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July 5, 2009 at 11:23 am (Japan)

IMG_5833

Attendance

At this point I’m 11 weeks into my life in Japan.

My life seems like a never ending rollercoaster of ups and downs lately.  One minute, I’m flying high, the next minute I’m in the low of lows… places in my soul and mind I’ve never entered and never knew existed.  This travelling bit truly makes you look at yourself in perspectives that before, I never could have.

Currently, I live in the middle of nowhere Japan.  My apartment is in the middle of two rice fields.  I ride through many a dirt path, vegetable field, and rice field on my way to work.  oh what a drastic change from big city life in Korea.  I miss the hustle and bustle, the loud cars and scooters.  Here, it’s so quiet.  I can hear frogs at night time singing melodies of love.

But it’s not all bad.  I have had so much time to think.  My job is really amazing.  I feel like I’m actually making a difference out here.  My students are adorable andIMG_5814smart.  So smart.  They are 2 years old and they understand my English so well.  It feels great because, I know all that they know, I taught them.  It’s a great feeling, but I know it’s not my forever.  I never wanted to be a teacher, but its a nice way to escape from a life I was running from, helping to get my mind on the right track, and getting paid a decent wage to travel.

I’ve met so many who say they’ll never go back home.  That now, this is their life, and I just can’t imagine it.  I couldn’t imagine leaving everything behind and living here.  Honestly… there’s no life for a lost black girl in Japan (at least not this one).  I’m eager to get back home, once I have finished this traveling bit.

I know that most of my friends have moved on with their lives, are married, and have children, but I still want to get home.  I hope I can still have a place in their lives.  I mostly miss my moms and my family.  I want to live closer to them when I get back.  Having family only a phone call away is a luxury I took for granted.

I won’t be back for quite some time I think, I anticipate being gone at least for another year.  I am sure I’ll run out of money by then and I’ll need to come home.  I have an epic trip planned after my last day here.

Well I know I didn’t have anything amazing to say, but I hope to get back into the blogging world soon.  This was a stepping stone.  Basically, I’m a lil homesick and bored in countrybumpkinville.

I’m working 12 hours a day, I’ve never worked this hard in my life nor have I felt this much stress and pressure.  I love my job, but it’s really stressful.  I have a lot of pressure to be perfect and help my boss’ new business suceed.  In a way, it’s really eye opening for me, because I get to see what it takes to open a new business and help it survive.  I want to own a business one day.  At the same time, this wasn’t what I signed up for.  I wanted a chill relaxed year abroad while traveling, and this job has left me unable to do that on the weekends.

I work incredible amounts of unpaid overtime, but I just hope in the end it will make me a better person.  I work hard to have a good classroom for my students.  They mean a lot to me so I work hard not only for my boss, but for them too.  And honestly, for myself.  I want to be a good teacher.  I want to be the teacher that I always wanted to have when I was a kid.  The teacher that truly cares and makes learning fun for kids.  I’m trying to be really creative in the classroom to give these kids the experiences that I never had and experiences they probably wont’ have again.  But like the saying goes… all work and no play makes Nichole  a dull girl. I really want to get out to travel and see this great country.

I’ve travelled Japan a little bit.  I’ve seen a historic castle “Himeji” and I’ve beenIMG_5692partying like a rockstar in Osaka.  Ironically, my favorite place in Osaka is a place called “Amerika-mura”.  It’s kind of like Chinatown back home, but it’s Little America.  They have a mini statue of liberty on top of one building, that’s how you know what district you’re in.  They have American food and American style clothing.  It’s where all the “cool kids” hang out.  I love it!

I want to see more.  In August I have a vacation, so I’m going to go travel and see some things then.   I’ll keep you updated.  Thanks for reading :)  I’m going to try and stay in touch more often.  I’m beginning to find the girl I have been searching for.

