"Touch My Body"

I just have to post this because it is simply hilarious...

Warning - some of the language may not be suitable for younger viewers (or those easily offended).

I also had to add this video, as it cracks me up how accurate it can be about almost every dong in Korea...

The first music video for the EV Boyz first hit about a little town called Geumchon.

"Puppet On A String"

 It's not like me to write this many posts within a few days, but today calls for an "emergency session of the joint chiefs" as I need to vent my frustration and disapproval with the Gunpo Education Department's Web Cam Class.

I have been teaching this webcam class for the past few weeks, which frankly, I am not thrilled with - and have told my co-teachers this. There are many reasons why I dislike this webcam class - the top being:

• I really, REALLY, don't like being on camera.
• I think teaching over the web is frustrating as it's so much easier to teach in person.
• I'm teaching adult teachers rather than children.
• There are always issues with the audio/video.
• Those issues waste about 10 min of time out of a 30 min class.
• The adults I teach are also teachers with busy schedules, so their attendance is spotty (and always late).
• The textbook is horrendous, and has a complete lack of flow.
• I think it's a complete waste of my time and runs later than my normal school day.

That being said here are some of the reasons I think it is a good thing.

• It gives adult teachers in the district a chance to practice English.
• It lets them take a class without leaving their office.
  
• that's about it...

 My "student" - how would you like staring at this to teach?

Now for my ranting...

Today I was told that the Education Office wanted to come and videotape me teaching my webclass and then give me an interview. I was pissed because they didn't give me any heads-up about this, and I hate being on camera - never-mind being interviewed for their new web program that I have very little good to say about. I even told my co-teachers "I hope they don't want me to be honest - because I'll tell them how lousy I think it is!"

The Ed Office said they would be over around 4:00 (the time my class starts) to videotape/interview me. I was wrapping up my first class - of which I have 2 students, when one of the Ed Office's administrators (who went to school in Canada and speaks very good English) jumped into my lesson and told me that the videographers would be there soon. She then told me I should really be wearing their issued headset (which I didn't use because I initially couldn't get it to work, and because it makes my ears too damn hot). She instructed me to reinstall the web program in order to get it to work, which I did as her boss came in to my office (a rather pushy, fake looking, and annoying lady I might add).

We both started becoming frustrated with one another, because I was reinstalling the program as her administrator instructed, and because no one signed into my web class (I only had one student, and she was probably busy preparing her mid-term exams). So she got on the phone with her administrator who told me to log in to another teachers room. The other foreign teacher began teaching the lesson as the videographers rolled their cameras watching me watch him teach. The administrator (also logged in to make it look like there was more than 2 students in the class) stopped him and told him that I should teach his class because the Ed Office was filming. Great - now I'm teaching someone else's class! I couldn't even teach my own lesson because I wasn't the moderator of the 'room' and ended up bullshitting my way through their crappy textbook. (excuse the language, but that's how I felt!) Halfway through a sentence to these other students, the supervisor tapped me on the shoulder and said "That's enough teaching, now let's do the interview." I ignored her the first time because I thought it was rude to the adult students in the class - and wrapped up what I was saying.

For the "interview", the supervisor put me back on the phone with her admin - who said "So, this is what they want you to say, tell them the program is a great program and that it gives teachers a chance to practice and learn English without having to leave their offices, and that it is a new program that very few school systems offer, and that it is very good and fun." My reply (in my head), "So, you want me to lie??" This is what I really said "Ooooooookkkaaayyy" [insert a mix of a frustrated/sarcastic tone in there why you're at it]

So, I gave them the interview they wanted - they pay my salary I suppose, what can I really do without looking like a jerk and jeopardizing my employment with the district? - (besides blog about it to retract what I said in the interview) I felt like a complete sell-out, no better than those Fox News commentators.... (groan!)

As I've said before, almost everything in Korea is about image. From the high rates of people getting plastic surgery to give off a better image, to things like this promotional video to make the class look better than it really is. It's too bad things have to be so fake, but I guess I'm no better as I contributed to it, and gave them my fake "opinion".

