PSY CONCERT!

OPA GANGNAM STYLE... OP OP OP OP


Psy Concert -- Sept. 26th, 2012
Seowon University, Cheongju

the one and only... PSY

First let me just explain to you how big this guy is (not literally although he is a bit chunky for a Korean). Gangnam style (pronounced gone-naum) is his recent biggest hit! Gangnam Style has almost 288,000,000 million views at this moment. The song was released July 15th, 2012. Back story on Gangnam, it is an area of Seoul, which is known to be the richest and where most Koreans want to live. However, this music video and song by Psy is not classy at all. It is super cheesy! It is not just big in South Korea but also around the world and especially in America! He has been on the Today Show and Ellen and Saturday Night Live (and more to come in the near future I am sure!) He also just got signed by Justin Bieber's manager! THIS GUY IS HUGE!!! HUGE HUGE!!!!!

Watch the Gangnam Style music video.

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Now that you know what I am speaking of, let's continue...........

me.. at the concert.

So beyond the fact that my kids are obsessed with this video (as the rest of us expats in Korea and now everyone everywhere).. why I am writing about this now? BECAUSE I WENT TO HIS CONCERT LAST NIGHT! PSY.. the man of the year, a super hero, hilarious, world star, PSY. That man was only about 15-20 people away from me! There were thousands there and I was one of the few that got to be up close!


(back story) The week before my Korean Scholar had told me, Psy might be coming to Cheongju next Wednesday (they say maybe for everything here.. which is frustrating but to be explained more on a different day.) I FREAKED... and said what? Psy? Psy? is coming to Cheongju? and he said, 'yes maybe.' I told him if he is coming we are going; you are taking me! I WILL see Psy!! So that is just what happened.





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the sea of Koreans and their huge cellphones

Sorry my thoughts are so jumbled, I am still in shock that I got to see this man! So the concert itself. We went directly from school and first stopped to eat some delicious fried chicken with a couple of our scholars. The group was (Sarah, Alina, Eugene, Alina's scholar and I). We scarfed our chicken and headed to the concert venue at Seowon University. There was already a decent crowd forming (at 7:30) and this was hours before Psy would step foot on stage (around 10:30). So, we got in the crowd. Started finagling our way around. It didn't take long for us to get separated from each other, but I was luckily still with Eugene! There was sooo much pushing and stepping on people. I guess they kept telling us to take steps back (that was the translation I got from Eugene). Of course that never happened so instead they made us all sit down. Yes, you read that right, sit down. We all took a seat in the dirt and since we were stacked in like sardines, this was a chore. And everyone actually did it. The whole crowd was seated as we watched the opening acts. First some crappy musicians (like really bad). I could see the cards in their hands and they would turn their backs to us. Then some expats who sang and they weren't great either but at least they were speaking my language. Then we got some girls who basically got up there and shook their butt while lip syncing. Korea is all about looking good and being appealing! They did a dance to 'Single Ladies' and another Beyonce song, which was pretty fantastic (again because it was in English!) 





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he is pretty darn fantastic.. let me tell you. 

Then when it was time for Psy to come.. things got crazy. We were allowed to stand. But then the shoving started. And we were closer than I have ever been to so many people EVER. There were a couple of small Asians in my armpits and right under my nose. Ok.. so I got shoved.. a lot sure. But it was totally worth it! Here is a good time for a quick shout out to my mother (and her tallness and tall genes) for allowing me to actually see Psy. Also a shout out to all Korean people for being a little on the shorter side!!

Psy singing one of the songs I didn't know at all!

When he came out and we FREAKED out!! Everyone did! He spoke to us in some Korean -- basically saying we were too squashed and needed to move back. So we said.. han-na, dul, set (1,2,3) and attempted to move. He is pretty funny (or so I got from all the laughs!) He went on to sing some of his older songs and a brand new one, all of which I had never heard.. or had a clue of what he was saying. But man when it came Gangnam Style time I FREAKED OUT! There was so much screaming and everyone was yelling the words! I was yelling.. maybe the words?.. more like yelling gibberish I am pretty sure! But it was still amazing. I wish I could have done the signature horse riding dance but there was no room. I couldn't move any part of my body except my arms straight up and when everyone jumped we were all forced to!



