Christmas Break. Night 2

This is night two.

Today is so cold. SO COLD. You might think you know what cold is, and maybe you have part of an idea of cold. But this is colder. I don't care. Unless you have been somewhere REALLY cold I don't even want to hear it. For example, Tennessee has never, NEVER had it this cold. And Canada... well maybe. But I have been in some cold in my life and I feel like maybe, just maybe this wins. Plus you are not here. So I don't wanna hear how I should be ok, blah blah... Its cold.

Happy Christmas eve!!!

Today I slept in til the late late hour of 10am. WOW. Then I got up and went to the Green Turtle Salon in Iteawon to get my hair done. It was kind of my present to myself. I got it done by a very nice gay Korean man named... wait for it... Michelle. Dang. I think he was gay anyway.. could have been just very metro, but I feel like gay is more of the right term. Or Homosexual. lol Whatever. He was really cool and did a good job and I am back to being blonde the way I should be =)

It doesn't feel like Christmas eve at all. I am used to a certain feeling of slight panic and overall craziness the night before Christmas. But this is calm, unhurried and basically unaffected. (korea). It's nice kind of. Makes me think about the actual reason for the season. Which is, you know, the birth of Jesus =) I came down into the subway hole, which is what I call the subway system, The Hole, and there was a man playing a harmonica in the entry way. He was playing Oh Come all Ye faithful. It was so nice. I felt full of joy and peace instead of irritation and sadness like I was expecting. Also... unrelated to Christmas, there was a man who I am pretty sure was from South Africa, on the train beside me speaking Africans... I think thats how its spelled, but I could totally understand him. Maybe that is not the language he was speaking. Someone from Africa set me straight please. It's like English, but not.

I also gave myself a nice present of a warmer jacket. Another jacket. I have bought sooo many jackets since being here. Like seriously, too many. I will never need this many ever again. But I felt it was time to go Korean. So I got a giant Korean looking jacket. And a massive scarf. Korean clothing tends to be MORE. More everything. Longer, thicker, deeper, warmer. Like, things will zip right up your face. Like, jackets for example. The zipper usually goes right up the hood, or at least high necked. The collars are higher, and this is the coolest i think, scarves. Its like you are wearing a giant afghan around your neck. Not joking. You get a scarf, its a mile long and two feet wide. Then you wrap it around your neck and face till you are just almost lost in it. Then you go outside. Its very nice and warm and comfy. Basically you look like a tiny top of a head on top of a giant blanket pile, with a small body underneath. I'll have to take a picture and put it somewhere. It's kind of incredible.

Hmmm, so here I am. Listening to Lady Gaga, in my coldish apartment, looking out the window and my city all lit up. Its Christmas Eve and I feel good. Although that might just be because I had coffee earlier for the first time in a couple weeks. =-D But It's Christmas. I have very little, or nothing to complain about. I mean, I wish I was less sick all the time. And I wish I was with some people I love.... Family, thats you, and Friends!! The hardest part about Korea I think, is going too many consecutive days without hugging anyone. I miss getting hugs all the time. I let the kids climb all over me at school just because it is nice to feel the connection with another human.... But it is not really the same and a nice grown up hug! Sometimes if I go more than a week without seeing Christina I feel like something is missing, and then I see her and she hugs me and I realize what it was that I was missing =) You know that thing with th orphans that were dying because they were not being held? Well I am pretty sure that need for human contact never ends. People, all people, babies, old people and people in between have a need to be touched, appropriately, of course! So hug some people for me this Christmas! When you take away the crazy consumerism that is Christmas in North America and strip it down to what really matters, hugging is pretty high on the list! I actually thing Korea has life figured out a lot better than most of North America, but thats another blog, for another time.

So Merry Christmas to you, In fact, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight ;-)

Michelle

Christmas Break. Night 1

This is night one of the epic break.

Today was longer than any other day, excpet maybe yesterday. Yesterday was probably the longest day in the history of long days. Let me tell you about it.

First of all we didn't have to go in to school til 2pm. Which I am sure sounds lovely, and under normal circumstances would have been. But since I am prone to all kinds of illnesses over here I had a fitful sleep due to a fever, sore throat, cough and bad dreams. So sleeping in til 2pm was probably the only thing that saved me. So we went in at 2 and proceeded to sit for two hours doing pretty much nothing. The kids were rehearsing for their Christmas program and the Korean teachers pretty much had it under control. So Hannah and I sat. Forever. We had a nice long wait til dinner time, then another wait til the program actually started. In between we moved to another building and set up for the epic Christmas program.