First few weeks in Japan

First adventure to see Japan – amazing castle, amazing food, amazing city (Kobe)

Kimonos and amazing homemade Japanese dinners

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Mixed Feelings

December 10, 2008 at 1:27 am (Busan, Ulsan)

Ironically the chapter I’m studying with some of my students covers feelings and emotions.  Just as I’ve had my roughest, most hectic few weeks here, I’ve been

My fav class learnin about emotions

My fav class learnin about emotions

 teaching students about emotions.  One student asked me to define mixed feelings.  I defined it as how I felt in Korea at this precise moment:  happy, sad, confused, frustrated, scared, tired, mad, and excited all at the same time.  Its been very emotional for me for the past few weeks.  Feeling wave after wave of all of these emotions is exhausting and enticing.  Sometimes, I’m having such a great time, and I’m so thankful for all I’ve learned about myself already.  Other times, I just want to close my eyes and disappear back into the comfort of my old life.  My boyfriend, my cat, my dog, my apartment, my lifestyle,  my bike, my favorite bar down the street, the comfort of my family being only an hour away by plane, the cliffs, and all of my dear dear friends and family I made in San Diego.  

 

Through it all, every last difficult moment, every tear I’ve shed, every lonely and desparate moment I’ve felt, I wouldn’t go back, not just yet.  I know that this journey will bring me much more than the old comforts of home could ever give me.  I just need to be patient.  

I’ve been so angry with Koreans.  I’ve hated how they call me Weygugi, how they

stare, how they judge, how the teachers treat me differently, how the taxis won’t stop for me, and how the parents criticize my teaching methods, and how new students react to me.  Lately, I have taken to staying at home more.  I’ve been nesting.  Cooking, cleaning, and reading.  I just started Mark Plotkins’ “A Shaman’s Apprentice” It’s about how an ethnobotanist goes into the rainforest to discover how the Shaman’s use herbs to heal.  Within the first paragraph the author divulges how the native peoples of the Amazon referred to him as ‘pananakiri’ which is roughly translated to ‘alien’.  I laughed out loud at that.  I think I brought that book with me on this journey for a reason.

 

the "hip hop" pizza restaurant... ohhh Korea

cover of a pizza box..they were offering tickets to a "hip hop" club.. ohh Korea

Instantly, I forgave the Korean people for their judgments and ignorance.  I have never fully accepted it until now.  I’ve been upset and appalled and not understanding.  I have such compassion for the people of the rainforest, but I’m so unforgiving of Korean people who do many of the same things to my friends and I.  Doesn’t seem right does it? So, it’s official.  I’ve squashed my beef with Korea.  No longer am I angry.  I promise to not walk around with a frown and grumble about their ignorance.  I’m sure I’ll have frustrations here and there, but I hope to come back to this blog entry, take a deep breath, and move on.   I have to do my job as an educator and educate.  

 

As I’ve reached the top of my mountain of sadness, I feel refreshed and ready for

Jujeon beach and my purple tights and shoes

Jujeon beach and my purple tights and shoes

 the descent.  Today is exactly 2 months since my first day of teaching in Korea.  I’ve been here for 9 weeks… breathtaking right?  So much has happened already and I’ve grown as a person more than I could have back home.  I’m happy for that.  More than I can express.  I was at a point where I needed drastic change in my life in order for things to change, and I think I’ve achieved that.  I’m excited to see what the remainder of this year will bring.  

 

A lot has happened since my last entry.  We had Thanksgiving.  It was amazing and so wonderfu.  It made being away from home a lot less depressing.  We had a wonderful family dinner including stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted chicken (no turkey in these parts) and even burnt cookies (courtesy of me!).  Krista, the other foreign teacher at my school that is my age AKA my sanity, whipped up a fabulous dinner.  It was beautiful, heartwarming, and full of cheer.  Thanks Krista!!

 

The Ulsan 11

The Ulsan 11

This past weekend, I took a journey to Busan, my favorite city in Korea thus far, and swam with sharks!  I know, crazy right?  The Ulsan 11 took a trip, we had training, and we swam in the aquarium with sharkies.  It really wasn’t frightening at all.  The turtles were more vicious than the sharks!  The ninja turtles were defending their territory and attempting to bite us at every chance. We had to lock them up so that they couldn’t nibble on us while we swam.  They’re so friendly in Nemo!  I’ll never underestimate another turtle.