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Here is my 'live version' of Gangnam Style!

(sorry for the jumpiness and the bad sound quality. I don't think my camera loved the screaming!)

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After Gangnam Style (Sarah had found me at this point) and we started headed out of the crowd - even though the concert was still going on. We got out and that's when I realized just how many people were there! There were people on hills, on the balcony of the nearby building, in classrooms. It was INSANE! We finally managed to find Alina (who happens to be 1/4 Korean) in a massive sea of Koreans. We also hailed a taxi by running into the street on a red light to get into the car, but we made it home and now have many memories, stories, photos and videos to share of the biggest star we have seen in ages!

as the concert was finishing up.. I'm being super korean :)

I am sooo happy I got to see Psy and that he came to my city! -- out of all the places in Korea. Cheongju and it was FREE! Man I love Korea. Like I have said before, 'Why should I leave?' Still don't have an answer to that!

Danyang

Sept. 21 - 23

Cave spelunking and mountain hiking....

BEST PIZZA IN KOREA! (of course eaten
with pickles :)

A group of us (Sarah, Emma, Naomi, and Ben -- Naomi's U.S. Army friend) went to Danyang where James (from England) lives. Danyang is a small city nestled between mountains and a large river. Well it was large when we were there since there was some flooding! That night we met his friends, mostly from South Africa, which made my day!

the super flooded river -- that stage is not supposed
to be under water!

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(start with back left) -- Ben, Corey, Me, Sarah, Naomi, Emma, James

Saturday we walked to go explore a nearby cave. It was a bit of a walk but was mostly along the river, which was beautiful and the weather was perfect! The temperature in the cave was perfect, like air conditioned - but of course it was natural. We started to trek. We were along a metal grated path the entire time, which was good so we couldn't get lost. However, there was no turning back - you had to go forward whether you liked it or not! So even when we were climbing steep stairs up 5 stories, with a drop off - too bad, gotta climb. But it was beautiful and the cave had some lighting so we were able to see the stalactites and stalagmites (or I guess that's what they were!) There was also a lot of dripping water from random places, so trying to keep my camera dry was a concern. I would be walking along and all of a sudden a huge drop would land on my head. 

No worries we all made it out alive and found some said to eat our kimbap (like a sushi roll with no raw fish, just veggies), that we had bought in town before we went to the cave. The rest of the afternoon we sat around hanging out with some South Africans who were having a Braai. If you read my South African blog, you might remember what this is. It's basically a BBQ. Throw some meat over a fire and you have a Braai. This made me happy. It was like I was in South Africa again!

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at the top of the mountain.

That evening around 4:30 we began the walk to the base of the mountain just behind James' house. We weren't far when my legs were already burning. Not for sure if it's because I am from Iowa, or because I am out of shape or why I can never seem to make it up a mountain without almost dying. I always have to go much slower then everyone else in the group. However, I did have some people who willingly volunteered to stay back with me! (mostly because they wanted to go slow as well). About half way up we met a larger group of Koreans. One man, from Philadelphia, started talking to us. He informed us that he owned the mountain. Can you own a mountain? This got a little awkward, we asked, 'We can climb up right?' And he said, 'Yes of course. Go ahead.' I don't know if it was a translation mistake or if he really does own that mountain. Anyway, we made it to a nice platform where we enjoyed a beautiful view of many mountains and the river. It was beautiful. It almost reminded me of Switzerland! (but on a smaller scale) We stayed there on the platform until the sun set behind the mountains and then made our way back down. 

Most people say the hike down is worse then the way up. DISAGREE! The 

hike down is much more enjoyable than the hike up. It doesn't hurt at all and I don't get out of breathe! I was the first one to finish the hike down and was quite proud. I will be the last one to the top, but you better believe I'll be the first one back down off that mountain. 

