Well, it's finally arrived. My last day at work/graduation day!! Mixed feelings...sad to leave but happy to be moving on. Yesterday was my last day teaching, and it was a tough one....but just had to share some of my favorite quotes from the day.
Me:"You're going to write goals for the next year, like 'I want to make good friends, or I want to have a nice teacher'".
Andrew: "We already have a nice teacher"
Heather: "Teacher, please don't cry tomorrow. If you cry, then I want to cry" She then puts her head down and sheds a few tears.
Andrew: "Teacher, I really, really miss you"
Me: "You guys are so sweet and smart!"
Sally P: "Teacher we are delicious?!"
It was a good last day. Managed not to cry too much. Charlie took a few pics of me on his phone then sent them to me on his cell. He's six. No big deal.
Love these kids. Love my life.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Its all coming back to me now...
So after my last post I went through all the posts for the past two years. It's so funny and nostalgic to go through the things I wrote about my job and students from when I first started. Most of my predictions were right!! My kids have turned into amazing speakers.
This past weekend was a fun and sad one. Had a going away party on sat night with friends from church, and Caroline who just arrived Friday!! We studied in Spain together four years ago and she just started her job today. I was so happy to introduce her to all my awesome friends!!
Sunday I wentto church for the last time and said bye to all the people there. Two guys who I met on my first day in 2010 were there and it was nice to have them with me, as we have hung out quite a bit.
So the goodbyes have begun... It's been hard and I know it will only get harder!! Pray that I make it through please. Hope you all had a nice weekend!!
This past weekend was a fun and sad one. Had a going away party on sat night with friends from church, and Caroline who just arrived Friday!! We studied in Spain together four years ago and she just started her job today. I was so happy to introduce her to all my awesome friends!!
Sunday I wentto church for the last time and said bye to all the people there. Two guys who I met on my first day in 2010 were there and it was nice to have them with me, as we have hung out quite a bit.
So the goodbyes have begun... It's been hard and I know it will only get harder!! Pray that I make it through please. Hope you all had a nice weekend!!
Friday, February 10, 2012
And nearly 8 months later....
For any of you that may have read my blog before, I sincerely apologize! I'm sure you thought awhile back that you'd never hear from me again, but you're wrong, haha! 8 months have gone by since I last posted...and you know, life happens, you get busy...and I. AM. SORRY.
The past 8 months have been filled with many many ups! and a few downs. Shortly after my last post, my parents and cousin came to visit me in Korea. We took an amazing trip to China where we hit nearly all of the major tourist sites in Qingdao, Beijing, and Guilin. The highlights were the Great Wall of course, and the boat ride down the Li River that we took amongst mountains and amazing pinnacles. Absolutely breathtaking.
After vacation, school was back in full swing, and the family quickly went back to the US. Fall came, the leaves changed, I took a few hiking trips around Korea (this country is so amazingly beautiful in fall and spring!) And then winter came! My kids were learning faster than ever...amazing little English speakers they are!
The beginning of December brought much heartache. As I'm sure you all know, my wonderful grandma, Reba Mullis, passed away. We were so glad that she went peacefully in her sleep, but it was a tough time for all of us. I was heartbroken that I couldn't be at home during such a tough time. Luckily, technology is amazing and i was able to watch her funeral via skype at 1:30 am my time. It was an incredible tribute to my grandma. She was such an inspiration to us all, quiet, but very strong and had great values. It was a blessing to be able to go home for Christmas to spend the tough time with my family. We miss you Grandma, and love you forever! But we know now she's with Grandpa, David, and the others in her family who have gone before her, so along with the heartache we all feel, we're sooo happy for her.
As I said, I spent a quick, jetlagged, amazing week back home and then it was back to Korea! January was here then left, where the heck does time go? If anyone knows where the past two years of my life went, please let me know! It's now less than three weeks before I take off for my SE Asia adventure! I'll be traveling for a month through Cambodia and Vietnam, itinerary below!
Graduation is less than three weeks away. I look at my little babies every day, several of whom I have taught since I first got to Korea. Their first day was my first day, and we've gone on this journey together! They know I am leaving, but dont seem to understand that I won't be coming back. I try not to talk about it to much, as don't want any tears in class just yet (mine of course). I'm so damn proud of all of these kids. They can have complete conversations, and I had a big part in that! Amazing. That's all I can say about them. And adorable of course :)
The next three weekends are full of fun things planned, parties, parties, work (we're holding orientation classes this Sat and next, just for an hour each), parties, and lots and lots of Korean food! It's gonna fly. I'm thrilled to be moving on, but sad to be leaving. I've made incredible friends, learned what I want to be when I grow up, and had some awesome adventures. Thanks to all who helped me along the way!