Second of all, they told me that I was going to co-hosting this Christmas event with Hannah and that we were going to have to just fill time sometimes while the kids got ready for their next act. Whatever, I can talk you under a bus. But... not when I have a splitting headache. So I was concerned about this. Obviously. Well, my headache started to go away and I started feeling a bit better, thanks to some lovely drugs I took. (all legal, no worries) While I was getting organized and trying to figure out what I was going to say, our principle came up and grabbed me on the arm and literally dragged me off thrusting programs into my hands and telling me to greet the parents. When I say she literally dragged me, I am not kidding. I actually had to do a hop/skip half run to keep up with her. It was intense. She is intense!

That would be the third thing. We had to welcome everyone as they came. So we were just standing out there waiting on parents to show up. Lucky for them we already had their kids, all they had to do was come. How nice for them. Eventually they all got there and it was time to start. I did an amazing job of being an MC, if I do say so myself. It might just be my one true calling in life. Although I find public speaking in front of non-English people to be a million times less stressful than in front of English people. There is something comforting about knowing that everything you are saying is being translated. Also they tend to be in love with me over here, hopefully THAT doesn't go to my head, and it is always easier to talk to an adoring crowd.

Fourthly, the program was at least two hours long. At this point we had been hanging out with these people since 2pm and it was now 8pm. LONG DAY. The program finally ended and then we got to clean up. Oh my. So we didn't get back till 10pm. Moral of the story- Longest day ever.

Ok so today was also long. But not quite as full. Hannah and I again found ourselves sitting in the office waiting for something to happen. Hannah was more anxious than me I think, she was waiting to go to Thailand. I was only waiting to get OUT. We had kind of an off day. The kids were tired from the Christmas program so they were just coloring and watching movies. Pointless excuse for a day.

After my school duties I booked it to the mall. I needed to buy another hoodie and some turtlenecks so I don't die in this cold place. So I got what I needed then decided I needed to do my nails. So I got them done by some silly Korean ladies who were just laughing the whole time about how they couldn't speak English. Another woman getting her nails done got my number so her son can call me about math? He's like, 9 so I am thinking its a tutoring thing. (oh i got a cell phone) Then I decided I should also just get a massage. So I went to my favorite E-mart and got a foot massage. SO NICE. ahhhh. It's foot and all the way up to your knee. It is wonderful. Then I also got a chair massage, Mmmmmm =) Basically trying to pound the stress out of myself via a Korean man... That sounds really bad. But it's still true. They are pretty violent sometimes. They kinda just beat you to death and it feels great. haha, still sounding bad. Whatever. Its not bad, Its good =)

After my beating I came back because I remembered the church social/Christmas party was happening. It was over however. Also, while you are enjoying the Trans Siberian Orchestra, I am enjoying the trans Siberian wind. Its SO cold. Takes your breath away the second it hits you. Anyway the party was over, but some people were still hanging around so I found Pastor Peter and coerced him into stealing the Christmas tree from Kinderest so I could put it in my apartment. Makes me pretty happy. I don't really know what is better than sitting in the silent darkness of Christmas and just being in the glow of the tree. That is my ABSOLUTE favorite thins to do. This is my very first fake tree experience though. And it is just not the same as a real tree. No matter how you spin it. Fake trees are fakers. But its better than nothing.

So, I am relaxed and tree-ed. And feeling better. I was getting into a bad funk. Getting all depressed and such, but I have decided to change my attitude. So there. No more depression. =) Life, and Christmas can be good wherever you are and whoever you are not with. Just go shopping. hahah. Ok no seriously, its fine.

And now I have discovered that YouTube lets you create a playlist so I am just listening to SO much Christmas music. Its the first I have really listened to this year. Korean's don't really do Christmas. At least not the crazy part like Americans. For example, I went to the mall, which anywhere else on the day before Christmas eve would be so out of control crazy it would just not be worth even going, and it was just like any other day. Even slower if possible. No traffic jams, no angry crowds stampeding. It was lovely. But also not too many Christmas songs. Some places play them, but its not like overwhelming your senses like some places. Also nothing closes for Christmas. Wheee.

Anyway. This is long. I will stop now. Happy day before Christmas Eve ya'll!!!

Michelle

They forgot to tell us.

They don't tell you that getting used to a new culture, a new country and a new way of life will be the easy part. They don't tell you that you will adapt quickly to a different pace, a new job and a new home. They forget to mention that while all these things will be easy that the hard part will be keeping yourself intact. Keeping your heart alive and remembering the things that matter the most. That the pain and homesickness will creep up on you while you aren't looking and sink its teeth in when you least expect. And that the things you miss the most, turn out not to the food or the language, but the familiar faces and the everyday mundane activities you used to take for granted. The friends and places and things you could do. That the people you miss them most may not be just your family, but the random people you are used to seeing. They should tell you that in orientation.

