Following on the heels of the student's sports day was teacher's sports day. Last Friday three bus loads full of Sangji Girls Middle and High School teachers made the hour long journey to Chuncheon. This day was only for private schools, not public schools, so instead of hundreds of schools participating from Gangwon province there were about 20 schools in total. In addition to Jason and I, our friend Scott also attended, as did an old friend from UCI named Ben who I had not yet previously met up with in Korea.
Arriving at school at 7:30 we promptly left and were given kimbab to eat on the bus. Although the ride was only an hour, we stopped at a road side snack shop. I think it was just for the teachers to have some fun and buy coffee because we didn't need to stop. They even bought me some coffee and tried to convince to me to run the relay race. "Relay? You run?" I laughed and shook my head, not wanting to be signed up for any more events. I was already slated to play women's kickball and team jump rope. Back on the bus we went and within 20 minutes we had passed through Chuncheon to the beautiful forested outskirts of the town where the sports complex is. It was a huge place, with three or four different stadiums devoted to baseball, soccer and tennis (I think.) Inside the soccer stadium tents were sent out lining the court for the different schools to park their stuff under and relax.
Sangji found our spot and the teachers quickly put down some shiny aluminum like material that they had brought in a large roll for us to sit on. They also immediately opened the two large coolers that had been carried in. They were filled with food and drink! And when I saw drink I mean not just water, soda and Gatorade, but beer, soju and mackeolli! This was to be more of a drinking and eating day than a time for playing sports. Before it was even 10:00 the women teachers had opened some beers and were chowing down on strips of pork with spicy dipping sauce. Unfortunately the festivities were cut short when we all had to stand up and go to the lawn for the long and boring opening ceremony.
And then bam, it was time to play kickball! All us women teachers had matching soccer jersey's on that we'd borrowed from the students, so we looked like a unified team. I'm not sure how athletic we really were. Most of the women were over 40 on our team although a few were surprisingly competitive. It seemed like most of the other schools had teams composed of really young teachers. Whatever. While Scott said his schools team wanted to lose right away so they wouldn't have to play, our team captain wanted to WIN! So thus started our first game. Each game only lasted three innings. At the end of the three, we were tied. Rather than have us keep playing, the officials decided rock, paper, scissors was the fairest way to decide who would advance. (I was stunned thinking, are you kidding me?!) By some twist of luck, our VP won and we advanced!
And so the day went on, we played 5 matches in total. We did so well we were in the semi-final match, our 5th match of the day, around 2pm. After we finished was the final men's soccer match and then the day would be over. This game was intense. The team we played had strong kickers and obviously knew the technical rules of the game, something our teachers lacked knowledge of. There were plenty of times we could have had an out but they just wouldn't throw the ball to the right base, or the other team would score a run because we wouldn't throw it back to the pitcher to stop the play! I tried to frantically convey to my teammates what to do many times but no one listened or understood when I would yell "second! The ball to second!!" Too bad. In the end we lost, 6-7. But our super competitive team captain couldn't let it go and she argued with the referees for over 20 minutes. In a very unfriendly like manner and a show of poor sportsman ship, we didn't even bow and shake hands with the other team, everyone just walked away! Basically our team thought we should have won because we got a player out at the last second thus her run shouldn't have counted. Yet she wasn't forced to run, so we needed to have tagged her rather than just simply stood on the base. No one understood this on our team and while I did, I couldn't convey my understanding to anyone. Language barrier to the max. So I just smiled and wandered away.
All the teachers were super impressed by me because I was practically the only one that could strongly kick the ball. Every time I would kick it over the outfield's head and gain two bases. I could also catch the ball when it came my way. Like I said, our team wasn't very athletic. This was the most athletic exercise I'd had in months, maybe even years! On the side line the teachers kept yelling to me "I love you! You are genius! Wow, big kick! My friend!" or in the end "MVP!!" Made me feel good and it was actually really fun to play. (Pathetically, I was swore for two days afterwards, so out of shape I am!!)
Besides playing so much kickball all I did was eat all day! Truly the main event for every teacher was eating and drinking! Before the day was done all the soju, watermelon, grapes, pork and other various snacks had been consumed. It was a horrible mess. Koreans are so funny sometimes! I would have eaten more if I had more time. Scott didn't play any games so he was stuffed. Jason managed to get on the soccer team and had lots of fun playing two games. I was impressed by his skills, I had no idea he was so athletic! He got super sunburned and was bright red at the end of the game. One teacher told him he looked like an apple.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Seoul Lantern Festival for Buddha's Birthday
The night I returned to Wonju from the USA I immediatly met up with my friend Liz. Liz is an old friend from UCI who was also a campus tour guide. She is currently working as an English teacher in Japan and had come to Korea for her one week of spring vacation. She had been travelling around Korea for the week but wanted to come hang out with me in Wonju. We both arrived in Wonju Thursday night around 8pm via bus so it was very easy to meet at the station. We took a taxi back to my place and talked until I finally decided I had to go to bed because I had work the next day.