And here's a brief itinerary of my trip next month...more details to be included later! I promise to post again before I leave! Happy Weekend!!!
March 2-Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Explore the temples of Angkor Wat and the city for a few days. Head to Phenom Penh on the 6th.
March 6th-Hang out for a few days in PP. Learn some history about the Khmer Rouge, see all the tragic sites there. Probably cry. While I'm there gonna get a visa to vietnam, and try to plan a trip down the Mekong Delta.
March 9-10-Staying at the Rainbow Lodge in the Cardamom Mtns. It's an eco lodge in the middle of the forest, looks awesome! Google it!!
Back to PP then, to hopefully head down the Mekong Delta for a few days. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh. Hang out there, and then fly to Phu Quac, an island off the coast of Vietnam. I rented a beach side bungalow for a few nights...gonna relax on the beach and do some hiking!!
From there, heading up to Dalat, Vietnam. Its a city in the mountains, very quirky, has some crazy architecture. Very different vibe from the other areas of Vietnam. Also famous for the Easy Riders, guys who take you on moto tours around the area. Hoping to take a tour one day!
Then, heading to Hoi An, near the beach. It's a historic, quaint area, with lots and lots of tailor shops! Gonna get some amazing boots made for cheap, explore the area, and hit the beach some more.
Then off to Hanoi, I want to take a night trip into Sapa, where I can hopefully stay with a local family and see how they live.
After that, I have a tour booked around the Halong Bay. Its gonna be the end of my trip. I'll take a boat tour around the bay, do some kayaking, swimming, sleep on a "junk boat" one night, then the next day do some cycling and hiking on Cat Ba Island. Spend the night in a bungalow at a nature conservation place thingy...then head back to the boat and back to Hanoi. I arrive to Hanoi the 2nd, and fly out to Chicago the 3! Will arrive back about 10 am on April 4th.
I know that much will change! Traveling is always an adventure. I havemost of Cambodia booked, and then gonna wait to book a few places in Vietnam. Can't wait!! I'm doing it alone, and could not be more excited about it. Sorry Dad, but I will have a cell phone! Lots of pics to come.
The past 8 months have been filled with many many ups! and a few downs. Shortly after my last post, my parents and cousin came to visit me in Korea. We took an amazing trip to China where we hit nearly all of the major tourist sites in Qingdao, Beijing, and Guilin. The highlights were the Great Wall of course, and the boat ride down the Li River that we took amongst mountains and amazing pinnacles. Absolutely breathtaking.
After vacation, school was back in full swing, and the family quickly went back to the US. Fall came, the leaves changed, I took a few hiking trips around Korea (this country is so amazingly beautiful in fall and spring!) And then winter came! My kids were learning faster than ever...amazing little English speakers they are!
The beginning of December brought much heartache. As I'm sure you all know, my wonderful grandma, Reba Mullis, passed away. We were so glad that she went peacefully in her sleep, but it was a tough time for all of us. I was heartbroken that I couldn't be at home during such a tough time. Luckily, technology is amazing and i was able to watch her funeral via skype at 1:30 am my time. It was an incredible tribute to my grandma. She was such an inspiration to us all, quiet, but very strong and had great values. It was a blessing to be able to go home for Christmas to spend the tough time with my family. We miss you Grandma, and love you forever! But we know now she's with Grandpa, David, and the others in her family who have gone before her, so along with the heartache we all feel, we're sooo happy for her.
As I said, I spent a quick, jetlagged, amazing week back home and then it was back to Korea! January was here then left, where the heck does time go? If anyone knows where the past two years of my life went, please let me know! It's now less than three weeks before I take off for my SE Asia adventure! I'll be traveling for a month through Cambodia and Vietnam, itinerary below!
