Hi everyone!
Well, I'm 3 months away from being home... Which means 3 months away from me reliving my experience with all of you... My fears, challenges, accomplishments, so on and so forth. I have devised that I lack the literary genius to adequately deliver such stories without offending everyone or anyone, and displaying my experience in the correct light. So this being said, I have decided to stop blogging my trip around South Korea. I am still journaling, and try to journal every day. On Facebook you can see all my pictures of this experience, and you can reach me at the following email address: rhysewilliams6295@gmail.com. My yahoo one got hacked. Ask questions about my journey and I'll be more than willing to share it all with you, hopefully more sophisticatedly. It's hard to write such a complex journey to a large party of many nameless faces. I hope you all understand, and I truly hope to receive emails!
All my love back home!
Rhys
South Korea Gap Year
A gap year in South Korea. I'll be volunteering at an orphanage, learning a new language, living with a different family. Check out my progress!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Things I've learned in Korea, so far:
As I approach the halfway mark of my time in South Korea, I realized today that I'm not the same person that first scrawled into my journal. The prospect of being alone no longer scares me, in the sense of not being around someone all the time. Being a friendly person, I think it's good that I have channeled the amazing benefits of alone time. And mastered the art of meditaoon. Okay... Mastered is a stretch. There are a lot of things that I have learned, and I'm really proud of myself for my progress and confidence that I have obtained in this not so easy journey.
First, I realize that Michelle was right when she told me to befriend a tall man. It's not that women always need protection, I'm more than capable of emitting a loud scream to travel all the way back to the US, and as my brother can attest, I've never been afraid of using the knee to the groin approach ( sorry about those younger years, Luke). But, I have felt more comfortable when I have had a guy around. Just last night I was able to get away from an older white American man who didn't seem to understand that I was not a toy. I went to my friends, they created a circle around me, and we left within ten minutes.. Something that might not have happened with just females. I often forget I'm only 18. No one seems to get that 18 year olds sometimes travel. I get mistaken for 21-23, and though this is a compliment to my maturity.. Or at least I take it as one, it often puts me in situations that I have no yet had to go through. I have learned how to set very strong boundaries with boys, tell them to ( in much more polite words than I use) "get lost", and not be afraid to ask for help before I need it.
Korea has also had a way to smash down my self esteem, and the build it up again in a more wholesome manner. I used to think that one of my strongest attributes was the fact that I was pretty.. This often blinded me from accessing my other attributes. I have been struggling with the idea that I was smart enough to do what I wanted to do in life, and Korea has made this no longer a fear of mine... If I can read a new script ( slowly, but I can read it), understand most of conversations, and speak enough to get by, while being in a constant adaptive state, then I believe I can do just about anything. Before Korea, dads death was the hardest thing I ever went through, and though I felt very confident in my ability to adapt after that, I have to admit I wasn't ready for how exhausted I would be everyday from always adapting... Sleep habits, diet, language, location, friends.. It's been tough.
Another thing Korea has helped me do is be more present in the moment. Even though wifi is everywhere, and I do have a cellphone, I don't have a Korean phone and rely on wifi for communication. Often this means I go a couple hours without having my fingers rapidly typing away on a tiny screen... I think it's a good change of pace, I've been able to watch the locals and pick up some of their mannerisms so that I don't disturb their culture. I have been able to find small moment very amusing, and I've also utilized this time without wifi to study ( on trains and buses). Korea has helped me learn how to study.
Though I lack confidence in my complete speaking ability, I am getting better. And though I lack a sense of direction in subways, I'm not afraid to try to tackle the metrosystem. I was able to show one of my friends around Jongno, insadong, and gangnam the other day. It was cool to feel like I know an area well enough to explain why it's important, what it's used for, when it's fun to go there, and any history of the location, as well as being able to suggest other places to check out in Seoul, next time.
