"I'm Feeling Good"

Swine Flu...er, I mean, the H1N1virus (I try to keep things proper) is still going strong. I've read that people lined the streets for vaccinations recently (I did not get one), and that some children even died while being treated.

Citizens line up for influenza A tests at Korea University Guro Hospital in Seoul, Monday. Inoculations using a domestic flu vaccine will start today. 

Korea Times Photo by Koh Young-kwon

I'm not really worried....yet. I've always been pretty healthy and consider myself to have a strong immune system. I would like to take the time to thank my parents for letting me play outside. (and occasionally practice geophagia, play with animals, and look the other way when I extended the "5 second rule" to a minute and a half).

I would also like to thank my immune system for capitalizing on those events then - and now - as I've shared many community dishes with people from all over the globe. (So I suppose a thank you is also in order for many Asian countries and their ancestors for not knowing how much bacteria can spread by sharing food)

At this point I think I'll live to be 120 years old, and will never be ashamed to "double dip" again.

I was feeling under the weather for a few days - mainly a sore throat that went away today. I just think that it is seasonal though. I ate some kimchi, so I should be pretty much immortal now if what  every Korean says is true about the stuff (as it seems to be a cure-all) and I'm always reminded of the "Put some Windex on it" line from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

As for my school, the kids are dropping like flies. In the past 2 days I've had a third of one class out sick, and an entire different class was told not to come to school until next week because more than half the class had the flu. Of course this was the day AFTER I had taught them. But I just consider myself lucky that the administration doesn't force me teach in a mask like some other teachers at nearby schools.

I've heard rumors that the city's schools might close down for a week because of all of this. (I could only hope for a weeks vacation). Knowing my luck, I'd get sick during it though.

I've been hearing similar news from back in the States- as I believe it probably is worse there than here?

Stay healthy everyone, and have a nice Halloween! I probably won't celebrate it (I've never been a big fan of the holiday). I thought about going as Kim Jung-Il...but for some reason, I don't think that's smart.

oh, and enjoy this video (Kara  카라 - Mister)

"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!

"It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday"

First off, I'd like to thank everyone over the past few weeks for taking the time to get together with me one more time before I leave. It has been an exhausting few days full of good times with plenty of family, friends, and food (not to mention way too much alcohol for me!)

I've gotten very good at saying my goodbyes to my friends from Bristol, Providence, Boston, and throughout the region - trust me, I will miss you guys sooo much! Last night I had to see Patrick and Anne for the last time in a year, that was tough, but with the Internet, we'll be staying close! (If you two are reading this, this is your reminder to download Skype and get a microphone!)

In my exhausted state last night, I had managed to check my e-mail and saw that my recruiter had answered some of my nagging questions about my first few days in Korea. Turns out that because SK has now confirmed cases of the Swine Flu...er...I mean H1N1 virus (you're welcome all you Brown Public Health-ites.) Because Americans in SK have contracted the virus,

"all the foreign teachers who arrive in Korea after May 11th can't start work until 7 days pass.

(There have been new 14 foreign teachers from the States found to be influenced by S.I. (Swine Influenza) and they already got in touch with some students."

I was told I should still arrive in SK as planned and follow the new regulation. Oh darn, a week vacation when I arrive to sight see, get settled, and meet other Americans....it's a rough life, but someone needs to do it.

Also, I found out where I will be living. Apparently it is "very good and clean". If you would like the address of the apartment or school, please e-mail me, as I don't want to actually post the address. Who knows what sort of people might read this. Instead, here's a map of the area to help give you an idea of where I will be living compared to my surroundings:


View Gunpo in a larger map

Note: If you click on more in the upper-right-hand corner you can select pictures, and view some of the surroundings as well.

Also, I found out that when I arrive, I'll be picked up by a driver at the airport (hopefully he'll be holding the sign written in English). I then will go to the school to meet my teacher. Her name is Gyeong sook Kim (aka "Ms. Kim"). I'm willing to bet about half the teachers at the school are named "Kim". I am planning on bringing a couple of small, luggage-friendly gifts for my co-teacher and principal. If you have any suggestions on something that you think is considered uniquely American, please let me know!