I’m not one to recall my life in chronological order.
This doesn’t only include my memories of childhood, but what I can gather from the past year, 6 months, three weeks, yesterday, whatever. I don’t mean to say that my memories are less than vivid; on the contrary they’re quite crisp and tangible (to me) - only the order is typically out of sequence.
I traveled to Japan about two months ago for 5 days or so, and I’m already having difficulty mentally organizing my trip into a chronological sequence of what I experienced first, second, and so on.
Instead, my memories of Japan are a jumbled palette of events, emotions, and aesthetics.
Had I written about my travels in the Land of the Rising Sun directly upon my return to Korea, home, perhaps my writing would’ve been more sequentially logical. However, I came back to Cheonan and went immediately back to a whirlwind of daily work. My routine became a bit frantic. I got sick. Things got increasingly hectic and I picked up more teaching positions. So here I am, nearly two months later, and I’m trying to put my perspectives on Japan in order.
Too bad I direly need to crash now.
Will continue soon.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Of Xenophobia and Assimilation
Life's been a bit busy for me lately. I've taken on a few other teaching jobs, since such opportunities are abundant in Korea. For a native English speaker, getting an ESL position here is as easy as walking by an oak tree in Autumn, watching a leaf take its pendulum plunge to the earth, and snatching it from the sky before it lands softly upon the soil.
I now teach an adult class three times a week. It's my 아 줌마 (ahjoomah) class, meaning "married woman." Since I teach them MWF from 10-12, only moms are really available since their husbands are working. Let's just say that Korean women in their 30's and 40's really like me.
I'm also teaching gifted sixth graders every other Saturday for three hours. The class is a bit challenging since I have to pick a single topic, find materials, create appropriate activities and games, and make it last three hours. My first lesson had too many materials, my second not enough. It's hard to find a balance, but I'm enjoying the ride - and so are my students. We have good times.
The first time I taught them, we played 'getting to know you' games. I first had all the kids write down a fact about them that no one really knows. It could have been a secret talent, desire, etc. as long as they didn't mind sharing it. That bit was crucial - I didn't want any dirty, clandestine bits of info being shared! After everyone wrote their secret on a scrap of paper, they handed them to me and I read them aloud. The students had to guess who, among their peers, could do that talent. One girl could talk like Yoda from Star Wars. Another could form a box with her body (some kind of yoga position, I think). I shared my secret talent with them and now I'll expose it you. I guess it won't be so secretive anymore. I can form a little bubble of spit on my tongue, gently blow on it, thus propelling it from my tongue and making it float about in the air. Upon doing so, the kids cheered and wooped and felt generally amused or disgusted. I know, I should go on Letterman.
Yesterday, I taught them briefly about palindromes during our break. My favorite - A man, a plan, a canal, PANAMA! I showed them Panama on the map, and explained that at one point in history merchants would travel ALL the way around South America to export their goods until one bright dude thought of creating the Panama Canal. The kids dug it.
Yesterday's topic was traveling abroad and what one needs to do in preparation to ensure a safe trip. I told them about my trip to Mexico and about how I avoided Montezuma's Revenge. They were shocked to hear about how sick one can become from foreign tap water. I asked them about the steps needed for brushing one's teeth.
They said, "take out a toothbrush, put some toothpaste, and go like this." With invisible toothbrushes they pantomimed cleansing their teeth.
I said, "Wait! You forgot one crucial part."
"Oh, yeah Teacher. You gotta put on water."
"That's right," I beamed. "You know, in Mexico, you can't even put tap water on your toothbrush before you brush your teeth because it could make you sick." I heard cries of "진짜?" and "really?" (진짜 means 'really?' or 'really' depending on the inflection and sounds like "jinncha." It happens to be my favorite Korean word so far).
"That's right, so what do you need to do in foreign countries to make sure you don't get sick?" I asked.
"Use bottled water," they cried. Such bright students I have.
We started talking about the importance of learning useful phrases in other languages. So if you're going to Portugal or Brazil, learn some Portuguese before you go. In addition to learning some survival language, we conversed over the importance of learning about the country's culture. I told them about how I started learning about Korean customs and how they are vastly different from all things American. In the States, we don't bow, pour each other's drinks, take things with two hands, or extend our right hand while supporting it with our left - but all those mannerisms are mandatory in Korea. I now do each of these things on a daily basis in Korea without thinking twice or feeling the slightest bit awkward.
"I've assimilated," I told them.