I have also learned that if you want something done, and you can't do it yourself and HAVE to have someone else do it for you, it is okay to push for it and remind them why you need to have something done until the task is complete. After 3 months of nagging mr. Kim, Friday is my last day at gangnam YMCA. Another reminder to not stop trying. I will have a week off to go explore Seoul by myself. I'm going to utilize this time to go hike up mountains, practice my Korean, and go see parts of Seoul that I didn't get to see before. And maybe I'll go take a few day trip to busan. You never know.
Being away from home always makes you feel like you've lost contact with some old friends. However I have barely experienced this while being in Korea, makes me feel very fortunate for the friends that I have. I also have received two amazing care packages. One from Erin, my moms friend, that was so on point to everything I love and use when I'm sad- honey, tea, chocolate, and a beautiful new necklace to replace my bee necklace I got for my birthday. And mom sent me lucky charms, sour candy, and various other goodies that remind me just how loved I am. I hope that I give that much love and encouragement to others. My email got hacked.. So if you have emailed me.. I'm sorry. I can't retrieve it until I get back to the states. But rhysewilliams6295@gmail is still working and the best way to contact me. I would love emails with addresses so I can send out postcards. After a couple failed attempts, I finally have my needs from the Korean post office, met.
I'm doing a lot better, and though it was a struggle at first, moving in with the host family has been amazing for me. All my love to all of you.
First, I realize that Michelle was right when she told me to befriend a tall man. It's not that women always need protection, I'm more than capable of emitting a loud scream to travel all the way back to the US, and as my brother can attest, I've never been afraid of using the knee to the groin approach ( sorry about those younger years, Luke). But, I have felt more comfortable when I have had a guy around. Just last night I was able to get away from an older white American man who didn't seem to understand that I was not a toy. I went to my friends, they created a circle around me, and we left within ten minutes.. Something that might not have happened with just females. I often forget I'm only 18. No one seems to get that 18 year olds sometimes travel. I get mistaken for 21-23, and though this is a compliment to my maturity.. Or at least I take it as one, it often puts me in situations that I have no yet had to go through. I have learned how to set very strong boundaries with boys, tell them to ( in much more polite words than I use) "get lost", and not be afraid to ask for help before I need it.
Korea has also had a way to smash down my self esteem, and the build it up again in a more wholesome manner. I used to think that one of my strongest attributes was the fact that I was pretty.. This often blinded me from accessing my other attributes. I have been struggling with the idea that I was smart enough to do what I wanted to do in life, and Korea has made this no longer a fear of mine... If I can read a new script ( slowly, but I can read it), understand most of conversations, and speak enough to get by, while being in a constant adaptive state, then I believe I can do just about anything. Before Korea, dads death was the hardest thing I ever went through, and though I felt very confident in my ability to adapt after that, I have to admit I wasn't ready for how exhausted I would be everyday from always adapting... Sleep habits, diet, language, location, friends.. It's been tough.
Another thing Korea has helped me do is be more present in the moment. Even though wifi is everywhere, and I do have a cellphone, I don't have a Korean phone and rely on wifi for communication. Often this means I go a couple hours without having my fingers rapidly typing away on a tiny screen... I think it's a good change of pace, I've been able to watch the locals and pick up some of their mannerisms so that I don't disturb their culture. I have been able to find small moment very amusing, and I've also utilized this time without wifi to study ( on trains and buses). Korea has helped me learn how to study.
Though I lack confidence in my complete speaking ability, I am getting better. And though I lack a sense of direction in subways, I'm not afraid to try to tackle the metrosystem. I was able to show one of my friends around Jongno, insadong, and gangnam the other day. It was cool to feel like I know an area well enough to explain why it's important, what it's used for, when it's fun to go there, and any history of the location, as well as being able to suggest other places to check out in Seoul, next time.