School on Friday was Physical Exam day so the students had no classes. Which meant I was free to sit and do whatever the heck I wanted. I told Liz I would walk back to my apartment around 10:30 and bring her over for a tour of the school. She was really eager to see the similarities and differences between a Japanese and Korean school. Right away we met some students in the hallway who squealed "you're beautiful" and "I love you!" to Liz. She said this was very flattering and much more forward than a Japanese student would be. After going to the English Room and talking for about an hour we wandered downstairs to find out what was going on with lunch. We happen to run into two of the women I eat lunch with and Mr. Byeon. They suggested we all go out to eat together (even though I never eat with Mr. B, I think he just wanted to talk to the new foreigner.) We went to a simple restaurant where they tried to suggest pork katsu and tempura to here, to which Liz and I exchanged glances, as this is Japanese food, but Korean's will try to tell you it is Korean. We ended up with a noodle dish and kim bab, which is Korean. They asked her a lot of difficult and nervewraking questions like, how do Japanese and Korean students compare, what do you think of Korea, etc. She managed to field them pretty well although I could see the look her face when they asked certain questions, to us it seems so bold and a little rude but to them they don't see that at all. Lunch was nice though and they did treat us.
After that Mr. Byeon was all too happy to give Liz the master tour of Sangji, just like he gave my parents. Again Liz was a great sport and had a lot of fun. We visited numerous classrooms, she met the VP and lots of other teachers and saw the high school. She was interested in the cafeteria because in Japan they don't have any, the students eat lunch in their classrooms, so we went in and ended up having tea with the super nice lunch ladies! Liz was also given a Pororo bubble blower (a popular animated character in Korea) by one student and gave her a pen in return. Every room we went in Mr. Byeon had her blow bubbles, so odd!
Around 4pm we finally went home. I never get so detailed a tour and introduction to teachers I have never met unless a visitor is here. We were tired after that so we just relaxed around my apartment until 7pm when Amber came over for dinner. We went to a near by galbi place (grilled beef) which they both loved! Amber headed home afterwards but Liz and I went to grab a drink at a local bar called Pub. Where she lives in Japan is really small so she enjoyed getting to go out, even in a casual way, with a friend. We headed home about midnight even though two very shy Korean men tried to get us to stay and drink with them.
The next day we headed back to Seoul with Amber. We wanted to see the famous Lantern Festival held in Seoul for Buddha's Birthday. We left the apartment about 10am but didn't get to our hostel where we would stay the night in Seoul until close to 3pm in the afternoon, after all the bus and subway travel. Then we headed to the Myeongdong area to eat and do a little shopping at Forever 21. We had CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) because we were craving a little western food and it was the only thing I knew for sure where it was. We enjoyed strolling around Myeongdong, it was busy as ever! And I had a very successful shopping trip.
Around 8pm we walked to the City Hall area to see the start of the parade of lanterns. Although it was crowded, it was less so than I thought it would be and we were able to get right up next to the towering 10 feet high + lanterns! They were beautiful, made out of paper and sculpted into perfection. There were huge warriors, fish, mountains, flowers... and they were all light from inside. To move them men grabbed poles on the outside and pushed them along the street. The parade was a little harder to see but it looked beautiful as well, it was huge and filled with group after group of people dressed in traditional Korean outfirst walking or dancing down the street, each carrying a different kind of hand held paper lantern.
The area was starting to get more crowded so we walked down a side street in hopes of finding the buddhist temple we had heard was at the end of the parade route, where all the lanterns would be placed. We didn't find it but ended up walking in a huge circle. It was no matter though, because the night was warm and clear and tons of people were out enjoying it. We ended up seeing the main Gyeongbokgung palace again and the statues out front of it. They were light up in the night and lhanging lanterns lined the main streets. I was all really beautiful, I wish they always stayed up.
Finally we asked some people how to get to the temple and they pointed us in the right direction. Soon we were back in the throng of people, but this time it was filled with the performers from the parade who were rushing to get on the subway and go home. We saw some foreigners with paper lanterns in their hands and asked how we could get our own. They said the performers just gave them to them. Not a minute later, an old women in traditional wear walked up to Amber and gave her a baskeball size and shaped hand made paper lantern, with a lit candle inside. Then one was handed to Liz. We kept walking and an old man gave me one shaped like a lotus flower. We were so pleased! As we kept walking though, people tried to give us more and more! Liz refused a first but she and I ended up with three each! Unfornately with so many it was hard to keep them from getting damaged with all the people bumping into me. Amber had the better idea, only keep one perfect one. It was so hard to refuse though, I could see the old women look at us, hear them utter "waygook" under their breath (foreigner) and next thing I knew they were handing us a lantern! They just wanted us to be happy and included. And we did feel that way.
After almost walking in the opposite direction of the buddhist temple once again we finally found our way after almost throwing in the towel. And we are so glad we didn't! The temple was definitely the best part. As you walked up its front entrance you were sheltered by a floating carpet of lanterns. There were thousands of them, strung together and of all different colors, bright green, red, pink, yellow, orange, all glowing with the warmth of the candle within. Theye led the way to the temple itself, where sat a large golden buddha (wish I had known about this place when my family visited!). Out front was a stage and milling around were visitors and people in traditional costumes, dancing and playing instruments! It was just breathtaking. I would have been happy to sit and stare for hours at the colorful lanters, some which made shapes in the carpet above or spelled a word.
Determined to take our lanterns back to our respective homes we boarded the subway to dump them at our hostel before going to Hongdae for some night life. We got many stares on the subway. We ended the night eating chicken and beer, a must before Liz went back to Japan.
Sunday morning we munched on Dunkin Doughnuts before saying our goodbyes. it was a nice warm, sunny day. (Soon it would rain for the next week!) It was really nice seeing Liz and hearing her talk about Japan. It brought back good memories of UCI that I really enjoyed.