Graduation is less than three weeks away. I look at my little babies every day, several of whom I have taught since I first got to Korea. Their first day was my first day, and we've gone on this journey together! They know I am leaving, but dont seem to understand that I won't be coming back. I try not to talk about it to much, as don't want any tears in class just yet (mine of course). I'm so damn proud of all of these kids. They can have complete conversations, and I had a big part in that! Amazing. That's all I can say about them. And adorable of course :)
The next three weekends are full of fun things planned, parties, parties, work (we're holding orientation classes this Sat and next, just for an hour each), parties, and lots and lots of Korean food! It's gonna fly. I'm thrilled to be moving on, but sad to be leaving. I've made incredible friends, learned what I want to be when I grow up, and had some awesome adventures. Thanks to all who helped me along the way!
And here's a brief itinerary of my trip next month...more details to be included later! I promise to post again before I leave! Happy Weekend!!!
March 2-Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Explore the temples of Angkor Wat and the city for a few days. Head to Phenom Penh on the 6th.
March 6th-Hang out for a few days in PP. Learn some history about the Khmer Rouge, see all the tragic sites there. Probably cry. While I'm there gonna get a visa to vietnam, and try to plan a trip down the Mekong Delta.
March 9-10-Staying at the Rainbow Lodge in the Cardamom Mtns. It's an eco lodge in the middle of the forest, looks awesome! Google it!!
Back to PP then, to hopefully head down the Mekong Delta for a few days. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh. Hang out there, and then fly to Phu Quac, an island off the coast of Vietnam. I rented a beach side bungalow for a few nights...gonna relax on the beach and do some hiking!!
From there, heading up to Dalat, Vietnam. Its a city in the mountains, very quirky, has some crazy architecture. Very different vibe from the other areas of Vietnam. Also famous for the Easy Riders, guys who take you on moto tours around the area. Hoping to take a tour one day!
Then, heading to Hoi An, near the beach. It's a historic, quaint area, with lots and lots of tailor shops! Gonna get some amazing boots made for cheap, explore the area, and hit the beach some more.
Then off to Hanoi, I want to take a night trip into Sapa, where I can hopefully stay with a local family and see how they live.
After that, I have a tour booked around the Halong Bay. Its gonna be the end of my trip. I'll take a boat tour around the bay, do some kayaking, swimming, sleep on a "junk boat" one night, then the next day do some cycling and hiking on Cat Ba Island. Spend the night in a bungalow at a nature conservation place thingy...then head back to the boat and back to Hanoi. I arrive to Hanoi the 2nd, and fly out to Chicago the 3! Will arrive back about 10 am on April 4th.
I know that much will change! Traveling is always an adventure. I havemost of Cambodia booked, and then gonna wait to book a few places in Vietnam. Can't wait!! I'm doing it alone, and could not be more excited about it. Sorry Dad, but I will have a cell phone! Lots of pics to come.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
And the award for worst blogger goes to...
Me....I'm awful at these things!! I was doing good up until March, and then BANG!! Spring comes, fun comes, and now it's summer already. I'll make it brief...just the highlights!
March came and went...I've since lost two students in my class, and we're down to five. An amazing five. Three that started with me in Jan of 09, one that came in March of 09, and another that just started this March. And they're all. Just. DOLLS!! I am so proud of how far they have come!! We are having full on conversations now. They told me to call my parents and tell them to bring cake when they come and visit. They told me to call my mom and ask her to send me some "indoor shoes". The kids all change their shoes when they arrive in the morning, and they noticed that I don't do the same. They're amazing, and I have another 8months to go with them. I was just telling a new teacher today, that this is the first job, the ONLY job where not one morning have I ever woken up and been upset to go to work. Sure I'm tired, cranky, sometimes I was out too late the night before, but I'm always willing to go in. I think I've finally found my calling....
April came and went. The SLP teachers took a field trip to a different city, where we got to see some movie sets, hang out, drink, have BBQ, and the next day we road rail bikes. Bikes along an old railroad. It was a blast!!! I also took a trip with several other girls to a mountain ridge down south, where we hiked for over 6 hours, hit 4 peaks, and nearly cried from frusturation. There were times when we had to go down a 90 degree angle ladder. We had to use ropes at points to pull us up. But we made it, and the views were amazing.
April also brought the cherry blossoms!!! These beautiful trees were everywhere, and I made sure to really appreciate them this year, because I know I won't be here next year to see them. Last year I was already hoping to stay until the next spring to see them, but this time....I'll be leaving. And they were gorgeous.
May came, and went. Work during the week, fun on the weekends....We had one day off for Children's Day, and another for Buddah's birthday, where I went into Seoul again and saw the same lantern parade as last year.