I have also learned that if you want something done, and you can't do it yourself and HAVE to have someone else do it for you, it is okay to push for it and remind them why you need to have something done until the task is complete. After 3 months of nagging mr. Kim, Friday is my last day at gangnam YMCA. Another reminder to not stop trying. I will have a week off to go explore Seoul by myself. I'm going to utilize this time to go hike up mountains, practice my Korean, and go see parts of Seoul that I didn't get to see before. And maybe I'll go take a few day trip to busan. You never know.
Being away from home always makes you feel like you've lost contact with some old friends. However I have barely experienced this while being in Korea, makes me feel very fortunate for the friends that I have. I also have received two amazing care packages. One from Erin, my moms friend, that was so on point to everything I love and use when I'm sad- honey, tea, chocolate, and a beautiful new necklace to replace my bee necklace I got for my birthday. And mom sent me lucky charms, sour candy, and various other goodies that remind me just how loved I am. I hope that I give that much love and encouragement to others. My email got hacked.. So if you have emailed me.. I'm sorry. I can't retrieve it until I get back to the states. But rhysewilliams6295@gmail is still working and the best way to contact me. I would love emails with addresses so I can send out postcards. After a couple failed attempts, I finally have my needs from the Korean post office, met.
I'm doing a lot better, and though it was a struggle at first, moving in with the host family has been amazing for me. All my love to all of you.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Pray for Korea
This is a trending statement here, in Korea. But after the incident with the ferry crashing on the same day as the Titanic, I think it's a statement worth trending. Recap of what happened: A junior captain was driving the ferry holding about 400 people, most of them teenagers on a high school field trip on heir way to four days in Jeju, when it hit a rock. The captain told all the passengers to remain in their rooms and stay calm. The captain of the ship was the first to leave. Only 44 of the life rafts were deployed. The captain and crew has been given 5 years in jail for breaking maritime law. The vice principle of the school killed himself out of guilt for surviving. Only 32 bodies have been found. The other 300 something are still in the boat. With hypothermia it is expected that bodies exposed to water will only survive 90 minutes. Parents are sitting on the dock waiting for news about their children. This has been the only thing e seen since the incident happened. My coworker told me this is the worst crash in Koreas history.
Now there's nothing that brings people closer together than tragedy, and though it's sad, this remains the truest statement I have ever experienced. That being said, I miss home. And distance has made my heart grow fonder. This has been one of the most trying experiences I have ever embarked on, and mostly because I'm doing this without my mom or brother within driving distance away from me. Friday I had an emotional break down and just sobbed in a locker room for two hours. Luckily I have some of the best advise givers at my disposal. My brother told me exactly what I needed to hear to not go ahead and fly right back home. And Aurelie gave me an amazing idea to help try and prevent these emotions from popping up, again.
I'm also extremely lonely. Though living with a host family, and near Hannah is great, they are both so very busy that I don't really see either my family or Hannah as much as I would like to. I wasn't expecting to be this alone after having recently been surrounded by people every hour of every day. I guess that's what you get when you move away from roommates.
It's nice weather in Korea, which means tank tops. Unfortunately showing your shoulders in Korea or any of your upper arm is really bad. I had an ajuma yell at me today because I lifted up my arm and you could see my arm under my cardigan. Oh, let me tell you about the ajuma... The ajuma is an old Korea lady. These old Korea ladies are grandmothers, and they wear neon one colored running suits, hiking poles, and giant sun visors. They push you in the subway, they yell at you for doing anything wrong... I actually really admire them and want to be an ajuma when I grow up. Also Koreans seem to believe that it you sleep with a fan in the room you are going to die... I like sleeping cold, so I'm going to be pretty miserable pretty soon. I'm already waking up sweating.
I hope you are all well, and I hope my religious readers will pray for the families of those who died in the ferry, and my spritual readers will send positive energy and that everyone else will just hug someone they love, today. Just a reminder that lives are lost pretty quickly.