Here's the kicker. After the supervisor left, my co-teacher told me that they chose me because I supposedly, "am more handsome than the other teacher" whose class I took over. I'm taking that as a fake compliment - everything else seems to follow that theme today.

"Sushi Chef"

The other day a bunch of us went out to celebrate the birthday of our new friend, Meredith. She has been in Korea for less than a week, and luckily found a group of crazy American's to help make her feel a little bit older!

We treated her to a place referred to us as "The Sushi Train". Apparently there are at least 3 of these places around Sanbon - all which I must try being a huge fan of most sushi. The restaurant is all-you-can-eat for about 15,000w Not too shabby if you ask me, as I could spend a good 2 hours polishing off plate after plate.

Speaking of which - here is a picture of our accomplishment (about halfway through)

We finished off the night at Pirate Bar and had a wonderful cake as well. All in all, it was a good night with good people. 

Happy Birthday Meredith!

"Walk It Out"

One thing that has really annoyed me since I arrived in Korea is their sense (or lack thereof) of instinctual direction.

With such a large population crammed into a small space, there is always a little discomfort when navigating your way through crowds. In Seoul, you can be packed into subways during rush hour like sardines, and my biggest pet peeve so far - you have to walk with caution even when it's not crowded because people don't know how to walk on the right.

Walking down the street, up some stairs, or in a hallway shouldn't be a game of dodge-ball - but it seems to be. I find myself constantly juking left and right, slowing down and speeding up to pass people, and worst of all - facing an incoming crowd of people walking on MY side of the sidewalk.

In the West, we generally walk on the right hand side of everything - and mimic how we walk to how we drive. I makes perfect sense, it's human instinct, and because of this, the flow of pedestrian traffic works wonderfully. However, Koreans love to make life just a little bit annoying. An old law has had people walking on the left for years - (thanks in part to Imperial Japan when they occupied Korea).

That's not even the worst part. When I have to walk on the pedestrian bridge on my way to work, the traffic is intertwined with many people just dodging each other in a chaotic battle of chicken to see who will move out of the way first.

When I'm walking on the stairs at school, I have to dodge kids going up and down the right and left sides of the stairs. One of the gym teachers a couple weeks ago put up a few signs saying "Keep to the Right" in both Hangul and English (the kids still don't). But at least they move out of my way out of respect for their elders (or out of pure fear of the big white dude). 

To my surprise - and happiness - I got to read this lovely little article in the LA Times about how the SK Government is bringing about a much needed change with the "Keep Right" campaign.

I'm also going to post it below as I'm not sure if it will be available after a few days.

South Koreans do the 'right' thing

As part of a government campaign to get pedestrians to stop taking the left side, the directions of escalators and stairs in the capital have been switched. Surprises await those not paying attention.

Commuters negotiate a crowded subway station in Seoul. (Ju-min Park / Los Angeles Times)

 By John M. Glionna and Ju-min Park

September 21, 2009

Reporting from Seoul - Lee Young-soo sees a social revolution happening before his eyes: South Korea's fundamental shift to the right, a move that has many here fretting about a looming collision.

It's not politics they're talking about, but walking in public.

As he hurries through the chaotic pedestrian flow at a local subway station, Lee moves instinctively left to take the down escalator toward his train -- only to see the mass of commuters rising toward him.

Narrowly missing slamming into someone, he scurries over to the right side and joins the others moving down.

"For a while," says the 48-year-old, "this might be uncomfortable."

A new government campaign is bucking the "stay left" law in force here for decades, forcing pedestrians on escalators and moving walkways in the city's massive subway system to move to the right.

The direction of Lee's escalator was recently reversed, and in coming weeks, hundreds, if not thousands, more will follow as the plan is introduced to the rest of the nation.

Officials say the move makes perfect sense -- falling into line with international practice and increasing the pedestrian flow, presumably by cutting down on collisions. And because nearly 90% of South Koreans are right-handed and the country drives on the right, keeping left goes against instincts, they say.

"Our country is the one that started all the trouble by initially forcing people to walk in a certain direction," said Hwang Duk-soo, head of the National Movement of Keeping Right.

"In the past, when Koreans go abroad, they hit foreigners. And vice versa, foreigners come to Korea and bump into Koreans."