June came, and we headed down to Busan to relax on the beach for a few days over the Korean Memorial Day. The weather was perfect, and we all got a little sunkissed. We were at the tbeach during the day, at the bars at night, eating amazing food and enjoying our first three days off in a row in a very, very long time!!!
Last weekend I went bungee jumping!! I've honestly never wanted to do it, but there's a super cheap (and honestly, semi short) place to go around here. A big group of girls and I went, it cost 25 bucks and we were harnessed by our waists, which made me feel way safer. I've gone skydiving twice before, and I really think I enjoyed this way more. The feeling of freefall was way more intense. I didnt let myself look down, the guy counted to five, and I ran and jumped!! I like to say that I did a "Pocahontas dive" like she did in the movies. Just went for it. And it. was. amazing. I loved it and hope to go again soon, maybe by my feet, but I don't know, it kinda sounds a bit more painful.
I was supposed to go on another hiking trip this weekend, like 10 hours!! But it's raining all over Korea, and there's supposedly a typhoon coming, so I'm saving it for another day. In a few weeks we will go down to Boryeong, where the Mud Festival is that I went to last year. It was a blast last time and I'm hoping for the same this year. Then two weeks later my parents and cousin Chuck come!!! We're gonna expolore China for a year. I'm so excited!!!
I've been going through a rough phase recently, they come and go. Just general feelings of lonelyness...(sp??? ENGLISH TEACHER!!!). It's honestly kinda hard to come home every night and not have someone to talk to or say good night too. Looking forward to the day when I have someone there all the time... :)
But they come and go, like I said. So I know this one will pass too!! We've gotten a few new teachers in the past weeks, and they're all super fun and friendly. It's such a huge difference from when I first came a year and a half ago, not for better or worse, just different. I really like everyone I work with!! I've got another 8 months to go here, and I'm gonna enjoy them while I can, cause I'm sure once the time comes for me to leave I'll be sad.
So I'm off. Another Friday is coming!! They are my short days. I get off at 4. Looking forward to the weekend, but always excited about seeing my kids again and hearing what there weekends were like. Hope you're all safe and happy, and happy weekend to you!!
March came and went...I've since lost two students in my class, and we're down to five. An amazing five. Three that started with me in Jan of 09, one that came in March of 09, and another that just started this March. And they're all. Just. DOLLS!! I am so proud of how far they have come!! We are having full on conversations now. They told me to call my parents and tell them to bring cake when they come and visit. They told me to call my mom and ask her to send me some "indoor shoes". The kids all change their shoes when they arrive in the morning, and they noticed that I don't do the same. They're amazing, and I have another 8months to go with them. I was just telling a new teacher today, that this is the first job, the ONLY job where not one morning have I ever woken up and been upset to go to work. Sure I'm tired, cranky, sometimes I was out too late the night before, but I'm always willing to go in. I think I've finally found my calling....
April came and went. The SLP teachers took a field trip to a different city, where we got to see some movie sets, hang out, drink, have BBQ, and the next day we road rail bikes. Bikes along an old railroad. It was a blast!!! I also took a trip with several other girls to a mountain ridge down south, where we hiked for over 6 hours, hit 4 peaks, and nearly cried from frusturation. There were times when we had to go down a 90 degree angle ladder. We had to use ropes at points to pull us up. But we made it, and the views were amazing.
April also brought the cherry blossoms!!! These beautiful trees were everywhere, and I made sure to really appreciate them this year, because I know I won't be here next year to see them. Last year I was already hoping to stay until the next spring to see them, but this time....I'll be leaving. And they were gorgeous.
May came, and went. Work during the week, fun on the weekends....We had one day off for Children's Day, and another for Buddah's birthday, where I went into Seoul again and saw the same lantern parade as last year.
June came, and we headed down to Busan to relax on the beach for a few days over the Korean Memorial Day. The weather was perfect, and we all got a little sunkissed. We were at the tbeach during the day, at the bars at night, eating amazing food and enjoying our first three days off in a row in a very, very long time!!!
Last weekend I went bungee jumping!! I've honestly never wanted to do it, but there's a super cheap (and honestly, semi short) place to go around here. A big group of girls and I went, it cost 25 bucks and we were harnessed by our waists, which made me feel way safer. I've gone skydiving twice before, and I really think I enjoyed this way more. The feeling of freefall was way more intense. I didnt let myself look down, the guy counted to five, and I ran and jumped!! I like to say that I did a "Pocahontas dive" like she did in the movies. Just went for it. And it. was. amazing. I loved it and hope to go again soon, maybe by my feet, but I don't know, it kinda sounds a bit more painful.
