Finding something to eat is such an adventure, no matter which meal it is. It seems that lunch is a little trickier than dinner, being that most places aren't even open for lunch. Many don't even open till after 6 p.m. on a regular basis. So, this day was like any other--not really knowing what we want to eat, but willing to walk around a bit. As we went from one corner to the next, we saw a noodle shop open. I can't even tell you the name of it. There really wasn't much to the restaurant. It was probably half the size of a normal kitchen and there were only two tables in the entire place. As we walked in, we did not have a chance to change our mind. There were two very nice Korean women working in the open kitchen and two older gentleman sitting at the table, which was covered with kim-chi, peppers, sautéed green onions, chili paste, and a huge plate pageon (an egg battered based dish similar to an omelette, but breadier). As soon as one of the older gentleman, who we later learned is named Mr. Kim, saw us, he cried out "Herrow!" and we were reeled in for a great eating experience. He was such an interesting man! I believe he tried to tell us he was in the food business for the past 45 years and used to work with a General from the States a long time ago. By the way, it seems he had been at the Soju (a rice wine) for quite a while.
As we looked around for a menu or at least a picture, we saw only a list of things in Korean with prices next to them. If only we knew how to read the language! Mr. Kim noticed our ignorance and outright embarrassment of not being able to order and asked what we wanted. We finally explained how we would love to have some noodles. So, we did...noodles with pork in a broth. Delicious! Also, during this whole experience, Mr. Kim is offering us Soju and even offered a drink from his own shot glass. I hope we did not insult him too much by not accepting. I believe we made our point when he kept asking what we did for a living and we told him we had work still to do today. All the while, the ladies and the other gentleman are staring at us and watching us as we eat. Of course this would be the day that my fingers could not work the metal chopsticks (I've always wondered if they were only wooden and if that is all they used in restaurants here...nope, they're metal like western forks). So, one woman offered me a child's fork, but I declined and then they offered wooden chopsticks...I accepted and it became much easier.
When we finished, we asked for the price...$12. Interesting fact, Koreans believe it is an insult to be tipped. They believe you think them poor if you tip them. As we left, the women told Leigh Anne she was beautiful and Mr. Kim could not stop shaking our hands...Leigh Anne's especially. There was quite the amount of bowing and kamsamnitas (thank you's) and we were finally out of there. I would especially like to thank the 77 year old Mr. Kim for showing us so much kindness and offering so much Soju to a few curious Americans.
Cheers!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
We're here!!
Hello Everyone!
We have arrived! It was quite a crazy journey. We took off from Houston on Thursday with Korean Air, which I must say is the way to go. Even in coach, there was great leg room and the seat went surprisingly farther back than we thought it would. Another plus included a well-sized bathroom, which is pretty incredible for air travel. We landed in Seoul fourteen hours later on a Friday at approximately five o'clock. We had to collect all of our luggage and go through Customs before we had to catch our local flight to the island. As we walked out of the terminal, we were welcomed by these two women in traditional garb and asked to complete a scratch-off contest to see what we could win--not really something I wanted to do after a 25 hour day. We won some pretty cool fans that say "Welcome to Korea."
So, here we are in Seoul, with two carts of luggage, a million people at the airport and really not an idea of where to go. We eventually found the counter to our connecting flight and waited till it opened. After checking in our luggage, we went through security again and waited. The flight to the island took only an hour; we slept the entire way. When we collected our bags, we were greeted by some of the school staff and taken to the school bus. The bus is awesome!!! There should be a picture below. They took us to a hotel where we have been staying for the past week. We'll get to move in to the school on the 2nd of September. It's a nice place. We have suite with a living room with a bathroom and then a separate bedroom with the master bath. So, not too shabby...lol.
Unfortunately, the international pay-as-you-go phone did not work and with no computer, we couldn't get in contact with anyone. There is a business center in the lobby with one computer we were lucky to use. We sent quick emails to our parents just letting them know we were safe. We're still going to be limited for a while with technology. We are waiting to be issued our laptops and telephones. Hopefully, we'll get the laptops by the end of this next week, but it doesn't look like we can get our telephones till the end of September. We have to wait till we get our Alien Registration Card.
We began our training on Monday. The staff is amazing. There are teachers who have taught from all over the world, from Kuwait to Shanghai, Venezuela to Chicago. It's great to meet such an eclectic group unified under one goal--the global community. It's been fantastic learning the core values that will be implemented at this school, and they make so much sense! In preparing for the year, we've had to read three books: The Whole New Mind, The World is Flat, and Good to Great. We're also following the SportsPlus method of evaluation which I find to be a really cool way of looking at Respect and Responsibility.
Throughout the week, we have been exploring the city, Jeju-si. Its on the northern part of the island. Pictures below. The island feels bigger than expected. But then we have not had the chance to explore too much. I wish there was a way to learn the language overnight. It's not like any other place we've been. There is such a language barrier here which makes things interesting at times. Something that is wonderful of the Korean culture, is that they are willing to help in any way they can, even to complete strangers who are waving their hands and speaking a different language louder than usual in the off chance it would help to be understood. The food has been excellent! I feel healthier already! There are stews, noodle bowls, bibimbap, gimbap, sushi, and all sorts of goodness. We have stumbled on Dominos, McDonalds, Burger King, Outback, Quiznos and several others, but almost feel guilty just looking at them as we all just want to inhale the local cuisine. There was one particular stew I think I could eat every single day. When I remember to bring my camera, I'll take a picture of it. For now, just imagine deliciousness! HAHA.