Hwang has become a bit of a philosopher when it comes to bodies in motion. He's done his research.

In 1921, during the Japanese occupation, South Korea required both pedestrians and cars to stay left -- following the custom that still exists throughout Japan. Then, in 1946, under the U.S. military administration after World War II, South Korea moved vehicles to the right but left pedestrians where they were.

Sociologists say the latest changeover won't be smooth.

"It could take a bit of trial and error since the custom that we have used is going to be thrown away," said Gihong Yi, a sociology professor at Hallym University. "There could be some repercussions. However, walking on the right has been proved good in a sense of human engineering."

Such elemental shifts have been going on elsewhere in Asia and the Pacific. This month, the island nation of Samoa switched from driving on the right. Contrary to official fears, chaos did not ensue.

At the Express Bus Terminal in Seoul, which made the switch with escalators and walkways before the program's official kickoff next month, some people are worried.

"It sounds good," said Jin Ho-jun, 68, a former banker. "However, I am worried because many elders who are used to the old way use subways so often."

Seoul transportation officials are gearing up for the official switch starting Oct. 1, when they will have hundreds of volunteers during congested rush hours at 163 subway stations citywide.

Many stations have already been papered with promotional posters showing a smiling, happy family and reading: "Keep to the right! You are beautiful for taking part."

The Korea Transport Institute expects that the move will eventually increase walking speed within the subway system and reduce pedestrian collisions by as much as 25%.

Officials say offenders against the new system will not face fines but will be encouraged to go with the flow.

To make the crossover run more smoothly, Koreans need to be patient, advocates say. "Critics should know that nothing is perfect. The one is just better than the other one," Hwang said.

Still, he can't hide the philosopher within him.

"Technically, no one should tell us to walk to the left or to the right," he said. "It is much easier to just go with instinct."

john.glionna@latimes.com

Park is in The Times' Seoul Bureau.

"Take Me Out To The Ballgame..."

Finally, I had a chance to get to see a baseball game! It was the last Saturday game of the season too! I suppose it was a good thing to show up almost 2 hours early to get tickets, as they only had the upper-deck and behind the outfield left.

It was an interesting experience to say the least. I had a good time, and have many things to talk about. Let's begin:

1. If you ever are planning to go to a game at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul, and don't already have tickets purchased online. Get there early - especially for weekend games.

Click to Enlarge

2. Bring a newspaper. To read?? - NO - to put on your seat to reserve it. In all their wisdom, Jamsil stadium does not have assigned seats for the upper-deck (yellow) seats $8! You merely buy a ticket and sit wherever you find a spot. People were camped out hours earlier than I reserving 15 seats - of which they used 5. Some had printed signs and taped them to the seats. Others just left their belongings there with no one to guard them. Interesting, but not efficient. Also, my big complaint was that either they oversold tickets and didn't have enough seats, or people moved from the outfield seats. Where? To the aisles. People just sit in the aisles and make it a death trap in case something ever should happen. I didn't even leave my seat for an attempt on grabbing dinner or the bathroom as I didn't want to try and step through the minefield of little children and their parents picnicking on the stairs.

(or in this case - making pom-poms out of newspapers)

3. Bring whatever you want - food, beer, liquor, weapons. They don't check bags. Alcohol below a certain percentage is actually allowed, as well as food. (I saw people carrying pizza's in). That's definitely a plus, and saves money from being forced to buy $7 hamburgers and $8 beers (oh wait - that's back in the States - here it's cheaper).

4. If you're rooting for the home team, get a seat behind 1st base. I entered the stadium on the 3rd base side, and slowly moved my way to behind home plate where I actually found an unreserved seat. I had a great view, but was stuck between 2 sets of fans. You'll also get a better view of the cheerleaders, might learn the cheers, and are in foul ball territory.