Now there's nothing that brings people closer together than tragedy, and though it's sad, this remains the truest statement I have ever experienced. That being said, I miss home. And distance has made my heart grow fonder. This has been one of the most trying experiences I have ever embarked on, and mostly because I'm doing this without my mom or brother within driving distance away from me. Friday I had an emotional break down and just sobbed in a locker room for two hours. Luckily I have some of the best advise givers at my disposal. My brother told me exactly what I needed to hear to not go ahead and fly right back home. And Aurelie gave me an amazing idea to help try and prevent these emotions from popping up, again.
I'm also extremely lonely. Though living with a host family, and near Hannah is great, they are both so very busy that I don't really see either my family or Hannah as much as I would like to. I wasn't expecting to be this alone after having recently been surrounded by people every hour of every day. I guess that's what you get when you move away from roommates.
It's nice weather in Korea, which means tank tops. Unfortunately showing your shoulders in Korea or any of your upper arm is really bad. I had an ajuma yell at me today because I lifted up my arm and you could see my arm under my cardigan. Oh, let me tell you about the ajuma... The ajuma is an old Korea lady. These old Korea ladies are grandmothers, and they wear neon one colored running suits, hiking poles, and giant sun visors. They push you in the subway, they yell at you for doing anything wrong... I actually really admire them and want to be an ajuma when I grow up. Also Koreans seem to believe that it you sleep with a fan in the room you are going to die... I like sleeping cold, so I'm going to be pretty miserable pretty soon. I'm already waking up sweating.
I hope you are all well, and I hope my religious readers will pray for the families of those who died in the ferry, and my spritual readers will send positive energy and that everyone else will just hug someone they love, today. Just a reminder that lives are lost pretty quickly.
Monday, April 14, 2014
남가 친구 is Korean for boyfriend
I have recently discovered that Koreans put a lot of emphasis on significant others. If you aren't pretty, you won't get a boyfriend. If you don't have a boyfriend, your social life is basically over and you're expected to be a grouchy old lady for the rest of your life.. This social expectation arises as early as US age 15. There are designated days out of every month for those in relationships. They wear cheesy couple outfits. Today my female coworker told me that I am prettier than I was when I first arrived and that I should have a boyfriend, now. This was weird for me, and I wasn't sure if I should consider it a compliment or not.. But so it goes. Koreans are a constantly surprising culture.
I have moved in with my host family, and I have lucked out. They own a Chinese restaurant, and though that means I really need to get over my dislike of noodles, I also get really good free food, and Hannah was able to be given part of that perk this last weekend. I live a block away from Hannah, so I never have to worry about being too lonely. The host family is really nice. I have two older sisters, US ages 19, and 21, and a little brother. The parents are both very sweet and my Korean has already improved a lot. They are okay with me going out and spending the night with the other volunteers, and they took me out to a Korean movie theater! Sehyun, my older sister, speak English very well. I share a room with her. The mom and one sister both have tattoos, which is extremely unusual for Koreans, so I lucked out getting a more relaxed family... Most of you knew about my fears of living with a traditional Korean family before I arrived. They also have a dog, so I have a furry friend to hang out with.
Work still sucks, I'm still trying to change projects. I still feel extremely useless in Korea and have talked myself out of buying a ticket home more than a few times. I appear to be the only volunteer not in love with Korea. I'm glad I came to Korea, though. I can now put a lot of the stereotypes I had for Koreans and Asians to rest. I have also made some great friends from around the world. Mom is worried that I will have a hard time coming back to the US after being in Korea, only I have to disagree... I am envious of those currently in the US. I'm here, though. And here I'll stay until my 6 months are done.. Almost half way through. I am constantly frustrated with the program I am with, and do not suggest it. Though everyone is lovely, I've had to be pushier and persistent than I have ever been comfortable with to get what I need done.
I had a dream last night about parilla's fish tacos.. I woke up rather depressed that I couldn't have some right then and there. The food is continually interesting for me. I recently realized that there is no difference between Korean breakfast lunch and dinner. So you get rice, meat, fried egg, and sea weed for almost every meal. It's not what im used to, but I'm getting fed, and the food is good.
