"The Lighthouse's Tale"

The weather was relatively nice this weekend - enough so, that we could spend some time outside.

Saturday I visited Hwayoung in Seoul where we decided to go to the Han River in hopes to roller-blade along one of the rivers many parks. Unable to find a place that rented skates, we found a place that rented bicycles. Only $3 for an hour! I must say that even though I looked girly on my bike, it was really comfortable to sit straight and have a place to put your belongings...

 

Along the river we saw people picnicking, even though it was probably about 50 degrees F. Apparently it's popular for older people to drink beer, makoli, and soju along the river. Some people where even barbecuing. 

I also noticed a lot of people had fires going along the river bank. It seemed weird at first, but it turns out it was people lighting paper on fire and praying near the water. Hwayoung told me that it was because their loved ones were cremated and their ashes spread in the river. Basically, the river is seen as the cemetery for the family to hold prayer sessions and other small memorial ceremonies. I found it a bit peculiar that they would be allowed to sit under a bridge, and set small fires. One group lit the fire next to one of the bridge supports to block the wind from extinguishing it, but it looked like they could set the bridge on fire! (if cement could catch fire, that is). I wish I brought my camera.

That night we ate some great Thai food, and went to CGV in Sinchon to see The Lovely Bones, based on the novel by Alice Sebold. I had not read the book, and I had no clue what it was about. But it was a pretty good movie, and the cinematic artistic features were excellent. Portions of the movie reminded me of Salvador Dali paintings. If you watch it or even just the trailer below, you'll understand why. The film is directed by Peter Jackson, whom I usually enjoy, even though I feel he sometimes relies too heavily on CGI imagery and scenery.

On Sunday, Hwayoung and I invited our friend Domenick to come with us Oido, a small city on the western coast. It's only about 30 minutes from Gunpo by subway, and maybe another 15 minutes by bus to the shore. The area is well known for seafood and it's lighthouse. We walked around a little, explored the fish markets, and had a grilled clam and oyster dinner along with homemade noodle soup. 

A map of the area and trip...

Here are some photos of the trip.

The fish market was located along a pier where you could have the fresh catch of the day prepared right in front of you, and served immediately. If you want fresher fish, you'd have to eat it alive.

 

 Walking through the fish markets you can usually find this interesting lifeform that I don't think I ever want to try. 

This earthworm-looking thing is called 개불 (pronounced kae-buhl)....translation: "dog (개) testicles (불)". You can guess why.

Monday (today) is a holiday, so no school! However, the new year starts tomorrow. I'm not as excited this year because I'm going to have more classes than last, as well as am teaching all the grades now instead of just 2nd and 3rd grade. This means their level of abilities will vary more, and my lessons will either have to be adjusted or I will have to make them for the 1st graders and teach the same thing to 2nd and 3rd. I suppose I could make a different, more difficult lesson for the higher grades, but I really don't want to do the extra work when they don't even get graded on my class anyways.

I have to prepare a small speech for the parents of the incoming 1st graders, but the best thing is that only half of the incoming 3rd graders have had me as a teacher, and none of the incoming 1st and 2nd graders have. This lets me start on a new slate, and allows me to be a little more intimidating. (Also, I can reuse some of my old lessons on them!) I already have lessons done for the month of March and some of April. I just have to teach until late May and then my contract is over by the start of June! Time to start really thinking about the summer and next year! As of tomorrow I've been here 9 months! Only 3 left!

Wow, this has been quick! Time sure flies when you are having fun!