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Sunday we chilled and sat around by the river while there was another Braai going to take place. The South Africans really love their Braai (it was also nation Braai day in South Africa that Monday - so there was a special occasion). Then we caught our bus back to Cheongju, about a 3 hour ride. But it's not bad when you are on a charter bus and I had a pillow so I was able to sleep. How did I know? Because I woke up and was drooling. Too much information? Ok Ok. Sorry! Well I slept and that night I slept like a baby as well!

All in all it was a great weekend. I really wish I was living in a city similar to Danyang. I like that it has more nature and doesn't smell like car exhaust and sewage all the time. I have discovered that Korea is the country of 20,000 smells. Seriously, you will walk down the street and guaranteed 

you will smell 4-5 different things per block. Could I tell you what they 

are? Most likely not, which is sometimes terrifying. There are good smells, weird smells, delicious smells, sewage smells and of course the smell of exhaust. 

Typhoon, field trip.. and more.

---- awesomeness this week: one of the kindergartners asked me 'How are you today?' ... I said 'what?' only because I couldn't believe it! (I want to teach the kindergartners!!)

Ecology Experience Museum, Chungju.

Sept. 18, 2012

grade (1,2,3) with their masks and necklaces.

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the playground and river at the school,
the radar map of Korea.

volleyball and FOOD!

TYPHOON DAY:

Monday (sept. 17), - Typhoon day! I learned that a typhoon is an Asian hurricane. (so we have hurricanes and in Asia they have typhoons - basically the same thing just a different name!) This is our 3rd one since being here - and was supposed to be the 'worst'. Well, since I live in the only landlocked province in Korea - nothing really happened. Just lots of rain and the rivers got fuller. But on a happy note the kids were let out early (so no teaching for me!) and all the teachers played volleyball, ate and drank and were merry. We played 2 games and then stuffed our faces with fried chicken, pork, fresh peaches, and dok (some sort of rice cake things with beans)! Then we played another game.. really play after eating, haven't they heard the rule. I must say I was much slower this game than before! However, my team did win and the principal was highly impressed with my volleyball skills.. haha

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catching dragonflies

FIELD TRIP:

The whole school went on the field trip.. two buses full. (and buses here are different than in the states). We were on a charter bus (like the one I ride to school each day) and then a few classes were on a smaller yellow - more like a school bus - bus. We went to the Ecology Experience Museum, where the kids got to catch dragonflies (not sure why or what they did with them, but at least 100 dragonflies were killed!) They also made soap.. (I think - it was something smelly). The kids seemed to not enjoy it too much. Kids also had necklaces (that they made) and masks. The older kids came out with a framed wooden box with a dead bug inside and had labeled the parts. The kids really seemed to enjoy this place.

older kids (grades 4,5,6) with their framed bugs.

So what do the teachers do 

the museum, some baby goats - 1 hour old.
and the kids eating lunch (grade 4).

might you ask. Well, we all sit around and talk. We don't stay with the kids. We shuffle them off to the staff and sit out in the hallway and do our own thing! I got to talk to one of the teachers here a lot more. She has 2 daughters and lives in Cheongju. Her English is very very good. I had no idea because she was so scared to speak it at first. We had a long discussion that day, about meaningful things. We literally talked about everything. How the English programs in Korea are lacking (the kids are only really taught how to read and write because that is all they need to know on the exams). So, they have a huge vocabulary but are rarely able to speak it or are too afraid. We also discussed my future. She told me I seemed much more mature than my age. (I took that as a compliment). I also told her I wanted to get married in the next few years since most of my friends were - she said I was too young and that most people in Korea are 30 when they get married! I also went out and videotaped and photographed the kids trying to catch the dragonflies. It was rather entertaining! I also walked around the museum and paid a dollar to have my picture printed at a little booth. I even got to lay down and take a small nap on one of the benches!

my lunch. complete with kimchi and rice

Lunch was another new adventure for me. I helped pass out the food to the kids and then grabbed my own. Of course it wasn't a PB & J like we would have in America - it was a full on meal with meat and of course kimchi and rice! We all took our shoes off and sat on a mat like thing on the ground outside (under an overhang - NO sun!) We also got wooden chopsticks. I ate all my food except for the kimchi - just can't do it. It was wrapped up plastic wrap (thank goodness) and just looked strange. So I tossed it to a happy little kid, who might have put it in his pocket for later. haha