I was supposed to go on another hiking trip this weekend, like 10 hours!! But it's raining all over Korea, and there's supposedly a typhoon coming, so I'm saving it for another day. In a few weeks we will go down to Boryeong, where the Mud Festival is that I went to last year. It was a blast last time and I'm hoping for the same this year. Then two weeks later my parents and cousin Chuck come!!! We're gonna expolore China for a year. I'm so excited!!!
I've been going through a rough phase recently, they come and go. Just general feelings of lonelyness...(sp??? ENGLISH TEACHER!!!). It's honestly kinda hard to come home every night and not have someone to talk to or say good night too. Looking forward to the day when I have someone there all the time... :)
But they come and go, like I said. So I know this one will pass too!! We've gotten a few new teachers in the past weeks, and they're all super fun and friendly. It's such a huge difference from when I first came a year and a half ago, not for better or worse, just different. I really like everyone I work with!! I've got another 8 months to go here, and I'm gonna enjoy them while I can, cause I'm sure once the time comes for me to leave I'll be sad.
So I'm off. Another Friday is coming!! They are my short days. I get off at 4. Looking forward to the weekend, but always excited about seeing my kids again and hearing what there weekends were like. Hope you're all safe and happy, and happy weekend to you!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
They're baaaaack!!
My little lemons, that is. I was very excited to get my 6 year old class back from last year, and now that I have begun to teach them again, I'm still, very excited.
We've moved from Lemon class to Orange class, and this year will be less focused on coloring and learning the ABCs, and more focused on forming sentences and having conversations. I have 6 out of the 9 students that were there when I left in December, and a new girl, Rachel, who is quiet as a mouse but speaks amazingly well. I can't even imagine what their level will be this time next year! The two slowest students in the class have both since dropped out, and now most of the kids are at almost the same level. And Yulia, the talker, who was still having trouble reading when I left in December, has finally grasped the concept of reading and is able to read nearly a full storybook outloud! I was so proud of her today, gave her two hi fives, and she blushed out of pride for herself :)
So, here are my two favorite pics from the Taylor Swift concert last month!
It was an awesome concert with awesome girls, and probably one of my favorites of all time (although, I haven't been to toooo many concerts....)
And here's me on my first boarding trip!
Again, sorry for my lack of computer skills, and my inability to post pictures the correct way.
And one more from kindergarten graduation!
My Lemons, er, Oranges, getting their certificates of completion of one year at SLP. They didn't graduate, but look how cute they are!
And last weekend I moved into my penhouse suite, complete with full sized bathroom and balcony. I haven't completely finished unpacking yet, but once I do I will be sure to post pictures of my awesome new place. I'm having a housewarming tomorrow with a bunch of friends from church, so I hope my neighbors don't go to bed too early!!
Happy weekend!
We've moved from Lemon class to Orange class, and this year will be less focused on coloring and learning the ABCs, and more focused on forming sentences and having conversations. I have 6 out of the 9 students that were there when I left in December, and a new girl, Rachel, who is quiet as a mouse but speaks amazingly well. I can't even imagine what their level will be this time next year! The two slowest students in the class have both since dropped out, and now most of the kids are at almost the same level. And Yulia, the talker, who was still having trouble reading when I left in December, has finally grasped the concept of reading and is able to read nearly a full storybook outloud! I was so proud of her today, gave her two hi fives, and she blushed out of pride for herself :)
So, here are my two favorite pics from the Taylor Swift concert last month!
It was an awesome concert with awesome girls, and probably one of my favorites of all time (although, I haven't been to toooo many concerts....)
And here's me on my first boarding trip!
Again, sorry for my lack of computer skills, and my inability to post pictures the correct way.
And one more from kindergarten graduation!
My Lemons, er, Oranges, getting their certificates of completion of one year at SLP. They didn't graduate, but look how cute they are!
And last weekend I moved into my penhouse suite, complete with full sized bathroom and balcony. I haven't completely finished unpacking yet, but once I do I will be sure to post pictures of my awesome new place. I'm having a housewarming tomorrow with a bunch of friends from church, so I hope my neighbors don't go to bed too early!!