School on Friday was Physical Exam day so the students had no classes. Which meant I was free to sit and do whatever the heck I wanted. I told Liz I would walk back to my apartment around 10:30 and bring her over for a tour of the school. She was really eager to see the similarities and differences between a Japanese and Korean school. Right away we met some students in the hallway who squealed "you're beautiful" and "I love you!" to Liz. She said this was very flattering and much more forward than a Japanese student would be. After going to the English Room and talking for about an hour we wandered downstairs to find out what was going on with lunch. We happen to run into two of the women I eat lunch with and Mr. Byeon. They suggested we all go out to eat together (even though I never eat with Mr. B, I think he just wanted to talk to the new foreigner.) We went to a simple restaurant where they tried to suggest pork katsu and tempura to here, to which Liz and I exchanged glances, as this is Japanese food, but Korean's will try to tell you it is Korean. We ended up with a noodle dish and kim bab, which is Korean. They asked her a lot of difficult and nervewraking questions like, how do Japanese and Korean students compare, what do you think of Korea, etc. She managed to field them pretty well although I could see the look her face when they asked certain questions, to us it seems so bold and a little rude but to them they don't see that at all. Lunch was nice though and they did treat us.
After that Mr. Byeon was all too happy to give Liz the master tour of Sangji, just like he gave my parents. Again Liz was a great sport and had a lot of fun. We visited numerous classrooms, she met the VP and lots of other teachers and saw the high school. She was interested in the cafeteria because in Japan they don't have any, the students eat lunch in their classrooms, so we went in and ended up having tea with the super nice lunch ladies! Liz was also given a Pororo bubble blower (a popular animated character in Korea) by one student and gave her a pen in return. Every room we went in Mr. Byeon had her blow bubbles, so odd!
Around 4pm we finally went home. I never get so detailed a tour and introduction to teachers I have never met unless a visitor is here. We were tired after that so we just relaxed around my apartment until 7pm when Amber came over for dinner. We went to a near by galbi place (grilled beef) which they both loved! Amber headed home afterwards but Liz and I went to grab a drink at a local bar called Pub. Where she lives in Japan is really small so she enjoyed getting to go out, even in a casual way, with a friend. We headed home about midnight even though two very shy Korean men tried to get us to stay and drink with them.
The next day we headed back to Seoul with Amber. We wanted to see the famous Lantern Festival held in Seoul for Buddha's Birthday. We left the apartment about 10am but didn't get to our hostel where we would stay the night in Seoul until close to 3pm in the afternoon, after all the bus and subway travel. Then we headed to the Myeongdong area to eat and do a little shopping at Forever 21. We had CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) because we were craving a little western food and it was the only thing I knew for sure where it was. We enjoyed strolling around Myeongdong, it was busy as ever! And I had a very successful shopping trip.
Around 8pm we walked to the City Hall area to see the start of the parade of lanterns. Although it was crowded, it was less so than I thought it would be and we were able to get right up next to the towering 10 feet high + lanterns! They were beautiful, made out of paper and sculpted into perfection. There were huge warriors, fish, mountains, flowers... and they were all light from inside. To move them men grabbed poles on the outside and pushed them along the street. The parade was a little harder to see but it looked beautiful as well, it was huge and filled with group after group of people dressed in traditional Korean outfirst walking or dancing down the street, each carrying a different kind of hand held paper lantern.
The area was starting to get more crowded so we walked down a side street in hopes of finding the buddhist temple we had heard was at the end of the parade route, where all the lanterns would be placed. We didn't find it but ended up walking in a huge circle. It was no matter though, because the night was warm and clear and tons of people were out enjoying it. We ended up seeing the main Gyeongbokgung palace again and the statues out front of it. They were light up in the night and lhanging lanterns lined the main streets. I was all really beautiful, I wish they always stayed up.
Finally we asked some people how to get to the temple and they pointed us in the right direction. Soon we were back in the throng of people, but this time it was filled with the performers from the parade who were rushing to get on the subway and go home. We saw some foreigners with paper lanterns in their hands and asked how we could get our own. They said the performers just gave them to them. Not a minute later, an old women in traditional wear walked up to Amber and gave her a baskeball size and shaped hand made paper lantern, with a lit candle inside. Then one was handed to Liz. We kept walking and an old man gave me one shaped like a lotus flower. We were so pleased! As we kept walking though, people tried to give us more and more! Liz refused a first but she and I ended up with three each! Unfornately with so many it was hard to keep them from getting damaged with all the people bumping into me. Amber had the better idea, only keep one perfect one. It was so hard to refuse though, I could see the old women look at us, hear them utter "waygook" under their breath (foreigner) and next thing I knew they were handing us a lantern! They just wanted us to be happy and included. And we did feel that way.
After almost walking in the opposite direction of the buddhist temple once again we finally found our way after almost throwing in the towel. And we are so glad we didn't! The temple was definitely the best part. As you walked up its front entrance you were sheltered by a floating carpet of lanterns. There were thousands of them, strung together and of all different colors, bright green, red, pink, yellow, orange, all glowing with the warmth of the candle within. Theye led the way to the temple itself, where sat a large golden buddha (wish I had known about this place when my family visited!). Out front was a stage and milling around were visitors and people in traditional costumes, dancing and playing instruments! It was just breathtaking. I would have been happy to sit and stare for hours at the colorful lanters, some which made shapes in the carpet above or spelled a word.