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DINNER IN GEOSAN:

injoy (not enjoy).. ketchup and cabbage?
(ok Korea enough with the cabbage) and jajangmyeon

Wednesday was another good day. It was my first day of teaching this week (so only 2 days of actual teaching!) The kids were good I guess (we played build and destroy - a pretty fun game where they get to say if they want to build on to their house or destroy the other teams!). After class Eugene and I left school and got off the bus in Goesan, where we met up with Tina (my other Korean co-scholar!) Eugene and I got ice cream at Lotteria while we waited for her to get done with class. 

We all walked to the Chinese restaurant (where she works on the weekends). A cute little place, which served us soo much food. First we got sweet and sour pork (enough to fill me up!) but wait there was more.. I got a huge bowl of noodles and a black bean sauce (Jajangmyeon). The noodles were homemade (which I later watched the 'master' make. It was delicious. After we headed back to the bus terminal to catch a bus to Cheongju (which was rather easy... even a caveman could do it!) haha It was good to hang out with both of my korean scholars at the same time and also outside of class. I am hoping we can do that more often. They are both fantastic!

kristen teeecha.

9.10.2012 - 9.14.2012

teaching.. and Chungju visit





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the day the sun was shining.

Well.. most days start to run together. However, a couple things stick out. On Monday, I was laying outside on the front steps to the school, enjoying the one sunny day (in who knows how long), when the principal walks up. Of course we can't really speak to each other - I just attempt to do a lot of bowing (in-sa--ing) and hope and pray he likes me! Anyway he proceeds to ask my Korean co-scholar if I am tired and need to sleep in a bed they have at the school (for sick kids - or I guess lazy American's who can't handle 12 hour days!) I said 'No, it's ok. I was enjoying the sun.' I later asked my co-scholar if he thought I was insane... she said 'Well, Korean's don't lay on the ground and aren't ever in the sun. But I think he understands because you are American.' ... so now that my principal thinks I'm crazy - things should go well. 

           

                    Side note: Everything is very hierarchal here in Korea. Anything an older person says.. goes pretty much. So, the Principal is the head of the school. There is also a chain of commands so when my 1st graders are being horrible (story later), I can't just 'send them to the Principals office.' I first have to tell my mentor teacher then the head teacher then the Vice Principal then finally the Principal. I am not quite for sure what he does then, all I know is he is basically Donald Trump and him liking me ='s my life is happier!

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Wednesday was also full of memories. At lunch the co-teachers decided that I needed a Korean name. This came about when I told them they need to make a code name for me, since I can still understand my name even when it's said Korean-like. I hear... blah blah kskjfjwiejiagi kristen, palbjjpjf blah blah and know they are talking about me but I have no clue what they are saying. So I look for guidance and most of the time they just laugh or will maybe translate one part. haha oh well. I don't really care. So they gave me the name Tae Hee, which I guess means 'big pleasure.' The one teacher said to me, 'It's because you bring us happiness and pleasure.' - (probably because they can laugh and make fun of me without me knowing, but I think it is all in good fun.. maybe! :) I guess Kim Tae Hee (where Kim is the girls last name) is a very famous model/who knows what but she is really pretty. So I guess that is also a compliment.


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Then comes the afternoon - the part where the kids come to my classroom and I actually have to do my job. My first class is grade 1. This is the class with the kid who speaks English fluently. They were being really rowdy from the get-go and hitting each other. Being totally out of hand. I was trying to control it - but it is hard to tell kids what to do when they don't understand you. I finally decided they were going to put their heads down (after my co-scholar had left with a kid who was crying because he got hit in the face with a pencil). So I went around and showed them what heads down meant and Tony helped me translate as well. I made them be quiet and keep it like that for a couple of minutes. No more nice Kristen Teecha (how they say teacher). The rest of the day was good though. My 3rd graders screamed at the top of their lungs to the song 'Baby' by Justin Bieber. They can't ask me or tell me things in sentences but they can sure sing all the words to this song (well at least a couple of the girls!) My 4th graders were good as well. I think 3rd and 4th are the best age!!