Doosan's Cheer Captain - he's basically a drum major for the crowd (and on crack)

5. Don't expect the teams to be great. They're OK - fielding is their strong point. Strategy and skill is not. The teams don't have a lot of power hitters, the pitchers just seem to throw fastballs (and a lot of wild ones too) They steal bases like crazy at the weirdest times too, and then when you expect them to steal, they don't. (Like with runners at the corners and 1 out - might as well steal 2nd, as the catcher isn't apt to throw with a guy on 3rd and a big lead). However, the game was exciting and there were a lot of hits (due to the only throwing fastballs up the middle of the plate). Also, the fans are pretty polite to the visiting team. There isn't yelling, cursing, or even booing for players. In fact, when the opposing team hit a home run, I saw a lot of Doosan fans cheering for him as he did a good job. The umps are polite too - and are known to reverse calls - something that is hard to come by in MLB.

6. Don't go alone. I couldn't get anyone to accompany me on short notice - it was rather boring because of that.

7. Leave early if it's not a close game and they're in the 9th. (well, if you're taking the subway - as it gets really crowded, really quickly). I was lucky enough to leave while everyone was focusing on a raffle at the end of the game.

8. Buy the "thunder sticks". They're cheap and they look like fun. I would have bought them if I had better seats and was sitting with the Doosan fans. Unfortunately, I had a lot more Lotte Giant fans around me.

9. Bring a camera, you'll get some good pics!

10. Try not to notice that there is no announcer, just a Jumbo-Tron. And pray that you don't get shown on it when they're doing the "Kiss Competition". Don't worry - I wasn't chosen for that -- somehow, I don't think the old man sitting next to me would have puckered up...

THE REST OF MY PHOTO'S CAN BE FOUND HERE, 

INCLUDING A PANORAMIC OF THE STADIUM 

(thank you Canon Photostitch!)

Also, here are some videos I took during the game:

"Hey Big Spender!"

WARNING: 

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH KOREA, AND IS JUST THE RANTINGS OF AN ANNOYED AMERICAN WHO HAS BEEN WATCHING TOO MUCH OF THE NEWS. 

BEWARE.

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

I've been paying too much attention recently to the health-care debates and general politics back in the States, and frankly, it's beginning to really annoy me.

I understand each side of the debates, but pretty much support the Democrats on this one. Here are a few of my thoughts.

1. We need affordable health-care for everyone. Obama is not proposing a complete government take-over of health-care, but an addition of a public option for those who choose to take part. If I were unemployed and needed insurance, I would much rather be on a cheaper plan without having to worry about pre-existing conditions, and all the red tape that the giants like BCBS have set up in order to screw you once you can't pay. Much like some states and mandatory auto insurance, I think everyone should be covered regardless, and I actually don't think socialized health care is a bad idea, but I think  a better idea is having the public option as if it were successful in gaining enough people (which I think it would) it would be a competitor for the private companies and would bring some more competitiveness to the market and curb some of the insane policies that the private companies currently abide by.

2. Tea Party Express Hypocrites: I get what you are saying, and agree on some of your issues. You want to cut government spending and out of control debts and bailouts. I think government spending is ridiculous and the national debt is insane - fine. However - these people participating in the protests (ie, GOP friends, Fox News watchers, and crazies) make me angry. These are the same people who supported the Bush administration and turned a blind eye when they ratcheted up the deficit, funded 2 trillion wars which were pointless to begin with, infringed upon your civil liberties with policies such as "the Patriot Act", and most importantly, caused most of the issues leading up to the extreme government spending, out of control debts, and the downward spiral of the economy.  Where were the protests then? Where was the outrage then?

I read a couple lines at Examiner.com, which made a lot of sense.

The Tea Party conservatives not only don't want to pay for their mistakes they don't want to admit they even made mistakes while Bush and the Republicans ran the country's economy into the ground. Instead they want to blame the current president and the current congress.

It isn't a coincidence that now that the Democrats are in power these fiscally concerned conservatives have suddenly found their voice.

My advice - get off your high horse, stop your whining, and accept some fault and responsibility. You people are the reason we've had an out-of-control Republican administration for 8 years (I still can't believe you re-elected him in 2004).

3.  Death Panels and "You Lie": 

• Death Panels are not happening, it's a complete falsity made up by Sarah Palin. She's an idiot.
  