Happy weekend!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Philippine adventures, Taylor Swift!! and little Lemons
So, exactly two weeks after I arrived back in Korea, we had a 5 day vacation!!! My coworker and friend Claire had asked me while I was back in the US if I would be interested in a trip to the Philippines, and as I had been wanting to go, of course I agreed. So I picked up some extra Parkway shifts, and the day after we returned from our cruise I booked my ticket to Boracay!
We arrived at hour hostel Wed evening, after an extremely long day of traveling. I had taken two flights, a two hour bus ride through windy roads, a 10 minute ferry ride (on which I which i was sure I would be tossed into the ocean and never seen again, it was so choppy!) and then finally a "tricycle" ride back to our hostel. The tricycles in the Phil. are basically mopeds with a little cart on the side, where you can seat about 4 people. Cheapest form of transportation and also fun!!
Our first tricycle ride, with Jubee in the background
After Claire and I settled into our hostel, we went out to explore the nightlife. We weren't sure where to go, so we hit up a few beach bars, where we met some Filipino guys who were more than willing to be our tour guides for the night! They took us to a club, Club Paraw(sp?), where we danced the night away to the same music that was played all four nights we were there. It was my favorite night of the week, just cause it was so unexpected.
The next morning, we woke up (because I wake up early every day, my body didn't let me sleep past 9 am any of the days we were there!!), had some lunch, then hit the beach. That evening, we got some dinner, hit the clubs again...and repeated the scenario for the next two days. It was such a relaxing, amazingly beautiful, and fun/random little vay-cay. I attempted to scuba dive, but couldn't keep my head underwater for more than 10 seconds before I panicked. I had never had a desire to go, but since I was in a country that is known for its diving, and since it was so cheap (70 bucks for 3 hours!) I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I went into it knowing that I was a little nervous, so I wasn't bummed that I couldn't finish out the dive. I gave it a shot and that's all what counts! Now I know that I don't need to try it again.
Sorry its sideways!!! But check out this view...
Our hostel was great, it was run by 5 family members, all of whom seemed to be under the age of 20, and all of whom were ridiculously helpful and goofy. Jubee, the guy who picked us up from the airport, was just this bubbly little energy ball, and would appear around the hostel at random moments. Hello maam!! He would call at any time. Are you okay? Are you okay??
All of the people in the Phillipines were so nice(with the exception of the Manila airport), and I have no doubt in my mind that I will be taking another trip there in the future (possibly next Christmas??!!). Anyways, it was really hard to leave that Sunday. Jubee took me to the ferry, and when I went to board, he grabbed my hand, said so sweetly, "take care, maam, take very good care". I nearly burst into tears because I REALLY didn't want to leave. I've never had a vacation where there was nothing on the agenda besides beach, food, and dance clubs. It. Was. Perfect. I had a great travel buddy too!! Claire and I were on the same page the whole trip. We were both looking for nothing more than a fun, relxing mini vacation, and we got exactly what we wanted.
Our first night out
Claire and I were on separate flights home, and I had only one hour between my flight from Kalibo and to Macau in China. We left Kalibo about 20 minutes late, so by the time we arrived in Manila I had half an hour to get through security and get on the next plane. The ever helpful airport staff (can you sense the sarcasm?) never seemed to be able to help me along the way, and after waiting about 10 minutes in a line, having a man check my passport, ticket, etc, and THEN ask me to go fill out an immigration form (which I've never had to do upon leaving a country), I, the ever saavy traveler, did what any experienced traveler would do. I burst into tears. Through my sobs I was able to choke out that my flight left in ten (YES TEN MINUTES SIR!!) minutes, and the guy, obviously extremely confused and seemingly terrified at my outburst, let me go through with out the paper (hopefully I'll be let back in next time!) I made it to the gate, was literally the last person on the plane, and we took off five minutes later. I made sure to let the people there know that NO ONE that I had asked for help along the way had been able to do anything for me besides wave me in the general direction of where I was supposed to be going. Thanks, Manila.
Anyways, my flight arrived in after the last bus left for my city, so I rented a cot in the airport spa, slept for about 6 hours until Claires flight arrived at 5 am on Monday, and then we took the bus back to Dongbaek, where I showered and walked to work by 9 am!!! I was pretty tired that day, but, airport mishaps and all, it was damn well worth it.