So much, in fact, that I'll experience some serious reverse culture shock when returning home. I'll be bowing like mad!
During one of the ten minute breaks, we played a game where one student has to say an English word, and the next person has to come up with a word that begins with the previous word's last letter. For example, if one person says "rabbit" the next person will say "tiger" or "torrential" or "triceratops" or whatever word they can think of that begins with the letter t. One student said "tax," meaning the next person had to come up with a word starting with x. X-ray had already been used, so they weren't sure what to say. I broke in and decided to teach them xylophone, and, more importantly, xenophobia - the fear or hatred of all things foreign.
I talked briefly about America, the concept of the "melting pot" and why this term isn't nearly so accurate as "mixed salad." Basically, different cultures don't gel or coagulate. People from different backgrounds form barriers; where there are barriers, there are fears. I told my students that I don't really understand exactly why people become xenophobic. From my perspective, other cultures are fascinating. I want to learn how others live, and perhaps adopt what I like into my own way of living.
Since I've come to Korea, I haven't felt one spec of xenophobia - either towards others or from others toward myself. Sure, Koreans and 외국인 (waygookin) don't always understand each other, but our cultures tend to slosh around and deliquesce into one another with greater ease here.
Why can't this happen in the States?
I now teach an adult class three times a week. It's my 아 줌마 (ahjoomah) class, meaning "married woman." Since I teach them MWF from 10-12, only moms are really available since their husbands are working. Let's just say that Korean women in their 30's and 40's really like me.
I'm also teaching gifted sixth graders every other Saturday for three hours. The class is a bit challenging since I have to pick a single topic, find materials, create appropriate activities and games, and make it last three hours. My first lesson had too many materials, my second not enough. It's hard to find a balance, but I'm enjoying the ride - and so are my students. We have good times.
The first time I taught them, we played 'getting to know you' games. I first had all the kids write down a fact about them that no one really knows. It could have been a secret talent, desire, etc. as long as they didn't mind sharing it. That bit was crucial - I didn't want any dirty, clandestine bits of info being shared! After everyone wrote their secret on a scrap of paper, they handed them to me and I read them aloud. The students had to guess who, among their peers, could do that talent. One girl could talk like Yoda from Star Wars. Another could form a box with her body (some kind of yoga position, I think). I shared my secret talent with them and now I'll expose it you. I guess it won't be so secretive anymore. I can form a little bubble of spit on my tongue, gently blow on it, thus propelling it from my tongue and making it float about in the air. Upon doing so, the kids cheered and wooped and felt generally amused or disgusted. I know, I should go on Letterman.
Yesterday, I taught them briefly about palindromes during our break. My favorite - A man, a plan, a canal, PANAMA! I showed them Panama on the map, and explained that at one point in history merchants would travel ALL the way around South America to export their goods until one bright dude thought of creating the Panama Canal. The kids dug it.
Yesterday's topic was traveling abroad and what one needs to do in preparation to ensure a safe trip. I told them about my trip to Mexico and about how I avoided Montezuma's Revenge. They were shocked to hear about how sick one can become from foreign tap water. I asked them about the steps needed for brushing one's teeth.
They said, "take out a toothbrush, put some toothpaste, and go like this." With invisible toothbrushes they pantomimed cleansing their teeth.
I said, "Wait! You forgot one crucial part."
"Oh, yeah Teacher. You gotta put on water."
"That's right," I beamed. "You know, in Mexico, you can't even put tap water on your toothbrush before you brush your teeth because it could make you sick." I heard cries of "진짜?" and "really?" (진짜 means 'really?' or 'really' depending on the inflection and sounds like "jinncha." It happens to be my favorite Korean word so far).
"That's right, so what do you need to do in foreign countries to make sure you don't get sick?" I asked.
"Use bottled water," they cried. Such bright students I have.
We started talking about the importance of learning useful phrases in other languages. So if you're going to Portugal or Brazil, learn some Portuguese before you go. In addition to learning some survival language, we conversed over the importance of learning about the country's culture. I told them about how I started learning about Korean customs and how they are vastly different from all things American. In the States, we don't bow, pour each other's drinks, take things with two hands, or extend our right hand while supporting it with our left - but all those mannerisms are mandatory in Korea. I now do each of these things on a daily basis in Korea without thinking twice or feeling the slightest bit awkward.
"I've assimilated," I told them.
So much, in fact, that I'll experience some serious reverse culture shock when returning home. I'll be bowing like mad!