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butt padding for all the Asians with no butts!
we call those cheeseburgers in America...

these are popular here - the pot of ?! over a
flame=delicious. this is the place
the lady was basically force feeding me!

After school Wednesday I went to Chungju (not my city -- Cheongju -- but one that sounds really similar but pronounced choongju) to see Naomi and Emma (my awesome British friend!). My mentor teacher lives in this city, so he gave me a lift. I am in love with Chungju and wish I would have been placed here to live. It is smaller but still has everything you need, plus it is only a 30 minute drive from my school! (so much better than 1.5 hours!) I guess I will just be visiting here A LOT! We went out to eat at a place where they cook the food right in front of you in a big pot (it is quite popular here). This place had almost a curry spin to it and it was delicious. I even got fed by the hagju-ma (one of the older ladies who was cooking our food). She took out a piece of dok (rice cake) and put it in front of my mouth. She then also made me a leaf sandwhich (for lack of what to call it) and I ate that as well. Later she brought out some Pepsi for us to drink. People here are so unbelievably nice. I can't wait till the day I can actually speak to them and understand what they are saying!




On Thursday I skyped (FaceTimed) with family and a couple of friends. It was a chill day, since my friends were at work. Emma and I walked around town that afternoon and I bought some apples! --- so excited!! That night we ate out again and this time the worker new English! I also started a conversation with some high school senior girls at the table next to us. They said 'blah blah blah.. facebook.. blah blah blah.' So, I looked up at her and smiled! Then we started asking them all sorts of questions. We talked about almost everything. I love when I find Koreans who speak English fairly well :) Afterwards we headed back to E-Mart (wal-mart and costco and a mall all had a baby and created E-Mart or it's brother HomePlus!) and hit up our massage chairs. This time we got ice cream and a massage, so it was even better. They also had wifi, so I really saw no need to ever leave! Don't worry I did leave the place and sadly went back to teaching that Friday. My mentor teacher picked me up and we were on our way back to school!

massage chair... good but a little painful.

first week of teaching.

9.3 - 9.7

teaching is exhausting..... (so thankful to all my amazing teachers in my life and all teachers.. my mother and other relatives and friends as well. You guys rock and I know you're making a difference!!)

me... on friday getting ready at 6:30. why am I awake?

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So, I taught Monday (my first day), Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. My schedule looks like this...

      Monday afternoons: 1st grade, 6th grade, 5th grade (40 minutes each)
      Tuesday @ 9:40: 5th grade English class with Korean teacher
      Tuesday afternoons: 2nd grade, 4th grade for (80 minutes)
      Wednesday @ 8:50 & 10:30: 6th grade, 3rd grade English class
      Wednesday afternoons: 1st grade, 3rd grade, 2nd grade
      Thursdays: OFF
      Friday afternoons: 2nd grade, 3rd grade for 2 periods
      Then I play volleyball on Friday with the teachers 

my walk to school from the bus stop.

So Tuesdays and Wednesdays I sit in on the 3rd, 5th and 6th grade english classes. I help the teachers with whatever they need help with. English starts being taught in a formal classroom setting in Korea in 3rd grade. The afternoon classes, I have to make up the lesson plans for and teach alone (basically). I have Korean co-scholars who know English so they are there to help me with the kids and translation if absolutely necessary. I have two -- Tina and Eugene - Tina has been working here for a while. Eugene is new to the program. He also lives in my city, so we will be able to hang out, hopefully! However, I found on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week (when a co-scholar wasn't present), it was not that hard for me to communicate with them. Or so I thought. I think they understood most of what I was saying. Since I know no Korean at all the kids are forced to try to speak English to me. However, when there is a Korean present they ask them in Korean instead. I am going to try to stop this as soon as possible. I don't want them to be able to take the easy way out.