It was a wonderful weekend in beautiful Busan.  It brought me out of my funk,

Aqua Girl!!!!

Aqua Girl!!!!

 turned my gray skies blue again, and released the stress from my life.  I am going through this week feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next few months ahead of me.  

 

I’m beginning to realize how Korea is such a place of transition for so many people.  I am constantly attending goodbye dinners for people.  It’s sad, people are always coming and going… story of life right? 

Enjoy the pics my beauties.  Missin you out there
 

 

Namaste 

Nichole

Shark divin with them vicious turtles 

 

That's my ol' buddy Bruce blockin the photo

That's my ol' buddy Bruce blockin the photo

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Congratulations ATVs and Birthdays

November 18, 2008 at 1:27 am (Uncategorized)

Wow.  I’ve been MIA for a bit now.  Sorry, but so much as occurred in my time here.  I’m entering my sixth week in Korea.  Things have gone quite well since the last time you heard from me.  

Fortunately, I wasn’t alone in my celebration of President Obama’s (yiPppeeeEE!!) victory.  I found out about Obama’s win about an hour before I went to work.  I abandoned my lessons for the day and taught my children about social injustices, racism, the history of African Americans in America, and our first Black President.  I don’t say Black here in Korea, I prefer to be referred to as Black with a capital ‘B’, because I feel that Koreans use “black” out of context.  They say “black face” to refer to people with dark skin.  So I make sure to say African American, to make them more politically correct. 

Chocopie Mountain

Chocopie Mountain Cake

Everyone in Korea is pretty accepting of Obama.  No one likes Bush, especially because they feel that he is very lenient with North Korea.  It seems the world is excited about our new president.  I am excited to see what his next move will be and how things will change for the American people and for me here in Korea.  I’m still struggling with the exchange rate and life in Korea is dependent on the American economy, like so many other countries around the world.  Car production and electronics have seen a sharp decrease in Korea since the economic downturn, we are all hoping for a brighter future.  

I experienced my first Korean holiday this month.  On November 11th is was Pepero Day.  I think its very similar to Valentine’s Day in America.  Kids trade chocolate sticks with each other.  It’s a lot of fun and the kids were really pumped about it.  

Also since the last time I wrote, I’ve ridden an ATV.  SOO Cool.  Wow there is some power in being able to climb over big rocks, plow through rivers, and climb mountains.  

Friday the 14th, was my 24th birthday (25th birthday in Korea)!  Thank you all so much for the wonderful birthday wishes.  It meant so much to hear from my friends and family across the sea.  It’s nice to know that although I am so far, I’m still remembered :)  

Little guy in the green got me the peperos

Little guy in the green got me the peperos

I had an OUTSTANDING birthday!  The best time of my life thus far.  Each of my classes sang happy birthday to me!  It was so cute and really nice.  One of the students that the Korean teachers have the hardest time with has really come around for me.  He is a great student and just needed a little extra attention.  I have tried to get to know him on his own level.  He loves to draw and he collects these anime stickers.  I brought some into him that I found at a market one day and he has been my best buddy ever since.  For my birthday he bought me some peperos (little chocolate sticks) wrapped in paper that says I love you.. it was so thoughtful and cute!  Especially since I told him about my birthday over a week before.  

My director bought me a purple jewelry box that is handcrafted and really beautiful.  The teachers bought me a cake and sang me happy Birthday.  My favorite class on Friday bought me chocopies (little chocolate cookies) and made a mountain out of them and put candles and peperos in it.  It was so adorable and they did it all on their own with no help from their Korean teachers!  I’m so happy to have made such a connection with my students already.  

Friday night I went to the next town over, Busan, and partied like a rock star!  We had a great time!  A few of the teachers here that I have made great friends with, joined me in my celebrations.  The next day was the best by far.  

We went paragliding!!!!  It was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life!  It was beautiful, amazing, and so peaceful.  I felt such freedom in flying over the countryside.  The view was amazing.  In my next lifetime, I definitely want to come back as a bird.  I can’t wait to do it again!  My pictures tell an even better story.

