Sean. He was so cute, the whole class I could see he was eager to say something and then after I finished he raced to his bag to pull out this. He said Happy Birthday Teacher Sam I Love you!!!!!!
Every single one of my students gave me a bear hug and a kiss on the check it was great. I love them all.
My work mate Samina. Today she told me I was her first white friend and she was very happy.
Ice cream cake from the boss
Seafood Pizza with kumara stuffed crust
New York Classic pizza
Best ice cream cake ever
I still can't believe how much these tiny girls can eat.
They thought this pose was hilarious
The end.
Thank you too all my family and friends who wished me a happy birthday xxxxx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)