Sabbath

I woke up this morning to prepare for a day full of singing and talking, laughing and sharing, only to discover that I had lost most of my voice over night while I was sleeping. I went to church, thinking that perhaps somehow it would come back, but throughout the morning it got worse and worse. This really wouldn't be a problem normally, but I was supposed to sing a solo in a choir for a festival. Clearly that didn't happen. They still made me go and stand up front and pretend to sing... But no solo.

The main purpose of this blog is to vex Christina. She was going to blog and couldn't due to crappy internet. So I am seizing the moment to get even further ahead of her. Ha. I am such a nice person.

But after the music festival we went out to eat. We sat on the floor and made soup on our table. Basically. They put a pot on a burner, put some yellow liquid in it and let it boil. Then brought a whole heap of veggies to put in it. Things like lettuce, spinach, mushrooms, onions, pumpkin and tofu. So we cooked that first. After that got good and soggy we all ate it, with some fire sauce. Then the next thing was to cook more veggies but this time add frozen beef. I have never eaten beef, until tonight. Peer pressure I guess. The meat comes in a roll, frozen and red. You put a role into the boiling veggie water and it turns brown and gets wrinkly. Then you fish it out with chopsticks and eat it with the veggies and fire sauce. So we did that for a while. Then the next thing was noodles, in the leftover veggie and beef water. They were pretty good. Once we ate most of the noodles, leftover beef and veggie particles there was hardly any liquid left. Then it was time for a rice goulash. Rice with some onions and an egg, thrown into the pot, water added and then mixed till most of the water evaporated and you are left with rice and goo. And then you mix fire sauce with that and eat it. Yum.

Fire sauce = Chili sauce that sets my mouth on FIRE.

It was a pretty cool process. My friend Lucy, who is also a teacher, helped me through the steps. Explaining what to do and then getting me a fork when my chopstick skills started to fail. I am not very good with the chopsticks yet. She was also super sweet and kept the Kimchi far away from me. I do loathe Kimchi.

That's it for now I think

I hope you all have/had a wonderful Sabbath =)

Michelle

Friday again =)

It is raining in Korea. I am hoping the temperature doesn't return to it's negative digits, or we are all going to be skating to church in the morning.

This afternoon Christina and I visited a Sushi bar for a real Japanese Sushi experience. We were not disappointed. It was delicious!

We then spent almost an hour walking around the stationary store. Stationary stores are the most fantastic thing in the world. They have EVERYTHING you could ever want in them. From slippers to art supplies. Huge construction paper, webcams, clocks, instant coffee, notebooks and planners. You can stock up on paint, canvas, pencils, glue, sticky-back vinyl, and even backpacks, or giant stuffed dolphins. And it is all pretty cheap.

This week was difficult. I think the children are restless and in need of a break. I know I sure am. They have started doing the thing where they just won't listen, and no amount of threatening will get them to pay attention. Half of them didn't have gym class all week due to bad behavior, and it was like they didn't even care. I am anxious for Christmas, even if I end up sitting alone in my apartment staring into space doing nothing. That will be much more relaxing than dealing with bored, annoyed, tired children.

Today I cleaned my room. I think there is more dust in Korea. Every week there are dust bunnies the size of real bunnies hiding in all the corners. It is challenging to stay on top of them and keep them from taking over my tiny room. And, on a grosser note, I finally washed my sheets today, for the first time since arriving here. Or I should say, sheet. Because I only have one. But I also did my pillow cases. It was time.

I made a paper chain earlier this week to help make my room possibly more festive. I am not sure I achieved what I was going for. But it does add color.

I am in charge of vespers next week. We all take turns doing it and next week is mine. I am planning a Christmas music type program. I have several people doing special pieces for it and have Bill, one of our teachers, reading the Christmas story for me. I hope it goes well. We shall see. I got roped into singing a duet with Charles, our front desk/everything guy while one of my students, JeHo, plays piano, Pastor Mark plays sax and our coordinator, Melvin, plays trumpet. Should be interesting I think.

Today my religion students and I went to Hollys Coffee for a tea party. They love tea parties here in Korea. It was a nice relaxing time!