Flyin over Korea

Flyin over Korea

Everything went well and it was so fun!  Everyone had a great time.  It was the unforgettable, unbelievable experience that I came to Korea for.  I’ve already done so many things here that I never thought I would do back home.  It was definitely the first amazing adventure of many more to come.  I can’t wait.  I’m currently planning my Christmas break trip.  I have a week off!  

I’m off to grade papers (don’t I sound like a teacher).. hope you enjoyed my update.  I’ll write again soon. 

Love you all, 

Nichole

 

Paragliding over Cheongdo Mountain 

Birthday weekend 

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Be a part of the change Vote on Nov 4

November 3, 2008 at 12:47 am (Uncategorized)

Jujeon Beach

This week in Korea has by far been the greatest.  I had a superb week and even better weekend.  I have been here for one month today… can you believe it?? I sure can’t

I began my week by talking with a close friend, he was noticing how much I had been bashing Korea and praising the U.S.  He wanted to know what I thought were good attributes of Korea.  I have to say, there are many.  Priorities are different here.  Family, education, and respect are regarded highly in the Korean community.  Those are values that I feel the States could improve on.  

Families rarely live in separate cities than there family, and not just their immediate family, their cousins, aunts, uncles, great grandparents, brothers, sisters, and even their ancestors bodies!  There is a Korean ceremony here where you celebrate the birthdays of past ancestors.  The family gathers together to honor the deceased by having a party.  When I think of how close these families are, I get a little sad.  I’m thousands of miles and an ocean away from my own family.  I think that when I make it back to the states, I want to live nearby.. maybe in San Francisco??? 

Halloween partyin with Hugo and Tom AKA the Housewife

Education and respect are highly regarded in this country as well.  About 1/4 of each households income goes towards their child’s education from the moment they enter school.  Their school system is highly organized and very thorough.  By the time most of these children complete their education, they are beyond prepared for entry to any University in the world and most will be bilingual, if not trilingual.  

After analyzing these aspects of Korean culture, I feel differently about the nation.  I know that I can learn a lot from this culture simply by looking at the great parts and attempting to understand and not judge the portions that I do not like.  

I had an incredible breakthrough with one class of eleven year olds this week.  I felt so great and that a part of my purpose in arriving in this country is becoming fulfilled.  In this class, I was asked to teach the children the names of countries.  My list only included a few Asian countries (Thailand, China, Japan, and India) and 3 English speaking countries (U.S., Australia, and England).  The rest of the world map was left blank.  I was pretty upset by this, it seemed they were only teaching the children countries that Korea considers “important”, countries where people look like Koreans and other countries that speak English.  I took the time and taught the kids the names of other countries.  Namely, Africa, South America, Mexico, Canada, Greenland, and Indonesia.  

Jason, Harry, and I partyin it up

 

Once we completed filling in the map, a few of the kids proceeded to tell me that Japan was a horrible country and that they hated them.  I asked why, no one had a response.  They only knew that people from Japan are bad and they would never be friends with them.  In broken English, I tried to explain that it was wrong to hate people for no reason.  I made each child draw a huge heart around the world map and declare “I love all people of all colors from all countries!”  Over and over… I know that it probably didn’t make much difference, but it made me feel a little better.  Like I’m playing a role in aiding in erasing some of the long time racism that lives in this country.  I plan on following up on this activity later this week.

I chose not to participate in Halloween this year.  I did dress up for my kids (I put on bunny ears) and passed out candy and played games, but I didn’t go out and party too much.  I spent Halloween night at home resting and the following day, I did go out to a beach that is a bit farther from the beach by my home (it was amazingly gorgeous) and I went to a costume contest with a few buddies.  I had an amazing time.  

I truly feel lucky for the friends I have made here.  I have bonded with quite a few people in many different ways on different levels.  Life has been amazing, beautiful, and full of fun and adventure.  I look forward to the next 11 months.  

I have included photos from my lovely weekend, my beach visit as well as my Halloween night out in Korea.  