Determined to take our lanterns back to our respective homes we boarded the subway to dump them at our hostel before going to Hongdae for some night life. We got many stares on the subway. We ended the night eating chicken and beer, a must before Liz went back to Japan.
Sunday morning we munched on Dunkin Doughnuts before saying our goodbyes. it was a nice warm, sunny day. (Soon it would rain for the next week!) It was really nice seeing Liz and hearing her talk about Japan. It brought back good memories of UCI that I really enjoyed.
Typical Day Schedule
I thought today I'd just give a general account of an average day in my school.
This is my Tuesday schedule...
7-7:30am: Wake up, shower, dress and have breakfast
8:30: Arrive at school, takes less than 5 minutes to walk over. Go up to the English Room and unlock the door, turn the computer on and settle in.
8:30-9:00: Prep time when students are in their homeroom classes doing... something.
9:00-9:45: 1st grade class 1-3 with Ms. K. Except today she is taking them and they are not coming to my class at all. So I am sitting here with free time. This is very typical. She says she is behind and I "don't need to worry" abou teaching them until June!
9:45-9:55: Class ends and students have a 10 minute passing period. Oh wait, they stay in the same class all day and its the teachers that move from room to room. Seems a long time to me... Anyway.
9:55-10:40: Class 1-1 with Mr. B. Here I stand next to the podium and read sentences out of the book, line by line, and then he translates them into Korean. Every now and then someone asks me a question about the USA to which Mr. B translates everything between Korean and English. We also from time to time watch US pop music videos or funny videos that are totally unrelated to English on the interent.
10:40-10:50: Another 10 minute passing period
10:50-11:35: Period 3, Class 3-3 with Mr. P. In this class I am soley responsible for making and teaching the lesson plan, slightly related to the book but presented however I want. Mr. P helps when I ask him to and is always engaged.
11:35-11:45: Another 10 minute passing period.
11:45-12:30: Period 4, Class 1-4 with Ms. K. Again I don't get to see them today. More free time.
12:30-1:30: Lunch in the school cafeteria. Costs 2800 won. I sit everyday with three other women teachers. Only one speaks English. No one says anything to me although lately I can hear my name being brought up and when I ask the English teacher to translate (what what?) she shruggs and keeps eating.
1:30-2:15: Period 5, no class. Free time.
2:15-2:25: 10 minute passing.
2:25-3:10: Period 6, class 3-5 with Mr. P. Another third grade class same as above. Although today I suspect their class might be cancelled so they can go to an assembly prepping them on the field trip they are taking tomorrow. We shall see. If so, free time.
3:10-3:35: Cleaning time. The students clean the school, half heartedly. I chat with the girls that come to see and talk to me in the English Room.
3:35-4:20: Period 7. Most of the time all the students go home now. I never have a class except on Tuesdays when I teach 10 "gifted" children. Its a nice small class where we mostly do talking or simple activities. I believe it is actually on for today. I haven't taught it in over a month.
4:30: Go home.
4:35-on... Watch TV, eat dinner, go for a walk...
Repeat.
This is my Tuesday schedule...
7-7:30am: Wake up, shower, dress and have breakfast
8:30: Arrive at school, takes less than 5 minutes to walk over. Go up to the English Room and unlock the door, turn the computer on and settle in.
8:30-9:00: Prep time when students are in their homeroom classes doing... something.
9:00-9:45: 1st grade class 1-3 with Ms. K. Except today she is taking them and they are not coming to my class at all. So I am sitting here with free time. This is very typical. She says she is behind and I "don't need to worry" abou teaching them until June!
9:45-9:55: Class ends and students have a 10 minute passing period. Oh wait, they stay in the same class all day and its the teachers that move from room to room. Seems a long time to me... Anyway.
9:55-10:40: Class 1-1 with Mr. B. Here I stand next to the podium and read sentences out of the book, line by line, and then he translates them into Korean. Every now and then someone asks me a question about the USA to which Mr. B translates everything between Korean and English. We also from time to time watch US pop music videos or funny videos that are totally unrelated to English on the interent.
10:40-10:50: Another 10 minute passing period
10:50-11:35: Period 3, Class 3-3 with Mr. P. In this class I am soley responsible for making and teaching the lesson plan, slightly related to the book but presented however I want. Mr. P helps when I ask him to and is always engaged.
11:35-11:45: Another 10 minute passing period.
11:45-12:30: Period 4, Class 1-4 with Ms. K. Again I don't get to see them today. More free time.
12:30-1:30: Lunch in the school cafeteria. Costs 2800 won. I sit everyday with three other women teachers. Only one speaks English. No one says anything to me although lately I can hear my name being brought up and when I ask the English teacher to translate (what what?) she shruggs and keeps eating.
1:30-2:15: Period 5, no class. Free time.
2:15-2:25: 10 minute passing.
2:25-3:10: Period 6, class 3-5 with Mr. P. Another third grade class same as above. Although today I suspect their class might be cancelled so they can go to an assembly prepping them on the field trip they are taking tomorrow. We shall see. If so, free time.
3:10-3:35: Cleaning time. The students clean the school, half heartedly. I chat with the girls that come to see and talk to me in the English Room.