The next Friday, a few girls and I were able to go see Taylor Swift in Seoul! It was an amazing show, and once I get the pics on my computer I will put them up.
In other good news, I officially found out Friday that I will be getting my original kindergarten class back for the next school year! When I left in Dec, my replacement began teaching them, and I took over some second year students. But after my current kids graduate on Friday, my old Lemon class will become second year students, and I will have them until they graduate next February. I didn't really care what classes I got this year, new kids, old kids, etc, but I am thrilled to have my old students back. I will have taught them for two years by the time they graduate, and it will be very cool to see them through from beginning to end.
All in all, life is great over here in Korea land. Today was beautiful, and spring is coming!! I can feel it. Thank goodness!! I'm meeting more and more people every day, and am just loving life right now. Hope you all are as happy as I am, wherever you may be!!! New pictures, and my first snowboarding attempt posts are coming soon!!
We arrived at hour hostel Wed evening, after an extremely long day of traveling. I had taken two flights, a two hour bus ride through windy roads, a 10 minute ferry ride (on which I which i was sure I would be tossed into the ocean and never seen again, it was so choppy!) and then finally a "tricycle" ride back to our hostel. The tricycles in the Phil. are basically mopeds with a little cart on the side, where you can seat about 4 people. Cheapest form of transportation and also fun!!
Our first tricycle ride, with Jubee in the background
After Claire and I settled into our hostel, we went out to explore the nightlife. We weren't sure where to go, so we hit up a few beach bars, where we met some Filipino guys who were more than willing to be our tour guides for the night! They took us to a club, Club Paraw(sp?), where we danced the night away to the same music that was played all four nights we were there. It was my favorite night of the week, just cause it was so unexpected.
The next morning, we woke up (because I wake up early every day, my body didn't let me sleep past 9 am any of the days we were there!!), had some lunch, then hit the beach. That evening, we got some dinner, hit the clubs again...and repeated the scenario for the next two days. It was such a relaxing, amazingly beautiful, and fun/random little vay-cay. I attempted to scuba dive, but couldn't keep my head underwater for more than 10 seconds before I panicked. I had never had a desire to go, but since I was in a country that is known for its diving, and since it was so cheap (70 bucks for 3 hours!) I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I went into it knowing that I was a little nervous, so I wasn't bummed that I couldn't finish out the dive. I gave it a shot and that's all what counts! Now I know that I don't need to try it again.
Sorry its sideways!!! But check out this view...
Our hostel was great, it was run by 5 family members, all of whom seemed to be under the age of 20, and all of whom were ridiculously helpful and goofy. Jubee, the guy who picked us up from the airport, was just this bubbly little energy ball, and would appear around the hostel at random moments. Hello maam!! He would call at any time. Are you okay? Are you okay??
All of the people in the Phillipines were so nice(with the exception of the Manila airport), and I have no doubt in my mind that I will be taking another trip there in the future (possibly next Christmas??!!). Anyways, it was really hard to leave that Sunday. Jubee took me to the ferry, and when I went to board, he grabbed my hand, said so sweetly, "take care, maam, take very good care". I nearly burst into tears because I REALLY didn't want to leave. I've never had a vacation where there was nothing on the agenda besides beach, food, and dance clubs. It. Was. Perfect. I had a great travel buddy too!! Claire and I were on the same page the whole trip. We were both looking for nothing more than a fun, relxing mini vacation, and we got exactly what we wanted.
Our first night out
Claire and I were on separate flights home, and I had only one hour between my flight from Kalibo and to Macau in China. We left Kalibo about 20 minutes late, so by the time we arrived in Manila I had half an hour to get through security and get on the next plane. The ever helpful airport staff (can you sense the sarcasm?) never seemed to be able to help me along the way, and after waiting about 10 minutes in a line, having a man check my passport, ticket, etc, and THEN ask me to go fill out an immigration form (which I've never had to do upon leaving a country), I, the ever saavy traveler, did what any experienced traveler would do. I burst into tears. Through my sobs I was able to choke out that my flight left in ten (YES TEN MINUTES SIR!!) minutes, and the guy, obviously extremely confused and seemingly terrified at my outburst, let me go through with out the paper (hopefully I'll be let back in next time!) I made it to the gate, was literally the last person on the plane, and we took off five minutes later. I made sure to let the people there know that NO ONE that I had asked for help along the way had been able to do anything for me besides wave me in the general direction of where I was supposed to be going. Thanks, Manila.
