Hello Everyone,
Here is an update about me in Korea. Well, as you all know I have been here, since October 4th of 2009. Well, I will actually not be returning home just yet... I will be staying an additional 6 months. I will now be leaving April 12, 2011. I will also be coming home for my Topeka High School reunion, September 24th to 25th. I will start of my vacation in Dallas Sept 17th and conclude it in Topeka, KS September 27th.
Thanks for following my life in Korea! Please continue to read and watch with me! So, much more exciting things to come with the help of the Lord.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Arirang Korean Radio Station
During my week of vacation, last week, I decided to explore around Seoul during my time off during the week, since some of my friends were on vacation, but others were still working. It was a little difficult to make major travel plans. Well, on my way back to Nambu bus terminal, where I catch the express bus back home to Songtan, a lady stopped me and asked me if I speak English and wants to interview me because they are trying to promote Korea and she wanted to ask me about my stay here, and how I like Korea. Of course, I couldn't turn the spotlight off... so I agreed to be interviewed. It was my 5 minutes of fame, of course I said YES!!! Lol!
I was thinking she asked the wrong, but right person. I was thinking I would take the might and hit the stage, maybe do a little number, sing a little something for the listeners! Hehe! Not really.
Here are some of the questions she asked me.
Why did I come to Korea?
How do I like Korea?
What do I do here for fun?
Do I like teaching? Is it easy to teach or difficult?
Where do I live (specifically, what city in Korea)?
My answer for this are always difficult. I always wanted to travel abroad and at the time Korea was the happening place, easy place to get a gig, in my opinion. It was a place where my brother had lived because he was stationed here in the Army twice and he spoke highly about Korea. He told me I would fit right in, I would be fine and I would love it.
I like Korea, I mean yeah sometimes it is hard to handle being away from home. However, for your first time abroad I would say this is a good location. I am saying that from this being my first location. I feel like I fair pretty well here. I know it could be soooo much worse! Despite some other things that have happened to me, which I will blog about later. Korea, isnt so bad and there are enough foreigners here to make you feel comfortable. Korean people do try to speak English and can help you when necessary, but if they in a hurry move out the way!!! LOL! They will knock you down, being in a hurrry! :)
What I do here for fun? Well, recently I participated in the Mudfestival out in Boryeong. I also am going rafting this weekend, during the summer Korea is a fun place, you can hangout at all the beaches with friends. Skydiving, bunjee jumping and many more events are offered here. Just be safe, have a good time and its all at a reasonable cost, most of the time.
Teaching is easy for me, I think its more of my area of expertise. Not that I am an expert because I am still learning, but it comes natural for me. That would be a better choice of words. :) I really do find it to be easy because most of the kids enjoy learning English, so it does make things flow smoothly.
I live in Songtan, twin city to Pyeongtaek, many foreigners also call it "Osan" because of the United States Air force Base... named Osan.
Well, I had a good time interviewing with them and they also asked me to request a song. I went with "Summer, Summer time" by Will Smith, since it is the summer season and that is a great summer jam of all time!
I was thinking she asked the wrong, but right person. I was thinking I would take the might and hit the stage, maybe do a little number, sing a little something for the listeners! Hehe! Not really.
Here are some of the questions she asked me.
Why did I come to Korea?
How do I like Korea?
What do I do here for fun?
Do I like teaching? Is it easy to teach or difficult?
Where do I live (specifically, what city in Korea)?
My answer for this are always difficult. I always wanted to travel abroad and at the time Korea was the happening place, easy place to get a gig, in my opinion. It was a place where my brother had lived because he was stationed here in the Army twice and he spoke highly about Korea. He told me I would fit right in, I would be fine and I would love it.
I like Korea, I mean yeah sometimes it is hard to handle being away from home. However, for your first time abroad I would say this is a good location. I am saying that from this being my first location. I feel like I fair pretty well here. I know it could be soooo much worse! Despite some other things that have happened to me, which I will blog about later. Korea, isnt so bad and there are enough foreigners here to make you feel comfortable. Korean people do try to speak English and can help you when necessary, but if they in a hurry move out the way!!! LOL! They will knock you down, being in a hurrry! :)
What I do here for fun? Well, recently I participated in the Mudfestival out in Boryeong. I also am going rafting this weekend, during the summer Korea is a fun place, you can hangout at all the beaches with friends. Skydiving, bunjee jumping and many more events are offered here. Just be safe, have a good time and its all at a reasonable cost, most of the time.
Teaching is easy for me, I think its more of my area of expertise. Not that I am an expert because I am still learning, but it comes natural for me. That would be a better choice of words. :) I really do find it to be easy because most of the kids enjoy learning English, so it does make things flow smoothly.