• Joe Wilson yelled out during Obama's Health-care Reform Speech "You Lie". His argument is based on illegal immigrants being insured for health-care. First off, most illegal immigrants are excluded from Medicaid, the government-run health care for the poor. Secondly, the plan isn't to insure them on the government option - the bill leaves that alone, and keeps the current system - which is to help people who are in need. If an illegal immigrant is hurt, are you going to tell them to go away? No - we are passionate human beings. We don't turn people away. It's always going to be an issue as long as there are illegal immigrants - which probably will be forever.
  

4. Fox News Propaganda: Fox News is probably the worst form of "news" you could ever get. It's completely biased, they don't have journalists - just commentators who can say pretty much whatever they want. Some of their most popular shows (O'Reilly, Beck, Hannity) are soapboxes that are run by Rupert Murdoch to twist the truth and basically LIE to it's audience. The network uses scare tactics and will basically tell you that you are an enemy of the state and UnAmerican for not believing what they believe. But they stil claim they are "Fair and Balanced"

I can site so many cases of this, but here are a few:

5. The Democrats aren't getting off easy: With a majority in the House and Senate, they need to actually work together and stop trying to appease everyone on everything. Yes, some things need compromise, but as liberals often do, they are being too careful not to step on anyone's toes, and are just bogging down any progress they could be making with more bureaucracy, pandering, and entitlement. With health-care, they are far too vague and can't seem to make up their minds on anything. Get with the program already and try to undo the last 8 years.

I think if anyone is really interested in some of the crap that people are saying and doing, they should turn of the cable news networks because they are all biased, and start focusing on real journalists, and political watchdogs. Some good sources are PolitiFact and OpenSecrets.

Overall, be careful of what you hear, where you get your news, and what and how politicians, pundits, commentators, and journalists are telling you.

(Sadly, I think Jon Stewart and the Daily Show gives the most accurate - and hilarious - news)

"Down With The Sickness"

If Koreans take anything seriously, it is usually health related. With the recent spread of swine flu (which they actually do refer to by it's proper name of H1N1), the government has gone as far as to take everyone's temperature upon entry into the country, and quarantines people with fevers and suspected cases of H1N1. Most of it seems to be stereotyping as well - as it seems a lot of fellow expats who were traveling this summer to places like Thailand or the Philippines are or know someone who has been quarantined for a week upon their return to Korea.

The school systems have been buckling down to try and combat the virus as well. My school, like many, has between 1,000 - 2,000 students, and is located in a very densely populated area - so it makes sense that any outbreak of disease is going spread quickly if not dealt with.

As such, our school system has established the following precautions:

1. All students were shown a video about H1N1 and how to protect themselves from getting sick.
2. Students should wash their hands often with hot water and soap.
3. All homeroom teachers should take their students temperature before school.
4. If a student feels ill, they should report it to the nurse.
5. Students and teachers should wear masks if they are sick or if they want to prevent themselves from getting sick.
6. Avoid infants and the elderly, as their immune systems can be much weaker.

Ok, I don't have a big problem with any of this - it all makes sense. However, let's delve into some of the more realstic aspects of every day life in my school.

1. Students rarely wash their hands - even after using the bathroom, as there is only one sink, rarely soap, and the bathrooms are pretty gross.
2. The homeroom teachers take the students temperatures with thermometers (mouth, ear, and infrared). They don't sterilize them after each use. (the infrared one doesn't need this of course).
3. Most students come to school even if they are sick as their parents force them. Then they just spread it around.
4. The administration gave the teachers hand sanitizers for their offices - but there is none for the students.
5. This doesn't necessarily apply to the schools but: When you go to eat with Koreans, they generally eat community style where you're putting chopsticks into your mouth and then back into a community dish and spread the germs around.

I suppose it's a good thing that kimchie cures all diseases - it's too bad that I don't really eat it though!

"The Right Stuff"

Here are 5 small things in Korea that I believe the US could learn from:

Restaurant Services: 

Your food is worth what the owners believe is fair, and in a Confucius society, that goes a long way to lowering your dining expenses. There are no waiters hovering over you asking you if things are alright or sucking up to you for better tips. They simply bring your food quickly and make sure everything is going properly (ie, making sure burners are working, cutting the samgyeopsal with scissors, bringing your side dishes). If you need more water, or want anything at all - just yell out (여기 - yeogi, or yeogiyo which means "here!") or simply raise your hand. Also, you do not tip at restaurants. Don't even try - they'll give it back to you. It's a great thing because not only do you end up paying less when the bill comes around, there is also no haggling over how much to add depending on level of service.