Enjoy 

Love & Light 

Nichole

My neighborhood and Jujeon Beach

Halloween 2008

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Travelin and Internal Reflection

October 26, 2008 at 11:54 pm (Busan)

me n the crew

This weekend I visited South Korea’s second largest city Busan.  What a beautiful city it is.  I almost wish I would have chosen to work there!  I had an amazing time and I met a few people who broadened my mind.  Through my friend Alexis I managed to meet all of the Black people in this area!  LOL  we had a blast at the club in Busan!  I took some time for myself on Saturday while the crew was shoppin to go to the beach.  My favorite place in the world.  Beaches in Korea are tiny, but beautiful.  It was a little chilly, but very nice.  

This week completed my third week in Korea and my first full week of teaching solo.  It has been fun.  I’m getting to know my classes better.  I enjoy most of my classes.  There are only a few that agitate me, but the other classes make up for those few.  Teaching English to this age (9-16) has given me a new appreciation for this age group.  Previously, I was strictly a baby lady.  I only wanted to work with children that were age 8 and under.  I have a new outlook for this age group.  It’s nice to be able to actually talk to these kids.  I can teach them things like humility, kindness, manners, and all of my hippie ideals :)  They are a blank slate, their ideals are still forming and I can help in that process, it’s a beautiful thing.  Especially in this country, where the people are behind in ideas of independence, women’s rights, diversity, and peace.  

Now that I’ve partied my heart out here, I’m ready to get back on track with what I started in Korea.  Although party life out here is a dream, I don’t want to get caught up in that life.  It’s possible to party all night, every night for very very cheap in Korea.  Bars and clubs don’t close until you’re ready to go home.  I momentarily forgot why I wanted to come out here, and that was to get away from that life.  I want to focus more on myself and what I want to create for my future.  

I’ve had so many thoughts while I’ve been out here.  One thing I was extremely curious about while I was still in America was how we are portrayed though another country’s eyes.  I have spoken with enough native Koreans now that I think I can put my finger on it.  America is defined purely by corporations, money, and name brands.  Even name brands that are NOT from America.  I was speaking with a young woman my age and she told me she wanted to go to America to have Starbucks, Prada, and Gucci.  Since I’m not a name brand type of person, I’m not 100% sure about Gucci, but Prada isn’t from America.  It’s just associated with it because that’s what rich people have.  

Since I’ve been here several “American” restaurants have opened up on just about every corner in Korea.  Baskin Robbins and Dunkin Donuts are very popular here.  All of my kids think that those are the only places that I eat at.  They are thoroughly shocked when I tell them I only recently went to Baskin Robbins for my first time.  I told them that those restaurants are going out of business in the states.  

I wonder about the trends America is setting for the world.  Our economy is in a shambles and businesses that are going bankrupt in the states are spreading their wings in other developing nations… isn’t there something wrong with that?  Are we not encouraging other countries to go down the same treacherous path we ourselves went down that is now resulting in an awful failure?  

Globalization is a hard thing to teach to people who live in a small country that idealizes America.  In Korea, globalization is a great thing, the addition of American business, production of billions of cars and ships, and becoming a developed nation is the main objective.  I have had a few of my high school students tell me how wonderful globalization is and it makes me cringe… I am not a proponent of globalization, I personally believe it is bringing on the ruination of the world.  However, I need to get real.  I am a perfect example of globalization.  I’m pretty much an American import right?  

the view from our hotel balcony

I hate to complain about America, I realize now more than ever how lucky I am to be from such a beautiful country.  Where I have the freedom to form the opinions that I have, where I gained an education that children abroad dream about, and where I had the amazing opportunity to grow up and live in the beautiful thing we call diversity.  However, I believe America must do more to enhance its image abroad.  I sure hope our new president will help that.  

I’lll close on that note.. I have a TON of pictures for your viewing pleasure of my awesome weekend in Busan.  

Enjoy! 