3:35-4:20: Period 7. Most of the time all the students go home now. I never have a class except on Tuesdays when I teach 10 "gifted" children. Its a nice small class where we mostly do talking or simple activities. I believe it is actually on for today. I haven't taught it in over a month.
4:30: Go home.
4:35-on... Watch TV, eat dinner, go for a walk...
Repeat.
Monday, May 23, 2011
School Sports Day
Last week at Sangji Girls Middle School was School Sport's Day. Instead of the normal schedule, all the classes were cancelled and the entire school spent the day outside engaging in numerous sports competition. The day was tons of fun, one of my favorite days at school so far!
Right after the first bell rang students began to carry the chairs out of their class rooms and place them around the large dirt sports field in the center of the Sangji campus. Every class from all three grades was outside and ready to compete against one another. There would be a winning team from every grade. The competitions started with some speechs by the school officials and then the strangest stretching warm up I've ever seen! I couldn't stop bursting out in laugher as I watched the whole school, and even the teachers, stretch in unision while a loud, slightly annoying kids sound blared over the field loud speakers. The stretches were the whimpest stretches I'd ever seen, almost more like a half hearted dance, but everyone knew the moves. I was surprised the teachers did too and I figured they must have all learned them in elementry school. It was too cute! (And hilarious!)
After that the classes broke off to start the various competitions. There was a form of dodgeball, tug of rope, jump roping, kick ball, another strange game sort of like kick ball and sprinting. The teachers kept track of what classes won and which ones lost and the students moved up their grade level brackets. I enjoyed walking around and talking to all the different groups of students, taking their pictures and eating candy. The mother's of many students also came to school that day and passed out sandwhiches, water and Power Sweat, which was very nice!
The best part about the day though, aside from seeing the girls happy, outside, being atheletic and cheering for one another, was the costumes! Sport's Day is a big deal and every classes dresses in their own home made costume! It was hilarious to see the kids so dected out! Some classes had bought soccer jersey's and had them personalized with their names on the bag. One class had cat ears and tales, another straw hats, another pink rimmed classes with clip on angel hallows on top. They were all so cute! It really added to the festivity of the day and made it all the more enjoyable to hang out with them. Each homeroom teacher also dressed up like their students so there was great unity among groups.
After lunch there was only one more sport, the rely race all around the track! But before that could start, I was roped into a kick ball game, female teachers versus the student's mothers! I just happen to be walking by when a teacher pointed and me and said "Madeline could play?!" I agreed and had half expected to have to play some sport during the day. It was actually really fun to do something athletic and team orientated again! I've missed it. I was also definitely the best player. The female teachers at my school, well most of them, aren't that athletic, but they were trying and doing pretty well! I was just able to kick and catch better than everyone else. We ended up creaming the moms.
Then the rely race started, the whole school lined the track and cheered for their classmates. Each grade ran a race. At the end all the points were tallied and the first, second and third place winners were announced for each grade. Each winning class was given a large box (they got progressively larger) filled with goodies.
Then the day was over and it was time to go home early! I wish everyday was Sport's Day! The weather was perfect, hot and sunny, and the kids were so relaxed and excited.
Right after the first bell rang students began to carry the chairs out of their class rooms and place them around the large dirt sports field in the center of the Sangji campus. Every class from all three grades was outside and ready to compete against one another. There would be a winning team from every grade. The competitions started with some speechs by the school officials and then the strangest stretching warm up I've ever seen! I couldn't stop bursting out in laugher as I watched the whole school, and even the teachers, stretch in unision while a loud, slightly annoying kids sound blared over the field loud speakers. The stretches were the whimpest stretches I'd ever seen, almost more like a half hearted dance, but everyone knew the moves. I was surprised the teachers did too and I figured they must have all learned them in elementry school. It was too cute! (And hilarious!)
After that the classes broke off to start the various competitions. There was a form of dodgeball, tug of rope, jump roping, kick ball, another strange game sort of like kick ball and sprinting. The teachers kept track of what classes won and which ones lost and the students moved up their grade level brackets. I enjoyed walking around and talking to all the different groups of students, taking their pictures and eating candy. The mother's of many students also came to school that day and passed out sandwhiches, water and Power Sweat, which was very nice!
The best part about the day though, aside from seeing the girls happy, outside, being atheletic and cheering for one another, was the costumes! Sport's Day is a big deal and every classes dresses in their own home made costume! It was hilarious to see the kids so dected out! Some classes had bought soccer jersey's and had them personalized with their names on the bag. One class had cat ears and tales, another straw hats, another pink rimmed classes with clip on angel hallows on top. They were all so cute! It really added to the festivity of the day and made it all the more enjoyable to hang out with them. Each homeroom teacher also dressed up like their students so there was great unity among groups.
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| 1st graders |
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| I love their different outfits! Hawaiian, old people skirt, pjs |
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| Tug of War |
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| 2nd grade, so cute and colorful! |
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| 3rd grade class 3-2, most are also in my after school class |
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| Her friend, Yum Yum and Me |
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| Our school President is on the right |
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| These girls are such talkers in class, but cute and sweet outside of it! |
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| Some of my favorite students |
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| More colorful 1st graders |
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| The entire school at the end of the day |
After lunch there was only one more sport, the rely race all around the track! But before that could start, I was roped into a kick ball game, female teachers versus the student's mothers! I just happen to be walking by when a teacher pointed and me and said "Madeline could play?!" I agreed and had half expected to have to play some sport during the day. It was actually really fun to do something athletic and team orientated again! I've missed it. I was also definitely the best player. The female teachers at my school, well most of them, aren't that athletic, but they were trying and doing pretty well! I was just able to kick and catch better than everyone else. We ended up creaming the moms.
