If there's one thing that I have learned in my mid- to late-20s--and one thing that gains salience in my life with each passing year--it's that things rarely go as planned in life. At least, that is, if you leave the door "open," so to speak, and let life drive you a little more rather than always trying to control the reigns of life yourself.
Some people might call my choice to let life guide me through the days weak, or passive, or directionless. Maybe some will see me as full of fear to face "reality"; I say let them. What I've discovered, for me, is that beautiful and unexpected things happen when you LET THEM.
Of course, this isn't to say that I don't exhibit some level of control over my life. I am still human, and therefore practice free will and choice as much as anybody else, but I like to think that sometimes, life knows better than I do.
I never anticipated staying in Korea for two years in my late-20s, and now I am faced with the crossroads of staying a third year. There is now a possibility that I could be employed at a university in Jinju, beginning with the new semester in March. This would mean putting off my desired months of travel through Asia and my inevitable homecoming to Oregon another year... But... That's not actually sounding too bad to me right now. And, it would mean spending my 30th birthday in the Himalayas of Nepal come early spring 2013 (that is, assuming something ELSE unexpected doesn't come up). I could think of far worse things...
Sometimes, I do find myself asking the question "When should I take a little more control over my life and set some goals and put everything into reaching those goals? When is enough enough?" But, then I remind myself that there are many ways to "live" a life and mine is just one of those many. So long as I am happy, healthy, and spending my time doing something productive and meaningful and learning some things along the way, it can't be THAT bad, right?
I am nine days away from leaving Korea and heading onward to Malaysia and India, and at this point in time I have no idea whether I'll be coming back to this crazy country, or whether I'll continue to embark on a much-awaited journey through Asia. How to pack up my life of the past two years for this situation, I don't know. How I feel about this, I also don't know. On the day of my departure, I may not know whether I'm coming back--ever. It will be strange, making such a big transition under the cloud of uncertainty, but I guess strangeness and uncertainty is a feeling I've become quite accustomed to.
So, the only thing I can do is what I've always done--take it one day at a time, enjoy the moment, soak in the world around me and just go with the flow, seeing where life takes a turn next... :)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Under Pressure
There are many lovely things about Korea, but being a student is NOT one of them. Yesterday, November 10th, was the most important day for Korean high school students: SAT exam day.
The Korean SAT exam is so important that even airports are shut down for a period of time as to not interfere with the nationwide broadcast of the listening portion of the exam. Middle schools usually cancel classes for the day because teachers are needed to proctor the exams from 8am-6pm.
This day is the moment of truth for third-year high school students: it basically determines their future. Their scores will determine which universities will accept them, and, in Korea, THIS... IS... EVERYTHING.
Watch this video for a little insight into the day, thanks to Al Jazeera: VIDEO
I don't know why I'm continuously surprised by such things. I've been here long enough to have at least a basic understanding of the Korean education system and have observed just how hard my students work and are pressured by parents and society to perform well. I know that the notion of "childhood" has a VERY different meaning in this country than it does where I grew up. But, I still find myself feeling a mix of shock and pity...
Luckily for me, however, I had a day off in the middle of the week!
The Korean SAT exam is so important that even airports are shut down for a period of time as to not interfere with the nationwide broadcast of the listening portion of the exam. Middle schools usually cancel classes for the day because teachers are needed to proctor the exams from 8am-6pm.
This day is the moment of truth for third-year high school students: it basically determines their future. Their scores will determine which universities will accept them, and, in Korea, THIS... IS... EVERYTHING.
Watch this video for a little insight into the day, thanks to Al Jazeera: VIDEO
I don't know why I'm continuously surprised by such things. I've been here long enough to have at least a basic understanding of the Korean education system and have observed just how hard my students work and are pressured by parents and society to perform well. I know that the notion of "childhood" has a VERY different meaning in this country than it does where I grew up. But, I still find myself feeling a mix of shock and pity...
Luckily for me, however, I had a day off in the middle of the week!
Pepero Day Strikes Again...
With a new twist.
Today, 11/11/11, is Pepero Day 2011. I wrote about this "holiday" last year, which always falls on November 11th (because these stick-like cookies resemble the number one). I haven't seen as many Pepero boxes and wrappers at school today as I remember seeing last year, but maybe they'll start appearing as the day goes on...
The twist I speak of, however, is THIS...
I GUESS having a child with a Pepero birthday--and that of 11/11/11--is... cool?
Today, 11/11/11, is Pepero Day 2011. I wrote about this "holiday" last year, which always falls on November 11th (because these stick-like cookies resemble the number one). I haven't seen as many Pepero boxes and wrappers at school today as I remember seeing last year, but maybe they'll start appearing as the day goes on...