I live in Songtan, twin city to Pyeongtaek, many foreigners also call it "Osan" because of the United States Air force Base... named Osan.
Well, I had a good time interviewing with them and they also asked me to request a song. I went with "Summer, Summer time" by Will Smith, since it is the summer season and that is a great summer jam of all time!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Catching up.... stay tuned!
I haven't blogged in over a month. My apologies, but that should tell you that I have so much great stuff to upload for you all. I have taken more than a few pictures of the Mudfest, BBQ, hanging around Itaewon...AGAIN events... I know most of you love the videos. I post things to this blog, facebook, and youtube so please forgive my tardiness. This is the week to stay tuned because as I calm down. I will have time to upload these great events for you.
I also will be going rafting this weekend, so I will be able to include those events, followed by a DMZ tour of the line between North and South Korea, no we do not cross over into North Korea, so no worries. Also, I will be going Bunjee jumping and will film that... take care!
Stay tuned...
I also will be going rafting this weekend, so I will be able to include those events, followed by a DMZ tour of the line between North and South Korea, no we do not cross over into North Korea, so no worries. Also, I will be going Bunjee jumping and will film that... take care!
Stay tuned...
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Elections in Korea
June 2nd was Election Day in South Korea. I love the way they honor Election Day, it is a national holiday and schools, banks, and other public businesses are closed in honor of this day. Also, in preparation for Election Day, Korea has trucks driving around from early morning to late night. The trucks drive around playing music most of the time and other parts of the day they have different representatives for each candidate speaking about why they should elect a specific candidate. I think this is a cool way to get people involved, get them out to vote and really support your country.
On another note, one of my phone students told me that most Koreans will vote for someone based on their last name and blood relation to them. Remember, Koreans mostly come from one specific race or ancestory... Korean. So, they can track their ancestors as far as a 100 years. My student asked if this is the way Americans vote... uh no, its even more difficult for us to track our heritage back 50 years, let alone 100 years! However, if you are voting on the basis of family name and relation, the purpose of voting is lost. I explained to him that we vote based on the merits the candidate possess to serve all people in a country, state, city, school, etc. In short, my student did vote for someone named Kim b/c they share the same family name, and b/c he believes the candidate is his blood relative, so he should vote for him. Lastly, the entire family must vote the same way, this is just another Korean tradition. Is it right or wrong? Well, I guess it depends on your definition of whats just and what is unjust. *shrug shoulders* If you ask me I won't be voting that way... I will still base my decision on merit and my personal opinions of the candidates character.
Finally, another student mentioned to me that he would not be voting, well he wasn't sure if he was going to vote. He doesn't like the candidates, he thinks it is a silly competition, the candidates never do anything, and probably another reason he doesn't vote is for the reason I just listed above. Voting for someone, but not basing your decision on merits is almost as bad as not voting. However, how would he feel if his right was taking away from him? Something to ponder, so get out and vote Korea!
On another note, one of my phone students told me that most Koreans will vote for someone based on their last name and blood relation to them. Remember, Koreans mostly come from one specific race or ancestory... Korean. So, they can track their ancestors as far as a 100 years. My student asked if this is the way Americans vote... uh no, its even more difficult for us to track our heritage back 50 years, let alone 100 years! However, if you are voting on the basis of family name and relation, the purpose of voting is lost. I explained to him that we vote based on the merits the candidate possess to serve all people in a country, state, city, school, etc. In short, my student did vote for someone named Kim b/c they share the same family name, and b/c he believes the candidate is his blood relative, so he should vote for him. Lastly, the entire family must vote the same way, this is just another Korean tradition. Is it right or wrong? Well, I guess it depends on your definition of whats just and what is unjust. *shrug shoulders* If you ask me I won't be voting that way... I will still base my decision on merit and my personal opinions of the candidates character.
Finally, another student mentioned to me that he would not be voting, well he wasn't sure if he was going to vote. He doesn't like the candidates, he thinks it is a silly competition, the candidates never do anything, and probably another reason he doesn't vote is for the reason I just listed above. Voting for someone, but not basing your decision on merits is almost as bad as not voting. However, how would he feel if his right was taking away from him? Something to ponder, so get out and vote Korea!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
How do you show you care for someone when there is a language barrier?
How do you show you care for someone when there is a language barrier? How can you be nice if words have no meaning to someone who doesn't share the same language?
A smile,
A nod,
A gesture
A smile with your eyes, etc
Many of these things I have seen in Korea, it is nice to know that some people are allowing themselves to express themselves in a positive manner, to those that are different from them. It sure makes me glad that my mother stressed the importance of knowing a man's (woman's) worth by their character and actions, rather than how they look physically. The heart is important, and yes sometimes you can notice a good heart without speaking the same language. Also, not allowing a persons physical characteristics distract you from, knowing their character is mighty important.