Now I must get ready for FNF, which is what we call vespers. Not even sure what FNF stands for... But I think it means something important, like vespers. =)

Happy Sabbath to you all

Michelle

Ski day Sunday

So I guess it's my turn to fail at blogging. I feel like a lot has been happening, but at the same time it has become fairly routine and so it is hard to think of it as interesting and blog worthy. But at least one new thing has happened. On Sunday I went skiing at Vivaldi Park. Which is awesome. We haven't had any real snowfall yet but the mountain had a couple runs open, full of everyone's favorite white stuff, man-made snow. Which is basically cheating if you ask me. Even though it is technically snow.

My roommate Hannah and I went with my Korean teacher for the five year olds, Elin. We were supposed to meet at the institute at 6:45 am then go together to the bus where Elin had reserved seats for us. So I hauled myself out of bed, ate a quick breakfast and Hannah and I rushed off eagerly to the institute where we found Elin was not. We were first confused, was this where we were meeting, what time was it, etc etc. We decided we were right and stood waiting for her for a while. It appeared that she was a no show and so we decided to leave without her. So we hustled on across the road to the bus. Then we realized that the reservations would be in her name and we didn't even know what her Korean name was. So we stood there feeling a variety of emotions, mostly angst, and wondered what to do next... Then, in the distance I saw a small Korean girl running full speed, carrying a bunch of random crap and dodging random people on the sidewalk. ELIN was coming!! YAY. She rushed up gave her name to the driver and we all got on. Phew. close one.

The bus ride was about 45 minutes all together. It was pretty peaceful. Most people fell asleep, I couldn't sleep and just sat there wiping the fog off the window and watching the country go by. It was nice.

We arrived at the mountain and quickly went to get our gear. Elin wanted to buy a seasons pass and after that and a quick bathroom break we all headed to the change room to get our snow pants on. Then we went to the rental area. I was shocked. I know things in Korea are usually nicer and more impressive than anywhere else I have ever been but this was just amazing. In the past I have been given a pair of crusty ski boots, some dull skis and some dinged up poles. I wade throught the people and find a space to put my stuff, hope that no one steals it, get dressed, wade back out through the people, get treated like a bum and then have a dangerous skiing experience. Complete with irritated frozen ski lift operators, annoyed people pushing and shoving in line, general disinterest in ones well-being. NOT so with this experience.

First their rental area was nice. Big, open, bright. Happy. Several helpful people took my ticket with my size and height and rushed off to various places to collect my ski stuff. It literally took them two seconds. The boots we nice, not broken or destroyed. The skis were in super good condition, even the poles seemed nicer than normal. They had a nice locker area set up, also nice and bright. So we got our stuff on, stowed our valuables and headed for the lift. Korean employees anywhere you go are really nice. Always saying hello, waving, smiling and just all round pleasent. So we were greeted happily at every step of the journey, from bottom to top.

I had almost forgotten what it felt like to ski. And the first trip down was interesting. Not bad, just interesting. Remembering the way to stand, move, turn etc. My knees were not too excited either. WE went down the easy hil a few times and then I wanted to go down the big hill. The hill we were on was not really that small, but it wasn't extremely steep either. I wanted something bigger. So we went to the very top. OH MY. It was scary. I wiped out a million times the first time down. At one point I was sliding down backwards on my back and Elin had to grab my pole to keep me from falling right off the edge of the run. So the first time was basically a disaster, so of course we decided to go again. The second time was much more successful. I only fell once.

We skied and skied. At 11am we took a break to eat food. Then we skied some more. At about 3:30pm after going non stop since our food break we were all pretty worn out and so we went to have tea time. Which is another very Korean thing. Instead of just calling it, going to get coffee/tea, they call it tea time. They look forward to it and as Elin put it, it's her favorite part of the day. So we sat there sipping some hot beverages while a dance crew did a dance for the people waiting for the lift outside. We watched the people coming down the mountain, laughing at the huge crashes and the people who were about to fall. You know the ones.. They start flailing, and swerving and then then just kind of freeze and either run into something/someone, or fall over. Its very entertaining.

We decided we were done and headed back to return everything and get changed and find our bus. And soon we were on our way back. And thats when the achy tiredness began. Hannah and I went to Emart and got leg massages in an attempt to stop the pain before it really took over. That was a whole other adventure. It was very nice, very soothing. That's going to be the thing I miss most I think. The ability to at any time just walk over to Emart and get anything massaged and have it only cost about $20. Ahhhh

Then came home and crashed. Although today it felt like I hadn't even slept. So I am going to bed early again in an effort to get control of my tiredness before too much of the week is gone. So thats all I have for now... I love skiing again and can't wait to go do it more! I will probably go over Christmas break since I am no longer going anywhere/doing ANYTHING. Boooo.