Anyways, my flight arrived in after the last bus left for my city, so I rented a cot in the airport spa, slept for about 6 hours until Claires flight arrived at 5 am on Monday, and then we took the bus back to Dongbaek, where I showered and walked to work by 9 am!!! I was pretty tired that day, but, airport mishaps and all, it was damn well worth it.
The next Friday, a few girls and I were able to go see Taylor Swift in Seoul! It was an amazing show, and once I get the pics on my computer I will put them up.
In other good news, I officially found out Friday that I will be getting my original kindergarten class back for the next school year! When I left in Dec, my replacement began teaching them, and I took over some second year students. But after my current kids graduate on Friday, my old Lemon class will become second year students, and I will have them until they graduate next February. I didn't really care what classes I got this year, new kids, old kids, etc, but I am thrilled to have my old students back. I will have taught them for two years by the time they graduate, and it will be very cool to see them through from beginning to end.
All in all, life is great over here in Korea land. Today was beautiful, and spring is coming!! I can feel it. Thank goodness!! I'm meeting more and more people every day, and am just loving life right now. Hope you all are as happy as I am, wherever you may be!!! New pictures, and my first snowboarding attempt posts are coming soon!!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Soulmates!
So, I arrived back in Korea on January 18th. My flight came in at 9:30, and I was lucky enough to catch the last bus back to my city. Because I was getting in so late, I stayed the night at my friend Ryan's (aka my soulmate's) house. Let me tell you a little about Ryan...
She arrived last year about 6 weeks after I did. I was thrilled to not be the new teacher anymore, and she and I were pretty much inseperable from there on out. She had lived in Barcelona for a year, the same time I had studied in Spain. She's from near San Francisco, but went to school in San Diego. And she's awesome. And beautiful. She's got beautiful dark skin and hair, and her Irish side also brings out some freckles. She's a very sweet, kind, soft spoken but very opinionated girl.
We worked the same schedules, so we walked to and from school quite a bit, which led to many dinners together on weeknights. After we discovered the nightlife, we could be found out and about often. The first night outside of our city that we had together, we stumbled upon this amazing place called, "Lose Control Clubby Bar". So we ended many of our nights out there, dancing along with the mostly 18-24 year old Korean hip hop crowd. She went to Thailand with Elena and I, along with another girl, and one night, after a few glasses of Cass light, I told her, (and I quote)..."I'm so glad we are friends!! I just feel like we are soulmates!" And I meant every word of it.
After I decided to extend my contract, I knew that it would be hard to be here without Ryan, because, I had only been here a few weeks when she arrived. There are plenty of fun people around to always hang out with, but she was always my "go to" person when I was bored, or sad, or lonely. I expressed my concerns to her, and she assured me that I would get along just fine, because there are lots of cool people in our area. She also assured me that we would have regular skype dates. (Also, when I was unsure what I would be doing this next year, she told me that I was more than welcome to come live at her and her mom's house, because she had two twin beds in her room!! I may still take her up on the offer some day.)
Before I left Korea in December, we had one "last" weekend together, because I actually came back to replace her. Our last weekend was kind of a bust due to some idiot who shall remain nameless (ahem Drew). Anyways, Ryan took me to the bus stop the night before leaving korea, and mid embrace the bus driver honked at me to get on my way. Luckily I was able to skype with her and get a real goodbye once I got to the hostel.
She kept me updated while I was back home on what was happening in Korea...and I was so excited to see her again when I came back in January! It was bitter sweet, because she left just 4 days after I arrived. I took her to the airport, we had one last "soulmate" hug, and I surprisingly didn't start crying til she had gone through the gate.
So now she's gone, but she was right. I am getting along quite well without her...although I do miss her a lot!! And we have skyped at least 4 times, and talk several times a week on facebook. I've made soooo many great, amazing friends during all of my travels, and Ryan is one of the greatest, and most amazing. I take great comfort in knowing that I will see her soon upon my arrival in the US next year, unless she is already in S. America (where I will join her later on).
So cheers to you, Ryan teacher!!! You made my first year in Korea amazing and unforgettable...and I just hope to have half the experiences I did with you in this next year. I will raise my tinto de verano to you, and to our many crazy travel and soulmate stories that are sure to happen in the future!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
In Thailand
If you look hard you can see me in her glasses!
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