A smile,
A nod,
A gesture
A smile with your eyes, etc
Many of these things I have seen in Korea, it is nice to know that some people are allowing themselves to express themselves in a positive manner, to those that are different from them. It sure makes me glad that my mother stressed the importance of knowing a man's (woman's) worth by their character and actions, rather than how they look physically. The heart is important, and yes sometimes you can notice a good heart without speaking the same language. Also, not allowing a persons physical characteristics distract you from, knowing their character is mighty important.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Boat Ride @ Yeouido - Han River
Last weekend, I went on a Boat Ride/Cruise with the Que's fraternity. You won't see any pictures of them, but you will see pictures of the surrounding areas on the island. It was a good time to hang with friends and enjoy time with fellow foreigners. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
I don't know what you said, but I DO know what you said...
I love it when you are in another country and you can't communicate to each other yet you know exactly what the other person is saying and they understand you as well. I have had 2 incidents recently, where all I could do was smile or laugh... that's better than frowning, eh!?
One ajuma (older lady) comes up to me and says something in Korean, she has a big smile on her face and looks as if she wants to pull my cheeks. All I can assume is she thinks I am so cute! LOL! Or fat! Haha! Either way she was smiling and so peaceful when she said it, couldn't have been too bad, right?! ;)
The second incident was with another ajuma. She is walking up a 100 steps, and when she gets to the top, she says something in Korean like "Whew!" I meet her at the steps and laugh and she knows I understand her completely, b/c I laughed. Haha! She then says something else in Korean. So, I know that she had to say something like "I am tired." "Those stairs killed me" or "I ain't never coming this way again".... something of that nature, lol! Poor ajuma! : ( Those steps are brutal too!
I love it when these things happen! Again, its better than all the bad things that I could see, right!? :)
Hope you enjoyed!
One ajuma (older lady) comes up to me and says something in Korean, she has a big smile on her face and looks as if she wants to pull my cheeks. All I can assume is she thinks I am so cute! LOL! Or fat! Haha! Either way she was smiling and so peaceful when she said it, couldn't have been too bad, right?! ;)
The second incident was with another ajuma. She is walking up a 100 steps, and when she gets to the top, she says something in Korean like "Whew!" I meet her at the steps and laugh and she knows I understand her completely, b/c I laughed. Haha! She then says something else in Korean. So, I know that she had to say something like "I am tired." "Those stairs killed me" or "I ain't never coming this way again".... something of that nature, lol! Poor ajuma! : ( Those steps are brutal too!
I love it when these things happen! Again, its better than all the bad things that I could see, right!? :)
Hope you enjoyed!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Register with your local Embassy
***IMPORTANT*** : )
When traveling overseas it is imperative that you register with your country's local embassy. You can do this online in 10 minutes. All you need is your sensitive info, along with your passport# and expiration date. It's as easy as 1-2-3. : ) The registration is not just for short or long-term trips, it is imperative that you register anytime you are leaving the country. In case, anything should happen while you are overseas, your country can locate you or have a better idea of where to find you. If you, are a USA citizen, I have the website below for you. Also, if you are a South African citizen, I have the webiste below for you as well (b/c I have many friends from S.A.) If you, are reading this and you are a citizen of another country please google the information and contact your nearest embassay or consulate.
USA citizens: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
South African citizens: http://www.southafricanembassy.fi/?s=rosa
Thanks and enjoy your weekend! :)
When traveling overseas it is imperative that you register with your country's local embassy. You can do this online in 10 minutes. All you need is your sensitive info, along with your passport# and expiration date. It's as easy as 1-2-3. : ) The registration is not just for short or long-term trips, it is imperative that you register anytime you are leaving the country. In case, anything should happen while you are overseas, your country can locate you or have a better idea of where to find you. If you, are a USA citizen, I have the website below for you. Also, if you are a South African citizen, I have the webiste below for you as well (b/c I have many friends from S.A.) If you, are reading this and you are a citizen of another country please google the information and contact your nearest embassay or consulate.
USA citizens: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
South African citizens: http://www.southafricanembassy.fi/?s=rosa
Thanks and enjoy your weekend! :)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Mistakes
Is anything really a mistake or are mistakes just lessons?! Everyone makes mistakes. Life is a school! A learning process. And some lessons are more painful than others, but that's just how it is. The sum total of our experiences is what makes us who we are... all good experiences would not result in the strong, interesting, beautiful people we are. :)
I did not write this, but I heard it on a tv show, that I watch frequently. The name of the show is "The Secret Life of an American Teenager" This quote was very encouraging to me the other day, and I wanted to share.