Love & Light 

The beginning of the trip

Partyin like a rock star

The morning after and the beach

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Week 2

October 20, 2008 at 1:43 am (Ulsan)

I can’t believe two weeks in Korea has gone by.  I still don’t think I’ve processed it all.  The novelty of Korea has definitely worn off, but I am still enjoying my time. 

This week, I was called hip-hop hair by my students.  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  This country has a long way to go in regards racial equality.  What I have noticed in my short time here, is that there are no social injustices in this country.  Everyone is the same.  Everyone has the same heritage, same background, and are all pure blooded Koreans.  No one is treated differently, because there are no differences amongst the people.  I feel that this will change soon, with more foreigners entering the country to teach and work with Hyundai.  I have met quite a few foreign men who have married Korean women.  With more foreigners in the country, I’m sure that is bound to happen more and more.  The appearance of the Korean population will be drastically changed within a decade.   

For the most part, my students are awesome.  I really enjoy teaching.  I never thought I would really enjoy the job or be good at it.  As quite a surprise to me, teaching has come to me naturally.  I guess all of my previous work with children has paid off.  I have successfully tricked the children into learning.. it’s great!  In one class, a student commented that all we did in class was play games.  This is true, we did play several games, but the class spoke in English the entire time, which is the point of the class.  I love it!  

However, It isn’t the ideal teaching situation.  I don’t have my own classroom, I have so many classes that i don’t know if I’ll ever learn all of my student’s names, and I don’t get paid for prep time.  On the up side, I don’t give out homework or tests, I only teach each class for 50 minutes, and I get to be the cool teacher for the kids.  Creates a balance I suppose.  

In a taxi last night, I had a strange broken English conversation with my taxi driver.  We talked about Obama.  It’s so great to me that even all the way over here in South Korea, people want Obama to be the president.  People are also very aware of how terrible George Bush is as a president.  I think the whole world is looking forward to the change a new presidency will give our nation.  

The crisis on Wall Street has affected me drastically.  I have been very observant of the changes in the stock market since my arrival.  I have paid more attention than I think i would have in the states.  The saying in South Korea is: “If America catches a cold, South Korea sneezes.” Or something to that affect.  The value of the won has dropped dramatically in my short time here.  I had intended on sending a lot of money home to pay off debt, but to change over the won to the dollar is pitiful at best.  I really hope things get better over there soon so that I can get back on track with my savings plan.   

I didn’t go hiking this week, because I was not feeling very well.  I’ve been stuffy for the past few days.  The one cool thing I did do this week was have a bonfire.  It seems there are no rules in Korea.  My group of friends and I picked up random pieces of wood we found and burnt them on the beach.  No one attempted to stop us.  It was nice to have a bonfire, it felt like being back at home.  

I hope you are all doing well out there.  I’m dong pretty great.  Life is good, I’m just taking it one day at a time.  Feel free to write me, I have quite a bit of down time.  

Love
Me

Bonfire at Ilsan Beach

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Weygugi (foreigner)/Ambassador of Black People

October 12, 2008 at 10:26 am (Ulsan)

I finished my first full week in Korea.

It has had its highs and lows. I am adjusting to people staring at me, pointing, calling me Weygugi (foreigner), and being unable to communicate with 95% of the people here. In the classes the children stare at me, none of them have seen a black person before. I was asked by one of the Korean instructors to explain my hair to her class. I refused. I’ve been struggling with how to react. At first, i was upset and frustrated and angry, but now I’m taking it all in stride. I am becoming more aware of how behind this society is when it comes to different cultures and diversity. Essentially, I am here to help broaden the worldview of the native people of Korea. I am taking my roll as Ambassador of Black people very seriously. For the most part, a lot of these people will never leave this peninsula, so I will be their only experience with a person of color. I want to show them how beautiful my culture is. If I can erase the stereotypes and broaden the perception of one Korean, my mission will be accomplished. I plan to use my classroom as an opportunity to show the positivity of Black culture. I am going to use positive music and poetry from Black authors to show my classes a different perspective of Black culture. Most of them only have exposure to what is on American television and movies here (think Boys in the Hood and 50 cent). Don’t get me wrong, It’s not all bad here. I don’t mean to sound negative, but that is one major part of my life here in Korea. I am very aware of the fact that I am Black. I am more conscious of my skin color, nappy hair, and weight than I ever have been in my life.