During one of the ten minute breaks, we played a game where one student has to say an English word, and the next person has to come up with a word that begins with the previous word's last letter. For example, if one person says "rabbit" the next person will say "tiger" or "torrential" or "triceratops" or whatever word they can think of that begins with the letter t. One student said "tax," meaning the next person had to come up with a word starting with x. X-ray had already been used, so they weren't sure what to say. I broke in and decided to teach them xylophone, and, more importantly, xenophobia - the fear or hatred of all things foreign.
I talked briefly about America, the concept of the "melting pot" and why this term isn't nearly so accurate as "mixed salad." Basically, different cultures don't gel or coagulate. People from different backgrounds form barriers; where there are barriers, there are fears. I told my students that I don't really understand exactly why people become xenophobic. From my perspective, other cultures are fascinating. I want to learn how others live, and perhaps adopt what I like into my own way of living.
Since I've come to Korea, I haven't felt one spec of xenophobia - either towards others or from others toward myself. Sure, Koreans and 외국인 (waygookin) don't always understand each other, but our cultures tend to slosh around and deliquesce into one another with greater ease here.
Why can't this happen in the States?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
외국인 (Foreigner)
I've been able to meet many foreigners here. Folks from the States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, England, Wales, and Ireland I've all come to know. I semi-joined a foreigner soccer league, so we tend to gather every Sunday or so for a match against various Korean teams. I must admit that I'm a very sorry soccer player, but I focus my energies on one main task: not messing up or doing anything embarrassing. I've already failed at my simple task.
That being said, there is a growing population of foreigners here, so it's not altogether unlikely to see one walking about on any given day. I usually see at least one foreigner per day on my travels. However, not all Koreans (especially not Korean kids) are accustomed to seeing white, black, or hispanic people. There have been a few occasions where a little girl will stop dead in her tracks, look up at me, and simply gawk. Jaws dropped, eyes wide. I just smile, wave or say "hello." One time this exact thing happened when I was in a convenience store, waiting in line. The little girl looked up at me with such intensity. Her eyes honed in on mine. I mustered up an embarrassed smile and was about to break free from her gaze. She paused a moment, still staring so curiously and then cried out "아 빠!" This sounds like "appa" and means 'dad.' I guess I sort of frightened her, since she'd probably never seen someone with light brown hair, pinkish skin and blue eyes.
That being said, there is a growing population of foreigners here, so it's not altogether unlikely to see one walking about on any given day. I usually see at least one foreigner per day on my travels. However, not all Koreans (especially not Korean kids) are accustomed to seeing white, black, or hispanic people. There have been a few occasions where a little girl will stop dead in her tracks, look up at me, and simply gawk. Jaws dropped, eyes wide. I just smile, wave or say "hello." One time this exact thing happened when I was in a convenience store, waiting in line. The little girl looked up at me with such intensity. Her eyes honed in on mine. I mustered up an embarrassed smile and was about to break free from her gaze. She paused a moment, still staring so curiously and then cried out "아 빠!" This sounds like "appa" and means 'dad.' I guess I sort of frightened her, since she'd probably never seen someone with light brown hair, pinkish skin and blue eyes.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Alas...
....My poor, neglected blog. My computer has been in the shop for the past few weeks, so I haven't been able to use it to write here, on my blog, in the conveniency of my home. I promise to write soon.
Super quick update:
Teaching has been great - the students are learning, and my classroom atmosphere is improving. Behavior problems are rapidly decreasing.
I was very fortunate to see a private Korean ceremony called Jesa, wherein a family commemorates an ancestor.
I've been traveling all over Korea in my spare time.
I went scuba diving near the DMZ; I was probably 45 minutes away from The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
I bought a cheap bicylcle, so I've been touring all over Cheonan.
I'm going to Japan in October to see Radiohead and visit a friend from long ago.
I plan on writing much more about all these things in greater detail as time and my computer woes permit.
Hope everyone's well on the other side of the globe!
Super quick update:
Teaching has been great - the students are learning, and my classroom atmosphere is improving. Behavior problems are rapidly decreasing.
I was very fortunate to see a private Korean ceremony called Jesa, wherein a family commemorates an ancestor.
I've been traveling all over Korea in my spare time.
I went scuba diving near the DMZ; I was probably 45 minutes away from The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
I bought a cheap bicylcle, so I've been touring all over Cheonan.
I'm going to Japan in October to see Radiohead and visit a friend from long ago.
I plan on writing much more about all these things in greater detail as time and my computer woes permit.