Then the rely race started, the whole school lined the track and cheered for their classmates. Each grade ran a race. At the end all the points were tallied and the first, second and third place winners were announced for each grade. Each winning class was given a large box (they got progressively larger) filled with goodies.
Then the day was over and it was time to go home early! I wish everyday was Sport's Day! The weather was perfect, hot and sunny, and the kids were so relaxed and excited.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
California Girls... A Brief Trip to the West Coast
A few weeks ago Jason and I took a quick trip back to the US for a close friend's wedding. We left Wonju on Wednesday, arriving too early at the bus station and forced to sit in Krispy Kreame for 2 hours. From the bus we arrived at Incheon International Airport where we quickly and easily check in for our Asiania Flight. We each had two large suitcases because we took home as much winter wear as we could. Then we treated ourselves to Kraze Burgers before boarding the plane.
10 hours later we arrived at LAX where Jason's parents met us. It didn't seem too strange to be in LA again, we'd both driven the freeway so many times. I did notice that the sun was so bright and the sky so blue, a welcome relief from the frequent gloomy skies of Korea. Soon we arrived in Lancaster which felt again, just like home! We had so delicous Taco Bell before my mom arrived and I headed off with her. We decided to hit up the mall because I wanted to buy some things for the wedding. We enjoyed coffee (finally a good cup of coffee!!) and strolling the mall. Afterwards we went home where I got to see Dad and the dogs and the we headed off to Shakey's for dinner.
Thursday was another busy day. Jason's parents dropped him off at my house so we could live to drive up North for the wedding that was happening Saturday in Santa Cruz. I got my hair cut that morning and then away we went. On our way we stopped for the night in San Luis Obispo to see my brother Scott! It was really nice to see him and such a fun night. We went in a downtown bar for some drinks before walking the beautiful streets of SLO for the weekly farmer's market. I chowded down on chicken kabob's and Italian soup. So good! It felt so nice to have so much food variety and to spend time with the family in such a fun atmosphere.
Friday morning we met Scott again for an oh-so-delicious brunch. We went to a diner like sandwhich shop. My sandwhich was glorious! Cheese, check! Turkey, check! Mustard, check! (I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.) Then it was back in the car for the rest of our drive to Santa Cruz. We checked into our beautifully landscaped hotel and then Jason headed off to the resort where the wedding was to be held for the rehersal. I stayed with Mom at the hotel and because Dad was feeling sick and didn't want to go out, we headed to the hotel bar to cash in our free drink coupons! We ended up staying for a couple of hours just chatting away and get some awesome half off nachos during happy hour! Then I had to leave to go to the rehersal dinner. There I finally got to see the bride and groom, our good friends Lauren and Josh! We had a nice dinner but didn't stay too late. After returning to our hotel, Mom, Jason and I had a quick before at the bar before going to bed. (This was also the day of the royal wedding so it was on all the TVs.)
On Saturday it was time for the wedding! The wedding was at 1pm and in a beautiful outdoor setting at Sea Scape Resort in Santa Cruz. The spot was on a sea cliff overlooking the beach below. It was a smaller wedding and the whole ceremony was casual and light. Lauren's stepdad married them, they wrote their own vows and the flower boy was a grown, 25 year old man! After that the fun started in the fancy reception. There were waitors walking around with food platters and the drink bar was unlimited! I really enjoyed relaxing and chatting with different people. We did some dancing and things started to pick up. The reception had to end at 6pm which left the group momentarily split and some of us ended up sitting in the hotel lobby sipping our tequila sunrises. The night ended with a party in someone's room and Jason and I left around 9pm. Again we had a drink with my mom back at our hotel.
Sunday morning it was time to head back to Lancaster. Again we had so delicious coffee before hitting the road. The California coast was amazing at this time of year. All the flowers were lush and in bloom, there was green everywhere and warm sunshine! It was so perfect! We stopped in SLO again on our way home to meet Scott one more time. He showed us the car he'd been working on with his mechanical enginnering club and we had a great pizza lunch at Woodstalks. Then it was back on the road. We got to Lancaster late, about 7pm and Jason's parents came for him. Mom and I headed in to Chronic Tacos (oh so good! I finally had Mexican food!) and saw the news on Osama bin Laden. Quite the eventful weekend we'd picked to visit home!
Monday and Tuesday I hung around with Mom and Dad. It was so nice and relaxing. Mom and I did some major shopping at the mall. Then we went to Grandma's to see her and George, finally! It was again as if nothing had changed. I really liked getting to see them. We went to Lancaster Blvd for a delicous dinner at a newish restaurant. Before we left Dad made sure to show me the new bowling alley and bar in the basebament of Beck's. It was actually pretty cool! Really snazzy, so surprising for Lancaster! On Tuesday I had dinner with Jason and his family and then spent my final night at home watching NCIS with Mom and Dad, just like old times.