The twist I speak of, however, is THIS...
I GUESS having a child with a Pepero birthday--and that of 11/11/11--is... cool?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
60 Days...
And counting.
In 60 days, I will leave Korea. Just past midnight on Friday, January 6th, I will hop on a plane to Malaysia. I will have until the afternoon of January 10th to do as I please and then take one more flight, landing in Kochi, India. From there, who knows...
It's hard to believe this part of my life is coming to an end, but endings and new beginnings, and goodbyes to old friends and hellos to new friends, are not things that I'm unfamiliar with anymore. It's just part of the life I've chosen to live and though it can get tiring, it's also become somewhat of a comfort for me. So, here's to the next phase of this glorious thing called life!
Please enjoy some pictures from my two most recent adventures in Maisan and Wolchulsan National Parks:
Maisan roughly translates to "Horse's Ear"; the name for the park comes from the two small peaks that, at the right angle, resemble horse's ears. In between is a temple where once, a long time ago, a man lived for fifty years building little stone towers.
Before we set off on our hike in Wolchulsan, some Koreans called a few of us over to try some of their local delicacy--raw sting ray. I've enjoyed most seafood and raw fish I've eaten in Asia, but this rates at the bottom of my list. Needless to say, I can at least say I've tried it...?
We spent the first day in Wolchusan hiking, and the second day climbing a type of rock that none of us are used to--slab. This time of climbing is solely dependent on friction and the ability to balance one's body properly. As you can see, there aren't any real holds for your feet--one of the most important things in climbing. I loved it, but not all felt the same...
In 60 days, I will leave Korea. Just past midnight on Friday, January 6th, I will hop on a plane to Malaysia. I will have until the afternoon of January 10th to do as I please and then take one more flight, landing in Kochi, India. From there, who knows...
It's hard to believe this part of my life is coming to an end, but endings and new beginnings, and goodbyes to old friends and hellos to new friends, are not things that I'm unfamiliar with anymore. It's just part of the life I've chosen to live and though it can get tiring, it's also become somewhat of a comfort for me. So, here's to the next phase of this glorious thing called life!
Please enjoy some pictures from my two most recent adventures in Maisan and Wolchulsan National Parks:
Maisan roughly translates to "Horse's Ear"; the name for the park comes from the two small peaks that, at the right angle, resemble horse's ears. In between is a temple where once, a long time ago, a man lived for fifty years building little stone towers.
Before we set off on our hike in Wolchulsan, some Koreans called a few of us over to try some of their local delicacy--raw sting ray. I've enjoyed most seafood and raw fish I've eaten in Asia, but this rates at the bottom of my list. Needless to say, I can at least say I've tried it...?
We spent the first day in Wolchusan hiking, and the second day climbing a type of rock that none of us are used to--slab. This time of climbing is solely dependent on friction and the ability to balance one's body properly. As you can see, there aren't any real holds for your feet--one of the most important things in climbing. I loved it, but not all felt the same...
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The Flu Strikes Again
How is it that I've managed to have the flu every year for THREE years in a row now? Ugh.
Though my fever's well and gone, my general feeling of illness and fatigue--and the semi-crankiness that goes with it--is not. Maybe that's what happens when you proceed to play hard the day you notice something in your body just isn't right...
Anyways. That day was well worth it.
I stopped by the bakery yesterday after school with the hopes of buying some "fresh cream" to put on top of the Jell-O instant chocolate pudding I made (I brought it back from Oregon and KNEW I'd saved it for a reason--post-flu comfort food!). And yes, they sell whipped cream at the bakery. Well, on most days. Unfortunately, yesterday, they appeared to be fresh out. So, I walked up to the counter to ask the woman if they had any more available.
Here is where everything my world growing up taught me about politeness and customer etiquette goes out the window. Welcome to Korea.
The woman behind the counter is seemingly busy at the moment, so I wait patiently for her to finish her immediate task. No more than eight seconds later another patron, an ajumma (woman of married age), walks up and plops her bread on the counter. The employee behind the counter raises her head and completely ignores me, beginning to help the other woman. Hoping to interfere before that transaction happens and taking ownership of my rightful place in line, I ask in Korean about the cream. The employee tells me to wait. EXCUSE ME?! So I grumpily mumble in English, but loud enough to be heard, "Well, I was standing here first." She proceeded to make an honest attempt to help us both simultaneously, which satisfied me (to an extent).
It's the Korean way--at least for the middle-aged and older generations. Times are definitely changing here, though... But in the meantime, ajummas and ajeossis can butt in line as often as they want and you remain the young waygook, invisible to those around you. Hmph.
Oh, and they had no more cream for my chocolate pudding.