I have a newly found respect for anyone and everyone who has ever lived with a host family. I now realize how awkward and uncomfortable it can be. My host family is super nice, and I feel so fortunate to have been placed with them... Even though Mr. Kim didn't even know their names when I moved in with them. But having been a host sister, I know what it can be like to have a stranger in your home and having to adapt for them. I know it's not always fun, but I hope my previous experiences will help make their time as a host family as easy as possible.
Hannah and I went a palace on saturday, don't ask me which one.. I can't spell or pronounce it... But $3 gets you into a traditional palace which is really awesome that it's so cheap. That's an awesome part about Korea. Nothing is expensive in relation to the US and Europe.
I'm missing home, again. I miss my friends, animals, and especially my family. Hope you are all well.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Saraksan
Hi all! Boy, I'm ready to come home. I guess it's just I really miss my friends and family. I have been fortunate to have had really supportive, loving, caring, funny, and creative friends and family. I have never been bored, and I have never once questioned if they cared about me, or appreciated me. I often wonder in Korea if I'm actually doing any good, or if my presence even matters.. this goes to all parts of life, here. But, I have some really good friends who remind me why I'm here when the going is tough, so thanks to those who send me those encouraging messages.
On Saturday we went to a Cherry Blossom Festival, it was beautiful to see all the cherry blossoms, but way too windy for us to actually appreciate the beauty. However, we all joked around, and made the most of our experience. Denise and I both played some drum like instruments that I'm assuming were traditional. Loren has those pictures, so I'll try to steal them and share them when I have the opportunity. I also tried some traditional Korean food. The weird list of food that I have tried in Korea is: Pig lung, pig intestines with noodles, bugs, and candied baby fish. I wouldn't suggest eating the lung, or the bug.. but the intestines with noodles are good, as long as you put salt on them, and I really enjoy eating the candied baby fish. I hope to eat live octopus here, soon! It's octopus season, so apparently it's the best time to go get your live octopus. I guess I'll have to expedite that cuisine choice.
Pigs lung
pig intestine
not bad..
just a really cool building that I am assuming has some Buddhist affiliation.
I'm in a Korean style gazebo
On Saturday we went to a Cherry Blossom Festival, it was beautiful to see all the cherry blossoms, but way too windy for us to actually appreciate the beauty. However, we all joked around, and made the most of our experience. Denise and I both played some drum like instruments that I'm assuming were traditional. Loren has those pictures, so I'll try to steal them and share them when I have the opportunity. I also tried some traditional Korean food. The weird list of food that I have tried in Korea is: Pig lung, pig intestines with noodles, bugs, and candied baby fish. I wouldn't suggest eating the lung, or the bug.. but the intestines with noodles are good, as long as you put salt on them, and I really enjoy eating the candied baby fish. I hope to eat live octopus here, soon! It's octopus season, so apparently it's the best time to go get your live octopus. I guess I'll have to expedite that cuisine choice.
Pigs lung
pig intestine
not bad..
Cherry Blossom Festival
I went to lunch at Hannah's host family's house today. Her mom made salad, a bacon cream pasta, and gave me fruit.. I felt like I was eating like a queen.. it was so nice to have fruit. I also got to meet my potential host sister, she didn't speak any English, but she seemed really nice.. hopefully this still follows through, I think I need to get out of the apartment for my own mental health. I tend to just shut myself in my room and won't go out unless it's a weekend. This is extremely bad for me, I never get the fresh air and sunshine I need to combat a bad day at work.. like every day. I will be Hannah's neighbor if I do indeed move in with this host family, and that is extremely exciting for me. Hannah lives in a beautiful location, two mountains on either side of her "city", and trees everywhere! We went on a small hike up Saraksan Mountain. We didn't go too far, and ended up playing in the water most of the time. It reminded me a bit of Shevlin Park, and I really miss Bend, and Oregon in general.
just a really cool building that I am assuming has some Buddhist affiliation.