Sadly I had to leave Wednesday morning for LAX. Dad and I got up at 3:30am to leave, stopping for AM PM coffee on the way. I checked in no problem and had went through the full body scanner (I don't get what the big deal is?) waving to Dad goodbye as I went up the escalator. I was alone this time as Jason was able to stay until Sunday. His school had given him more time off than mine. Mine wanted be to be back for one day of school on Friday. Go figure. I had a quick layover in San Francsico and then a long 12 hour flight that was quite boring. The most eventful thing that happened was when the flight attendents miscalculated when we were going to land. I don't know how they managed that, sinec I knewe we were supposed to land at 3pm, not 4pm. They had just started to serve the final meal when the captian said "get ready to land in 30 minutes" -- they became frantic and told everyone to eat quickly. One lady even snapped her fingers at me to hurry up! It was so rude, they made the mistake, not me! Somehow, they got everything done and sat down no less than 30 seconds before we landed! They were not a very good flight crew throught the trip, always talking loudly, mildly cussing and always leaving the blaring light on in their kitchen (which was right next to me) because they always forgot to close the curtain.
I arrived in Wonju with no trouble Thursday night. (I lost a whole two days traveling!)
I had a great trip! It was really as if nothing had changed! I have to admit though, coming back to Korea, and then Wonju and then my own apartment where all my things have their place, it felt like I was coming home. Lancaster will always be home-home no matter what, but you know what I mean?
10 hours later we arrived at LAX where Jason's parents met us. It didn't seem too strange to be in LA again, we'd both driven the freeway so many times. I did notice that the sun was so bright and the sky so blue, a welcome relief from the frequent gloomy skies of Korea. Soon we arrived in Lancaster which felt again, just like home! We had so delicous Taco Bell before my mom arrived and I headed off with her. We decided to hit up the mall because I wanted to buy some things for the wedding. We enjoyed coffee (finally a good cup of coffee!!) and strolling the mall. Afterwards we went home where I got to see Dad and the dogs and the we headed off to Shakey's for dinner.
Thursday was another busy day. Jason's parents dropped him off at my house so we could live to drive up North for the wedding that was happening Saturday in Santa Cruz. I got my hair cut that morning and then away we went. On our way we stopped for the night in San Luis Obispo to see my brother Scott! It was really nice to see him and such a fun night. We went in a downtown bar for some drinks before walking the beautiful streets of SLO for the weekly farmer's market. I chowded down on chicken kabob's and Italian soup. So good! It felt so nice to have so much food variety and to spend time with the family in such a fun atmosphere.
Friday morning we met Scott again for an oh-so-delicious brunch. We went to a diner like sandwhich shop. My sandwhich was glorious! Cheese, check! Turkey, check! Mustard, check! (I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.) Then it was back in the car for the rest of our drive to Santa Cruz. We checked into our beautifully landscaped hotel and then Jason headed off to the resort where the wedding was to be held for the rehersal. I stayed with Mom at the hotel and because Dad was feeling sick and didn't want to go out, we headed to the hotel bar to cash in our free drink coupons! We ended up staying for a couple of hours just chatting away and get some awesome half off nachos during happy hour! Then I had to leave to go to the rehersal dinner. There I finally got to see the bride and groom, our good friends Lauren and Josh! We had a nice dinner but didn't stay too late. After returning to our hotel, Mom, Jason and I had a quick before at the bar before going to bed. (This was also the day of the royal wedding so it was on all the TVs.)
On Saturday it was time for the wedding! The wedding was at 1pm and in a beautiful outdoor setting at Sea Scape Resort in Santa Cruz. The spot was on a sea cliff overlooking the beach below. It was a smaller wedding and the whole ceremony was casual and light. Lauren's stepdad married them, they wrote their own vows and the flower boy was a grown, 25 year old man! After that the fun started in the fancy reception. There were waitors walking around with food platters and the drink bar was unlimited! I really enjoyed relaxing and chatting with different people. We did some dancing and things started to pick up. The reception had to end at 6pm which left the group momentarily split and some of us ended up sitting in the hotel lobby sipping our tequila sunrises. The night ended with a party in someone's room and Jason and I left around 9pm. Again we had a drink with my mom back at our hotel.
Sunday morning it was time to head back to Lancaster. Again we had so delicious coffee before hitting the road. The California coast was amazing at this time of year. All the flowers were lush and in bloom, there was green everywhere and warm sunshine! It was so perfect! We stopped in SLO again on our way home to meet Scott one more time. He showed us the car he'd been working on with his mechanical enginnering club and we had a great pizza lunch at Woodstalks. Then it was back on the road. We got to Lancaster late, about 7pm and Jason's parents came for him. Mom and I headed in to Chronic Tacos (oh so good! I finally had Mexican food!) and saw the news on Osama bin Laden. Quite the eventful weekend we'd picked to visit home!
Monday and Tuesday I hung around with Mom and Dad. It was so nice and relaxing. Mom and I did some major shopping at the mall. Then we went to Grandma's to see her and George, finally! It was again as if nothing had changed. I really liked getting to see them. We went to Lancaster Blvd for a delicous dinner at a newish restaurant. Before we left Dad made sure to show me the new bowling alley and bar in the basebament of Beck's. It was actually pretty cool! Really snazzy, so surprising for Lancaster! On Tuesday I had dinner with Jason and his family and then spent my final night at home watching NCIS with Mom and Dad, just like old times.