On a brighter note, I have met some pretty great people. I went out Friday and Saturday night and experienced night life in Ulsan. Friday night, we went to a traditional Korean club. It was fun and hilarious at the same time. I went with two of the teachers here and other foreigners who teach near our school. Here, there is a dj/singer/dancer/stripper in each club. He is on the stage as the DJ then he stops for a minute and becomes a singer/dancer and in the end he strips down to his chonies. It’s great! Hilarious! Dance music is played for about 20 minutes, then slow jams come on (which is the cue for everyone to take a break, get a drink, and chat), then dance music again. Clubs don’t close until after 5 a.m. Also, what I noticed, Koreans are a little more reserved when it comes to dating. Boys and girls don’t go to clubs together. The girls are escorted around to tables where there are men and if they think they’re cute they sit down. It’s similar to speed dating. I found it all quite entertaining. I had a great time with the friends I made.

On Saturday night I went to a foreigners bar. There were a lot of new teachers there looking to make friends. I met people there from all around the world. Today, Sunday, I went hiking with one of the teachers at my school, Caroline. She is really a sweet woman. We hiked to the local store here, which took about an hour. I saw a beautiful side of Korea that made up for the bad parts of the week. When we came back, I saw a Black woman walking down the street. She is the first Black person I have seen since I arrived in Korea. I flagged her down and we talked for a bit. Turns out we are neighbors. I got her info and we’re going to go to dinner this week. I didn’t realize how starved I am for the company of someone that looks like me. It is comforting to know that I’m not the only one here, she’s really sweet and I look forward to getting to know her.

I start teaching this week on my own, I’m sure that will be a whole new set of adventures :) I added pictures of my hike today.

Thanks for reading,

Hiking in Ulsan Take 1

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First day of training

October 8, 2008 at 1:24 pm (Uncategorized)

So….

Today was the first day. The first class was sooo incredibly rambunctious! They are a funny bunch, but there are quite a few of them in the class and the teacher has absolutely no control. She hasn’t set any rules and has let them run wild. They aren’t bad kids, they are just excited, and just want to be outside playing. I wish I could give that to them. Today, i was speaking with one of the children and she told me her schedule. She wakes up at 7 a.m. to go to school, then she goes to math academy, then piano lessons, then English academy, then home to do homework! She doesn’t get home from school until after 9 p.m. then she still has homework to do. Their lives are so intense for such young children.

When I spoke with my director about how I felt about this, she explained to me the situation from the Korean parents perspective. They are struggling now and they want their children to have the best of the best. So they spend quite a large amount of money from their paychecks each month so that their children will have a better future. I understand it, but I still believe children need to be children. Some of them are so serious and others are completely rebelling because they’ve been in school for over 10 hours. I honestly can’t figure out which is worse: children in America who care so little about education, their future, and spend hardly anytime studying or children that are in school day in and day out with no time to be young and carefree?

Most people in Korea have NEVER seen a black person. Or anyone who isn’t Korean for that matter. Korea is known as the most culturally homogenous place in the world with a population of 98% Korean! The students are very intrigued by me because I am Black and because I’m from California. I wouldn’t call the people here racist, just uninformed. Most of the students here have never been outside of Korea and have never been exposed to any other cultures. Even a Chinese or Japanese person is foreign to them. They are extremely curious about me, (who knows what they have learned about Black people from their families or from the television). They lean out of the classrooms to wave hello to me! I feel like a superstar!

I live on the 5th floor of the school with 3 other teachers. I haven’t seen much of them so far, but I hope to soon. The other two girls live near the beach. They don’t have too many positive things to say about Korea, but I am going out with them tomorrow so hopefully I will see a different side of them and meet more people who live in the area. I am truly enjoying my time here. I love all of the change that is around me. I think that the fact that I will be able to deal with this transition positively will make me so resilient. I feel so strong for making this move on my own. I’m really proud of myself and happy! I want to accomplish all that I can while I’m here. It’s really an amazing opportunity to learn about another culture first hand. 4 months ago, Korea didn’t even exist to me, now I’m living, working, eating, and breathing Korea. Amazing huh?