Yesterday, that's Saturday for us, we went for a hike on a mountain trail that was about 30 minutes outside of the city. It was beautiful! A really tough hike for the first one, but so amazing. It was especially amazing to see the sunshine as it had been raining everyday we've been here. I think we've pretty much caught up with everything. If you think of some questions, please feel free to comment and we'll try to answer them in the upcoming blogs.
Cheers
So, here we are in Seoul, with two carts of luggage, a million people at the airport and really not an idea of where to go. We eventually found the counter to our connecting flight and waited till it opened. After checking in our luggage, we went through security again and waited. The flight to the island took only an hour; we slept the entire way. When we collected our bags, we were greeted by some of the school staff and taken to the school bus. The bus is awesome!!! There should be a picture below. They took us to a hotel where we have been staying for the past week. We'll get to move in to the school on the 2nd of September. It's a nice place. We have suite with a living room with a bathroom and then a separate bedroom with the master bath. So, not too shabby...lol.
Unfortunately, the international pay-as-you-go phone did not work and with no computer, we couldn't get in contact with anyone. There is a business center in the lobby with one computer we were lucky to use. We sent quick emails to our parents just letting them know we were safe. We're still going to be limited for a while with technology. We are waiting to be issued our laptops and telephones. Hopefully, we'll get the laptops by the end of this next week, but it doesn't look like we can get our telephones till the end of September. We have to wait till we get our Alien Registration Card.
We began our training on Monday. The staff is amazing. There are teachers who have taught from all over the world, from Kuwait to Shanghai, Venezuela to Chicago. It's great to meet such an eclectic group unified under one goal--the global community. It's been fantastic learning the core values that will be implemented at this school, and they make so much sense! In preparing for the year, we've had to read three books: The Whole New Mind, The World is Flat, and Good to Great. We're also following the SportsPlus method of evaluation which I find to be a really cool way of looking at Respect and Responsibility.
Throughout the week, we have been exploring the city, Jeju-si. Its on the northern part of the island. Pictures below. The island feels bigger than expected. But then we have not had the chance to explore too much. I wish there was a way to learn the language overnight. It's not like any other place we've been. There is such a language barrier here which makes things interesting at times. Something that is wonderful of the Korean culture, is that they are willing to help in any way they can, even to complete strangers who are waving their hands and speaking a different language louder than usual in the off chance it would help to be understood. The food has been excellent! I feel healthier already! There are stews, noodle bowls, bibimbap, gimbap, sushi, and all sorts of goodness. We have stumbled on Dominos, McDonalds, Burger King, Outback, Quiznos and several others, but almost feel guilty just looking at them as we all just want to inhale the local cuisine. There was one particular stew I think I could eat every single day. When I remember to bring my camera, I'll take a picture of it. For now, just imagine deliciousness! HAHA.
Yesterday, that's Saturday for us, we went for a hike on a mountain trail that was about 30 minutes outside of the city. It was beautiful! A really tough hike for the first one, but so amazing. It was especially amazing to see the sunshine as it had been raining everyday we've been here. I think we've pretty much caught up with everything. If you think of some questions, please feel free to comment and we'll try to answer them in the upcoming blogs.
Cheers
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A "See ya later" Wave from American Soil
Here we are--the day of the epic journey. Who can believe the day has finally arrived. How can we adequately write our emotions at this time? While we sadly leave friends and family behind, we definitely don't say "Goodbye" but rather "See ya' later." Leigh Anne and I are deeply touched by the many well wishes, the we'll miss yous, and the many hugs and kisses from everyone.
From a book we've recently begun to read, the author argues that the world is no longer round, we have flattened it! Through the use of technology, the playing field between countries, companies and people has been leveled. This being said, we hope to keep in contact with everyone and see you on the field!
Auf wieder sehen! or
나중에 보자
From a book we've recently begun to read, the author argues that the world is no longer round, we have flattened it! Through the use of technology, the playing field between countries, companies and people has been leveled. This being said, we hope to keep in contact with everyone and see you on the field!
Auf wieder sehen! or
나중에 보자
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Road Built Together
As Leigh Anne and I prepare to leave in a few days, we are taken aback by the special summer we experienced. The chance to visit with all of our loved ones: family, friends, students and many more. It's been awesome! One of the most amazing things to think about is looking around at everybody and realizing how many roads were taken for them to be a part of our lives. Some with military backgrounds, or business, that led them from one location to another, others who we have met through school and are also from different areas around the globe or the U.S., and even those who have never left an area but has blessed us with friendship. It's crazy to think about all the choices made, the life changes necessary or even the coincidences which created the environment where one word or a smile changed strangers into long-lasting friendships. When around the dinner table with friends and family over a bowl of Tortilla Soup, or Spaetzle mit Rouladen, take a second and ponder how everyone came to be where he/she is at that moment. We are truly blessed to know so many wonderful people!
The past leaves an indelible footprint in our lives and personalities, but what is cool to think of is where we can walk forward--together. In Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," choosing the road less traveled is important, but the fact everyone's road before has diverged into ours is amazing. Leigh Anne and I are comforted by the fact we take everyone with us in our hearts as we build a new road altogether waiting for the day when all of our roads may meet once more.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
The past leaves an indelible footprint in our lives and personalities, but what is cool to think of is where we can walk forward--together. In Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," choosing the road less traveled is important, but the fact everyone's road before has diverged into ours is amazing. Leigh Anne and I are comforted by the fact we take everyone with us in our hearts as we build a new road altogether waiting for the day when all of our roads may meet once more.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
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