Parental Involvement in Education:

South Korea spends a lot of money on education and the people spend a lot of their own money to have their kids educated to the best of their abilities. The universities are hard to get into and the testing is very competitive. So parents push their kids to do their best - or better. There is very little play time for the kids in higher income households. They start school to learn English in pre-K, and are going to hagwons when they are about 5 to learn English, as well as other Korean subjects. The children go to school on the weekends as well - except Sunday, (at least in my school, as well as have every other Saturday off). But even with that down time, the kids are expected to either be home studying, in some sort of hagwon, and if they're lucky - they can go to a PC-bang or hang out with friends.

Self-Sufficiency:

I've noticed that a lot of things in Korea are made in Korea. There is a great sense of pride in the country over all things Korean, which might help explain that. One thing I've grown to like, is that even though the big conglomerates (Daewoo, LG, Samsung, Lotte) own and make everything, there is a lot of small businesses that everyone seems to use. In the US, everyone goes to the bigger stores because everything is cheaper there, and the smaller stores are left to the restaurant industry, and specific trades. There are large stores like Cost-co, E-Mart, but you can find the same things - sometimes even cheaper at local stores. Especially produce, as there are people selling them on the streets all over the place. With these conglomerates comes self-sufficiency. It seems that everyone buys Korean. Of course there are imports, but I feel that most of the necessities in their lives are home produced. From utilities to their food, things are Korean produced, which makes everything also less expensive. But if you do want to buy foreign, you will sure pay for it!

The Elderly:

Older people are viewed with more respect, and kidness here. I can see why. I have never seen so many active people in their 70's and 80's. Their health is much better than back home, they sit in parks, walk the cities, even exercise in the outdoor public gym areas. I've seen many elderly people selling food on the streets, and working in kitchens. One of the most surprising things, is you'll see them gardening and weeding public places, picking up garbage, and moving trash. I don't know if this is necessarily their job either. Someone told me they think volunteer for this to keep their city beautiful.

Public and Social Services:

From what I can tell there is very few homeless people here - maybe they are just better at blending in. I've only seen a handful and they simply with bow in the middle of a street on their hands and knees with a box open for spare money. Having shelter is relatively easy to find. Besides homeless shelters, many businesses are open very late, and the amazing public transportation system runs late, giving many people a warms spot to curl up for a night. Also on the subway, blind people may walk through the trains playing music and asking for money, but they are not pushy about it and just walk right through. The hospitals are wonderful and you are taken care of quickly, the public walkways are extremely clean and maintained. Garbage recycling is huge, and everyone plays their part. Police are rarely seen dealing with any fights, thefts, assaults - I only see them dealing with traffic issues. Guns are illegal, drugs seem to be rarely used (more by us foreigners and the US Military), and therefore crime is extremely low. In a city of about 500,000 people - that is just amazing to me.

Everything seems to stem from living your life in a respectful way. Respecting your elders, laws, authority, and your country and yourself. It's a wonderful thing to be a part of. In a crowded city, if this didn't happen it would be unpleasant. I believe that the Korean people realize this, and basically follow the golden rule. I can only hope that one day the people back at home would realize this.

"I Started a Joke"

It's been a long and tiring week. I guess I deserve it after having it pretty relaxing for the last few weeks.

The biggest dampener of the week was my co-teacher telling me that I had to attend a meeting at the Gunpo Education Office in order to take an introductory class for teaching the web-based broadcasting class. They had mentioned this last semester and it wasn't a mandatory thing, and I was teaching an after school class to my school's teacher (who never really showed up). But now to make up the lost hour, I'm supposed to teach adults online English conversation - out of a really crappy textbook. I think what annoyed me the most was the lack of information I recieved about this. All I was told was "go to the meeting," "here's the website, your webcam and headset" (no login or password yet), and "what class are you teaching?" I didn't even know what class I was teaching - the education office administrators had that all figured out. Apparently, I'm supposed to teach Wednesday afternoons, although my co-teacher thinks it's Wed and Fridays. (let's hope not!) After the first few classes I think I won't mind, but it just not the same being in front of a classroom with younger students. Adults are so much harder to teach, and the subject material has to be more serious and less interactive. My 2nd and 3rd graders love doing hangman and cryptograms. I don't think some "agemma" is going to want to waster her time and money having me teach her games.