Hope everyone's well on the other side of the globe!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A Vagrant Wind
My Grandfather had a boundless, inspirational creativity that was expressed through his gift of storytelling and poetic verse. He formed his own hardcover books, bound and sewn with intricate care and love. His books were teeming with wild war stories and reflective poems. Grandpa Dan made dozens, and I'm so fortunate to have one. Before going to Korea, I knew he'd probably pass on before I came back to the States, so I brought his book along with me to cherish.
I've been thinking about him constantly since he passed on a short while back, and here on my blog I'd like to share some of his poetry.
I've been thinking about him constantly since he passed on a short while back, and here on my blog I'd like to share some of his poetry.
Prudent Poet
Never Expose your wit
Never brag about it
'Cause it stems from the past
Not the present.
Keep hushed your tongue
About what you have done
For, in silence, it remains
As a present.
Death...
To be a
Constant
Companion,
Entered life
Hand - in - hand
With me; a
Silent guide
To my every
Step toward
Its ultimate
Victory.
As a Leaf....
Cloistered in a curl,
Green and Pale,
Elixir, pulsed veins
With life burst full
Length and breadth to
Joys of warm air, and,
The light of heaven's stars
At night.
Drinking spring rain in
Warmth and light.
With evening dew as
Cool dense smothering shade
Discourage fireflies amid
The boughs, until the
Loving sun, guardian of earth's
Life, returns.
All nature awaits,
As a leaf,
To bloom glory full in
Its radiant smile; and
Sense the love in its
Arrival rustle a path amid
My kin.
By the steep angle in
The sky I know your
Attendance to my wants,
And, needs will cool;
Fading the green of life
Into brindled orange
and hues of frost's
Selective brush.
Now, nips the bite of
Your frosted glance
Severing my grip on
Earth's eternal bough;
As, I, slip away on a
Vagrant wind....to lie
Cool and crisp amid your
lingering fragrance.
Never Expose your wit
Never brag about it
'Cause it stems from the past
Not the present.
Keep hushed your tongue
About what you have done
For, in silence, it remains
As a present.
Death...
To be a
Constant
Companion,
Entered life
Hand - in - hand
With me; a
Silent guide
To my every
Step toward
Its ultimate
Victory.
As a Leaf....
Cloistered in a curl,
Green and Pale,
Elixir, pulsed veins
With life burst full
Length and breadth to
Joys of warm air, and,
The light of heaven's stars
At night.
Drinking spring rain in
Warmth and light.
With evening dew as
Cool dense smothering shade
Discourage fireflies amid
The boughs, until the
Loving sun, guardian of earth's
Life, returns.
All nature awaits,
As a leaf,
To bloom glory full in
Its radiant smile; and
Sense the love in its
Arrival rustle a path amid
My kin.
By the steep angle in
The sky I know your
Attendance to my wants,
And, needs will cool;
Fading the green of life
Into brindled orange
and hues of frost's
Selective brush.
Now, nips the bite of
Your frosted glance
Severing my grip on
Earth's eternal bough;
As, I, slip away on a
Vagrant wind....to lie
Cool and crisp amid your
lingering fragrance.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
D.W. Symancyk
My mother's father passed away last week. He was a wonderful, wise man, and memories of him will be cherished. Grandpa Symancyk will forever be missed. My prayers go out to all who knew and loved him.
Grub / Dog Eat Dog
I've been in Korean for about 2 months now, and in that short time I've eaten some peculiar foods. I thought I'd compile a little list here of the odd things I've consumed.
live, raw octopus (san nock gee)
dead, cooked octopus (nock gee)
octopus tentacles (moonoe)
dried squid
fermented sting ray
chicken feet
chicken anus (it tasted like chicken, only chewier)
silkworm larvae (never again...)
jellyfish
cow intestine
raw fish (not all that strange, I know)
snail soup
No, I haven't eaten man's best friend yet. I don't think I will, even though the dogs used for consumption are raised to be eaten in farms and not as pets in homes. But a dog is a dog, regardless of where it comes from.
live, raw octopus (san nock gee)
dead, cooked octopus (nock gee)
octopus tentacles (moonoe)
dried squid
fermented sting ray
chicken feet
chicken anus (it tasted like chicken, only chewier)
silkworm larvae (never again...)
jellyfish
cow intestine
raw fish (not all that strange, I know)
snail soup
No, I haven't eaten man's best friend yet. I don't think I will, even though the dogs used for consumption are raised to be eaten in farms and not as pets in homes. But a dog is a dog, regardless of where it comes from.
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