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Lets see... the students. Oh my gosh they are adorable. They really are good kids (at least so far). My 1st graders know more than I was expecting, especially when one kid in the class grew up in Latin America and is basically fluent in English Spanish and now Korean. So he was my little helper on Wednesday when I didn't have a co-scholar. He translated once and helped me say words. If I don't get him involved he is really bored and causes trouble. My 2nd graders are pretty good. They are so energetic but good and know quite a bit as well. One girl even knew how to tell me she was thirsty and wanted some water (with some actions but she knew the word thirsty). My 3rd graders - the biggest bunch of 14 - are great too. I am able to joke around with them more and they understand even more. The 4th graders were memorable. They were my wildest bunch, but we had a lot of fun. I took several pictures of them - because they wanted me to. :) I had taken my camera so I could try to memorize their names/faces. But it turned out to be a mini-photo session, which I was ok with. The 5th and 6th graders are a bit of a blur since I only had them once. They are a little less rowdy. I just hope they aren't 'too cool for school.' I hate kids like that!

close to the size of our t.v. at home. maybe I'll see what
I can do about pulling up some football games.
Since sunday night football is monday morning for me!

I have been trying to have fun with the kids. I have been dancing Gangnam Style (which all of you should look up if you don't  know it. And also look up Mitt Romney dancing to it -- pretty hilarious!), attempting to learn some words in Korean - mind you they laugh at me every time I try to pronounce them. They will finally say 'ok.' I think they are giving up on me! I think it helps that I don't know their language (the past 2 TaLK scholars at the school were Korean American and both knew Korean -- not me at all!!) because 1. They are forced to use English with me. and 2. I can make a fool of myself trying to learn a language -- so they aren't afraid to try and mess up!

The picture to the left one of my 3rd grade students wrote. I really wonder if he has been disowned from his family. A Korean kid not liking rice? That is like an Iowa kid not liking corn or meat. It just doesn't happen. So I want you all to know, that I have successfully found a Korean who does not like rice!

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The teachers are all fantastic as well. One teacher (the 4th grade teacher) brought me bananas one day after learning I LOVE fruit! And on Friday she game me some eggplants (well I think that is what they are). They attempt to speak English to me, which I appreciate. I really do wish I knew their language more. I want to tell them so much more and get to know them more. I think that is the hardest thing about not knowing a language. I don't want them to think I am rude. I just wonder what they do think of me!? Hopefully they like me. The lunch ladies seem to at least. They learned I can't have key-ran (eggs) and now will show with their arms a big X (the way Koreans signal no) when something has eggs in it. Sweetest ladies. One tries to talk to me and of course I have no idea what she is saying - hopefully one day it will click :)

puppies.. my co-scholar said these are NOT the kind they eat. At first
I thought he said they were. I almost died. (near the bus stop)

I would say the only bad thing so far is the bus ride and not having Fridays off. Since I don't get back to civilization (yeah my school is pretty in the middle of nowhere - but for an Iowa girl that is no problem. There is actually more around it than my high school at home!) till around 7, it is almost impossible to travel anywhere. At least anywhere more than a couple hours (so Seoul basically). But I am hoping to be able to use a couple of vacation days every once in a while. Even though they told us we are not allowed to use our vacation days until we are on vacation... strange? ... yes!

I have been attempting to soak up as much as possible and experience everything. I am learning how to say a few things here and there but still no where near able to hold a conversation with most people. We can sometimes mime it which is good. I have gotten pretty good at actions. Working at CC Christian Camp this summer has trained me well. It taught me useful games (like mingle mingle - which I played with my 3rd graders on Friday!) and also how to make up actions to EVERY song ever made!





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Random tasty highlight of the week. PANCAKES!!!! I found a mix last weekend and finally made them. Banana pancakes and peanut butter. My all American breakfast... for dinner. I was as happy as a little kid on Christmas (not me because I was notoriously not happy being woke up for Christmas morning - back to the NOT a morning person thing!!) haha Nonetheless, I am a very happy camper to be able to make me some yummy yum delicious pancakes (which does not contain rice or kimchi -- at least to the best of my knowledge!!!)