I was pissed off about this whole thing all week, but was really looking forward to Friday afternoon. We were having an English speech competition, where students write an essay and present it to a board of judges. We assessed them based on pronunciation and presentation. Some students simply presented by reading their scripts, others brought props and memorized long essays, while the younger students acted out small skits. I was really impressed with a few of the high level students who's pronunciation was astoundingly good. There were many hard words that these students could pronounce easily. The 3rd graders were most impressive. One girl gave a speech on Plato's Allegory of the Cave - one of my favorites. Her twin gave a speech on George Washington's life and death....mostly it was about death... and one of the highest students in the school gave a very good presentation on the hopes of unification of North and South Korea.

One of the twins

 I had to take a photo of this script as it made no sense to me, and is quite funny.

(to their defense, this is the 1st graders work though)

The 1st and 2nd graders were not as impressive in their pronunciation, but their presentations were very funny and creative. I took a couple videos to share with you all.

After the competition, Jordan and I had to run out to meet the male teachers for a meeting. (aka go out, eat great food, drink a ton of soju, makoli, and mek-ju). We had a pretty good time. Our sol-goggi (beef) dinner was probably the best one I've had in quite some time. After dinner the principal invited us out to the downtown area near my apartment to go get some more drinks. One of the teachers was a drunk and kept singing "I started a joke" by the Beegees --- and then would look at me and say "Nick, you're a homo!" I didn't think his 'joke' was funny as he kept saying it over and over all night in front of the other teachers. It was pretty disrespectful for a people who are all about showing their respect. Then again, this is the same guy who peed in the corner of our hotel room on the last trip....so I guess I shouldn't expect much.

Saengil Chukha Hamnida!

생일축하합니 Saengil Chukha Hamnida! (Happy Birthday!)

Many thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday - from the phone calls, e-mails to gifts (and the dinner and cake from my fellow expats)

It was weird having both my 28th and my 29th birthday in Korea. (for those of you that do not understand that: In America when you are born you are "0" years old, and in Korea you are born "1" years old). My birthday has never been a big event - I don't like people making a fuss. Plus, it is always the beginning of the school year so IF people even remember, they're usually too busy with work and/or school.

My co-teacher Kimberly greeted me with cookies from Paris Baguette (a popular pastry chain in S.K.) - they are pretty awesome and are by far the best cookies I have had since being here. My Monday morning class (aka the 7:40am class that I never want to teach) must have been told about the big event, and also greeted me with a big "Happy Birthday!" as well. Those kids are great. The big secret around my school is "How old is Nick-teacher?" Probably because they asked it a lot when I first started and I kept telling them I was an ancient old man and joked about being 100 years old. I informed them that I just turned 101 - which they found amusing. According to one of my classes, I am now an 할아버지 (Harabeoji - "grandfather").

A few of the expats in the area took me out to a nice dinner of samgyeopsal and surprised me with a lovely chocolate mouse cake - which was surprising good for Korean confections. We had a great time interacting with our wait staff in broken English - some of which was rather hilarious and consisted of making "mooing" and clucking noises when trying to discuss beef and eggs. Not to mention getting a round of applause by the locals, and witnessing a guy in a English t-shirt that made no sense whatsoever and who was also wearing a fanny pack. (he was just begging to be laughed at by us crazy westerners).

Dinnah! I love samgyeopsal!

The cake (with grapes and chocolate on top! too funny!)

I just realized I didn't make a wish!

We kicked back a few drinks to cap off the celebration, but had to cut the night short due to the unfortunate realization that - yes - we DO have to go to work in the morning. And I had another 7:40 class to arise for.

Overall, it was a pretty great day, and as this may be my only birthday in Korea, it'll be one I probably won't forget.