I did not write this, but I heard it on a tv show, that I watch frequently. The name of the show is "The Secret Life of an American Teenager" This quote was very encouraging to me the other day, and I wanted to share.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Itaewon and other places around Korea
Hanging out with friends in Itaewon last weekend. It was so nice outside I had to go to Seoul and while I was there I saw more of my friends. You will also see different random pictures of things in Korea. The way some people dress is interesting to me, the ads in the subway, and of course you will see the pictures of me with friends. Enjoy!
This ad was up in the subway in Korea. Of course, I liked it because there are Africans in the ad with the Korean guy. :)
My buddy Big Mike
This ad was up in the subway in Korea. Of course, I liked it because there are Africans in the ad with the Korean guy. :)
She was fierce in that green outfit!
My buddy Big Mike
My two mentoree's and princesses in training jk! Chas (right), Me, Esha (left)
Arabics or Indians (not sure, sorry) in Korea... see there are many foreigners here! :)
Pictures of Gangnam, South Korea
Pictures of my friends and I in Gangnam. This is a nice and live area for tourist to hangout. My friends and I just finished lunch at Butterfingers, they serve breakfast allday, so you know I was happy to be there. It was good too. I didn't even leave syrup on the plate, shame? I know! Lol!
Take a look!
Take a look!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Gangnam, Korea
I want you to see the busy life in Seoul (Gangnam - suburb of Seoul), South Korea.
Enjoy another one of my clips! Gangnam, South Korea... just a site seeing video...
Thanks, once again for watching! : )
Enjoy another one of my clips! Gangnam, South Korea... just a site seeing video...
Thanks, once again for watching! : )
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Hello Ms. Jessica Part II
Now, they will sing the "Hello" song with music, and they add my name again, here and there. I love these kids... now the 2nd graders... well! We will talk about them later lol!
Click the link, to see the wonderful video... Hello Ms. Jessica Part II
Click the link, to see the wonderful video... Hello Ms. Jessica Part II
My new 1st graders are a plesure to work with...
Watch the video, click the link and you will understand why I love them so much... Hello Ms. Jessica Part 1
They are singing the "Hello" song, but they add my name to the song. So cute! "Hello, Ms. Jessica" :)
They are singing the "Hello" song, but they add my name to the song. So cute! "Hello, Ms. Jessica" :)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
I thought the first 6 months were suppose to be the hardest...
I keep on going....
Day by day, I look at my life like building blocks, everyday I add a block & I think wow, maybe I am going to conquer this (life) after all? Then the next day it might be a little harder than the day before, but somehow God has blessed me to put yet another block up even when I don't want to. Idk "how" I am going to make it, but I know I'll finish with all blocks UP! :)
Day by day, I look at my life like building blocks, everyday I add a block & I think wow, maybe I am going to conquer this (life) after all? Then the next day it might be a little harder than the day before, but somehow God has blessed me to put yet another block up even when I don't want to. Idk "how" I am going to make it, but I know I'll finish with all blocks UP! :)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I'm Back in the R.O.K (Rep of Korea)
Hello,
Well, I am back and all is well. I look forward to sharing more experiences with you all... we shall see what adventures I will partake in this semester.
Stay tuned for more crazy & fun adventures! :)
Well, I am back and all is well. I look forward to sharing more experiences with you all... we shall see what adventures I will partake in this semester.
Stay tuned for more crazy & fun adventures! :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Under construction, will be back soon!!
Currently, under construction, sorry I have been away on vacation... will return soon! :) I miss blogging with you all!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Galbi is What's for Dinner! Kimchi??? NOT!!! Part 2
Now, Nancy and I, will show you how Galbi looks when it is finished. Nancy, is showing you how to prepare Galibi to eat, once it is finished cooking.
Please click the link to view the video: Galbi is What's for Dinner Part II
Please click the link to view the video: Galbi is What's for Dinner Part II
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Galbi is What's for Dinner! Kimchi??? NOT!!! Part 1
Nancy and I ventured out into Itaewon (Seoul) during Lunar New Year weekned! We enjoyed ourselves, watch us take you on a tour of "Don Valley" where we ate Galbi which is Korean Barbeque. It was great! I hope you enjoy the videos!
Please click this link: Galbi is What's for Dinner...
Please click this link: Galbi is What's for Dinner...
Monday, February 15, 2010
Itaewon (Seoul), South Korea
Nancy and I were hanging out in Itaewon, on Lunar New Year! Lunar NY follows the Chinese calendar, yes I am still in Korea, but you will have to do a bit more research to see why Korea follows the Solar and Lunar calendar, that might be another blog in the future. Please look at the video... we are having a lot of fun! : )
Hanging out in Itaewon (Seoul), South Korea
Hanging out in Itaewon (Seoul), South Korea
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