Though my fever's well and gone, my general feeling of illness and fatigue--and the semi-crankiness that goes with it--is not. Maybe that's what happens when you proceed to play hard the day you notice something in your body just isn't right...
Anyways. That day was well worth it.
I stopped by the bakery yesterday after school with the hopes of buying some "fresh cream" to put on top of the Jell-O instant chocolate pudding I made (I brought it back from Oregon and KNEW I'd saved it for a reason--post-flu comfort food!). And yes, they sell whipped cream at the bakery. Well, on most days. Unfortunately, yesterday, they appeared to be fresh out. So, I walked up to the counter to ask the woman if they had any more available.
Here is where everything my world growing up taught me about politeness and customer etiquette goes out the window. Welcome to Korea.
The woman behind the counter is seemingly busy at the moment, so I wait patiently for her to finish her immediate task. No more than eight seconds later another patron, an ajumma (woman of married age), walks up and plops her bread on the counter. The employee behind the counter raises her head and completely ignores me, beginning to help the other woman. Hoping to interfere before that transaction happens and taking ownership of my rightful place in line, I ask in Korean about the cream. The employee tells me to wait. EXCUSE ME?! So I grumpily mumble in English, but loud enough to be heard, "Well, I was standing here first." She proceeded to make an honest attempt to help us both simultaneously, which satisfied me (to an extent).
It's the Korean way--at least for the middle-aged and older generations. Times are definitely changing here, though... But in the meantime, ajummas and ajeossis can butt in line as often as they want and you remain the young waygook, invisible to those around you. Hmph.
Oh, and they had no more cream for my chocolate pudding.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Koreans Invented...
Pizza?!
First, I'd like to begin by sharing my personal sentiments about Korean pizza. IT'S AWFUL.
Sweet potato is Korea's pepperoni.
It's unfortunately difficult to escape a mayonnaise surprise on your pizza, regardless of the flavor you ordered.
Corn sprinkled on top is the new parmesan.
Sweet pickles automatically accompany every pizza you'll ever order.
(This guy made the BEST comics about living as a foreign English teacher in Korea... You can check it out HERE if you're interested to know more about my life here--he's usually spot-on!).
A video was recently shared by a few friends on facebook. According to the video (which, may or may not be a joke... you can decide for yourself), it was actually Koreans who invented pizza. And it wasn't just your average, run of the mill Korean civilian--even the Buddhas ate pizza! You can 'enlighten' yourself (haha) and watch the video HERE.
Whether or not this video is at all serious, I wouldn't doubt that some people believe this. Korea has a way of pounding such notions into the minds of its citizens. I'm not sure whether it's the conformist nature of the society, and therefore the lack of encouragement and (apparent) desire to think for oneself, that would prevent people to question such things, or what. Either way, to the outsider, it's odd.
Take the example of the superiority of the Korean race. It has been rumored that until recently, Korean students were taught via text book that, according to cranium size, Koreans were by nature the smartest race.
Now, I'm certainly not trying to take away from the great accomplishments that Korea and Koreans have in fact made. But, pizza?
Oh, Korea...
First, I'd like to begin by sharing my personal sentiments about Korean pizza. IT'S AWFUL.
Sweet potato is Korea's pepperoni.
It's unfortunately difficult to escape a mayonnaise surprise on your pizza, regardless of the flavor you ordered.
Corn sprinkled on top is the new parmesan.
Sweet pickles automatically accompany every pizza you'll ever order.
(This guy made the BEST comics about living as a foreign English teacher in Korea... You can check it out HERE if you're interested to know more about my life here--he's usually spot-on!).
A video was recently shared by a few friends on facebook. According to the video (which, may or may not be a joke... you can decide for yourself), it was actually Koreans who invented pizza. And it wasn't just your average, run of the mill Korean civilian--even the Buddhas ate pizza! You can 'enlighten' yourself (haha) and watch the video HERE.
Whether or not this video is at all serious, I wouldn't doubt that some people believe this. Korea has a way of pounding such notions into the minds of its citizens. I'm not sure whether it's the conformist nature of the society, and therefore the lack of encouragement and (apparent) desire to think for oneself, that would prevent people to question such things, or what. Either way, to the outsider, it's odd.
Take the example of the superiority of the Korean race. It has been rumored that until recently, Korean students were taught via text book that, according to cranium size, Koreans were by nature the smartest race.
Now, I'm certainly not trying to take away from the great accomplishments that Korea and Koreans have in fact made. But, pizza?
Oh, Korea...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
30 Kilometers of Perfection (and Koreans)
Here are some photos from my trip to Seoraksan National Park... One of the most memorable hikes racked up in my history of hiking. I hiked only for two days, but for about 8-10 hours per day... As you can see from the photos below, the pain was SO very worth it...
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