Anywho, that was a long one, I was excited after class! I’m going to go out and buy some things tomorrow for the apartment, so I’ll take some photos of the neighborhood to share.

I think I’m gonna get a kitty! The girl who is leaving needs to find a home for her kitty friend and who better to adopt a kiikii? He’s a boy too!

I miss you all out there in the States. I miss diversity and people that know ME. Hope you all are doing well, drop me a line sometime… I’m always onlline :)

Love & Light

Nichole

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Ulsan.. the beginning

October 7, 2008 at 1:59 pm (Ulsan)

Today I arrived in Ulsan, the province where I will be spending the majority of this next year.  It’s very beautiful and a lot less polluted than Incheon and Seoul.  I am very thankful for that.  It’s amazing the small comforts from home that I miss like: the trash man, and the general regulations that America has.  There are no rules about pollution, littering, driving, and food safety.  Living in this country will give me a greater appreciation for America.  

Don’t get me wrong, so far I have really enjoyed myself.  I am trying not to get overwhelmed and just take it one day at a time.  The language barrier is amazingly difficult, luckily the people in this area are used to seeing foreigners so they know some English.  I have picked up a lot of Korean very quickly!  You have to adjust when you want to eat I guess :)  I plan on taking a Korean class once I get a little more settled.  They have language exchanges here at the local university where you can go and learn Korean with a native student who wants to practice their English.  
 I have learned that my kids are challenging, they are teens, and bitter about going to school so much.  Koreans highly value education.  These kids are in school a lot compared to American children.  They have regular school, then English classes five days a week on top of that, then most have another extracurricular activity, and two Saturdays a month they have school.  It makes me wonder when they have time to play….. 
However, I admire Korea for taking education so seriously.  My favorite saying is “children are the future”.  Here, that philosophy is put into place.  I can’t imagine how wonderful America would be if we had the same philosophies.  
I was given the largest apartment at the school, its nice, but I have no view out of my window, which is a little depressing.  But the view from outside and around the area is amazing.  I will go on a walk this weekend and share photos.  I was truly astounded at the beauty of the area on the drive over.  My director took me on the scenic route so that I would be able to see the surrounding area.  It’s full of mountains covered in trees on one side and the ocean on the other.  It’s really lovely.  The country is very green.  I’m glad it is so nice.   From what I had read about Ulsan, I was a bit nervous, but it has truly lived up to my expectations.  This part of Korea has the largest industrialized area in all of the country.  I flew over it and I have never seen anything like it.  It is beastly and massive and very unattractive.  I felt so many emotions when I saw it, it covered such a large area of land.  Luckily, it can’t be seen from anywhere in the city area.  
I’m excited for my classes tomorrow.  I am observing this week and my first day of teaching will be the 14th!  I’m nervous, but ready.  I’m glad I took that teaching English class online, I think it has prepared me for the rigorous life of a teacher.  
I’ll close with photos of my journey thus far… hope you enjoy 
Namaste 

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Farewell America… Annyong Haseyo Korea!!!

October 4, 2008 at 12:41 am (Uncategorized)

So I made my grande exit from the United States of America.  I had a few drinks, plenty of laughs, and away I went.  The flight went extremely well although very long.  I traveled for about 24 hours!  It was good though…the airplane food was surprisingly delicious.   I had a teriyaki bowl, sushi, and green tea!  

At this moment, I am awake at odd hours in Korea.  It is 9:43 a.m. on Saturday morning and I’m up bright and early after only a few hours of sleep… I hope to get accustomed to the time difference soon.  I just wanted to drop a line so everyone knows I’m okay and doing well!  
Tonight I am going to a jazz festival, I’m going to try my first taste of authentic Korean food, and I’ll be partying lock a rock star in a Korean club!  I’ll keep you updated… 
I’ll upload pictures soon!  
sleepy and excited 
Nichole 

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