Sadly I had to leave Wednesday morning for LAX. Dad and I got up at 3:30am to leave, stopping for AM PM coffee on the way. I checked in no problem and had went through the full body scanner (I don't get what the big deal is?) waving to Dad goodbye as I went up the escalator. I was alone this time as Jason was able to stay until Sunday. His school had given him more time off than mine. Mine wanted be to be back for one day of school on Friday. Go figure. I had a quick layover in San Francsico and then a long 12 hour flight that was quite boring. The most eventful thing that happened was when the flight attendents miscalculated when we were going to land. I don't know how they managed that, sinec I knewe we were supposed to land at 3pm, not 4pm. They had just started to serve the final meal when the captian said "get ready to land in 30 minutes" -- they became frantic and told everyone to eat quickly. One lady even snapped her fingers at me to hurry up! It was so rude, they made the mistake, not me! Somehow, they got everything done and sat down no less than 30 seconds before we landed! They were not a very good flight crew throught the trip, always talking loudly, mildly cussing and always leaving the blaring light on in their kitchen (which was right next to me) because they always forgot to close the curtain.
I arrived in Wonju with no trouble Thursday night. (I lost a whole two days traveling!)
I had a great trip! It was really as if nothing had changed! I have to admit though, coming back to Korea, and then Wonju and then my own apartment where all my things have their place, it felt like I was coming home. Lancaster will always be home-home no matter what, but you know what I mean?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Jason's Video!
Here are some awesome videos that Jason made during our trip. Enjoy!
This was Day 7, Friday.
This is that same day.
This is the top of the previous temple.
Here we are in Bangkok at the Imperial Palace, early in the trip.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Good Eats and Cherry Blossoms
Spring time has finally arrived in Korea! Slowly but surely a change was evident... first there was the slight tinge of green in the otherwise brown and dead looking stick like vines and trees covering the Korean landscape. Then there was actual green stems. Then there were the first flowers, bring yellow dropping vines. And now, finally, the cherry blossoms and other flowering trees have started to bloom! Not all trees have yet blossomed, but the buds are there in their scraggy branches.
The first welcome signs of spring food arrived as well. I think deliciousness must come in three's.
First...
Second...
Third...
After the egg splatter, we ate breakfast and headed to the bus terminal to meet Amber and Scott. We headed off to Gangneung for the day to check out their Cherry Blossom Festival. The Festival was right next to the ocean and the big lake. They are known as the "Pine City" so the beach has a cute boardwalk interwoven with pin trees. The whole perimeter of the lake is surrounded by cherry blossom trees! They were so beautiful. It was just a lovely day out. A little windy and cool, but definitely warmer than it has been.
Amber also noticed a rental area for tandem bike rentals so we decided to give it a try! At first the boys wanted to do boy girl, boy girl because they thought we couldn't keep up, but we assured them we could handle riding together. What a funny site we must have been, two girls and two boys on two tandem bikes riding around the lake! It is a big lake so it took us about an hour to get around the entire thing. It was a great ride though and we got to see so many different flowers and people. We also had an awkward moment where an old man with a camera walked up to us at a spot where we had stopped to take pictures. He said "photo together?" and we thought he was offering to take our picture. I started to hand him my camera but he said no, and gave his to Jason and then gestured for me to come over to him. So this creepy old man wanted a picture with me. So there I stood while Jason snapped away. Then the old guy simply left and didn't even offer to take a group shot for us. Awkward.
We concluded the day with dinner back in Wonju. I'm so glad its getting warm! Today is nice as well, with clear skies and a warm sun!
The first welcome signs of spring food arrived as well. I think deliciousness must come in three's.
First...
 |
| Easter chocolate from home! So yummy and gone instantly! |
 |
| A great trip to the market behind my place, lots of fresh produce and other yummy foods. So colorful I had to take a picture. |
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| SPLAT! This is Jason and his splatted egg. He was trying to be like Alton Brown and flip it in the pan, but this time it ended up on the floor. |
After the egg splatter, we ate breakfast and headed to the bus terminal to meet Amber and Scott. We headed off to Gangneung for the day to check out their Cherry Blossom Festival. The Festival was right next to the ocean and the big lake. They are known as the "Pine City" so the beach has a cute boardwalk interwoven with pin trees. The whole perimeter of the lake is surrounded by cherry blossom trees! They were so beautiful. It was just a lovely day out. A little windy and cool, but definitely warmer than it has been.
Amber also noticed a rental area for tandem bike rentals so we decided to give it a try! At first the boys wanted to do boy girl, boy girl because they thought we couldn't keep up, but we assured them we could handle riding together. What a funny site we must have been, two girls and two boys on two tandem bikes riding around the lake! It is a big lake so it took us about an hour to get around the entire thing. It was a great ride though and we got to see so many different flowers and people. We also had an awkward moment where an old man with a camera walked up to us at a spot where we had stopped to take pictures. He said "photo together?" and we thought he was offering to take our picture. I started to hand him my camera but he said no, and gave his to Jason and then gestured for me to come over to him. So this creepy old man wanted a picture with me. So there I stood while Jason snapped away. Then the old guy simply left and didn't even offer to take a group shot for us. Awkward.
We concluded the day with dinner back in Wonju. I'm so glad its getting warm! Today is nice as well, with clear skies and a warm sun!
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| On our street in Wonju |
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| Blue and pink go so well together |
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| "one + one = more than two" Huh? |
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| Gangneung lake and walking path, look at all the people |
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| Scott, Jason and Amber |
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| Pucker up! |
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| So perfect |
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| Scott |
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| Amber |
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