I'm in a Korean style gazebo
Saraksan Mountain
Before we left for Korea, in our pre-departure training camp, we were talking about the culture shock symptoms. With cars and motor cycles driving on the side walk, and cross walks having a short time frame ( if it ends and you're still walking across the street, you'd better book it to the other side.... the cars don't care that you're there) and a long time in between the next green man allowing you to walk, it's no wonder I'm constantly surprised with Korea, and still experiencing culture shock. I think this a good thing, keeps me on my toes. Like my Baba says, there are so many different ways of life in this world, yet we are all so sure that ours is the best one to go by. I think it's important to go out and explore the world, and maybe take parts of culture home, but boy howdy, I miss America. Also, never ever push the cross walk button, apparently that's only for the disabled. Luckily, I heard about this before trying it out on my own.
There was a faulty address to the first one I put on here, so here's the updated one:
Rhys Williams
c/o Seoul YMCA 2 floor #208
Jongno 69, Jongno-gu
Seoul 110-753
Republic of South Korea
I hope you are all doing well! Cheers from the safer of the two Koreas!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Sky Blue
Unless the Korea is a lot like Oregon in it's unpredictable change of weather, it is Spring here in Seoul! The cherry blossoms are beautiful, and line the streets. Seoul is gorgeous when all the color is popping up. The blossoms come in white, light pink, and purple. The weather is nice, and approximately 70 F and 21 C. I guessed the number for Fahrenheit, just checked and I'm correct. I now understand Celsius, a cool tidbit of knowledge I have gathered during my time in Korea.
Now, I'm sure many of you have heard about the recent fire exchange between North Korea and South Korea. I have received a few emails/calls/texts etc. asking if I am okay, and for more information. Yes, a fire exchange happened, no, I'm not in any danger, no, there were not any casualties, and please, do not worry. When I first heard about this, I was a little frightened. As I have talked to a few of my friends during the Crimea situation, I thoroughly believed that if a 3rd World War was to occur, it would be set off by North Korea attacking South Korea.. or doing something similar in line of intelligence. I asked my coworkers about it, and my main boss man, Mr. Yu, told me to relax, that it happened often. Everyone else in the office who heard me bring it up, just kind of chuckled at the foreign girl. I was talking to Denise about it, afterwards, and she told me that she once had a similar reaction about North and South Korea conflict, until someone told her that, though North Korea has a lot of fire arms, but not the economical means to do anything about that. From what I have recently learned about both Koreas, through roommates, and coworkers, North Korea definitely has little to no economical wealth. So that is reassuring.
Korean's consider their culture very " Bbali Bbali" or, hurry hurry (the antithesis of my experience in South Africa). I don't actually consider it so, from an outsider looking in, Korea is just a big city, with a lot of people, who take forever to change anything. Now, I say this with a bit of annoyance directed at Gangnam YMCA, and how work STILL hasn't gotten better, and how none of the incoming ICYE volunteers- aside from the UK girls- knew where their projects were or what they were until after arriving to Korea. Otherwise, if you get outside of the hustle and bustle, you meet some of the friendliest, most good natured people. Now, if only they would just have more salads.
At work I have noticed that every English teacher uses the color "sky blue" a lot. At first I thought it was a weird New Zealand thing, not until I worked with another class did I realize that the kids REALLY like the color Sky Blue, an obsession, it has been called. I have also noticed that hand-bottom-contact is a physical form of a strong bond. I have been poked in the anus by children fingers, not something I really every wanted to experience, nor do I wish to experience it again. They also tend to grab your bottom. I have witnessed the swimming teachers pinch the bottoms of the little kids, now this isn't abusive, or at all negative, it's a form of a strong relationship, and trust, from what I understand. This would not fly, in the US, but nor would the behavior of half of the "Gangnam Brats", as I so charmingly named them. These kids are devils. The older they get, the worse they are. I know one thing, I am not above spanking my future kids. These kids have never been spanked, and really could use a good thwack on the rear every now and then.
Denise and I, burger buddies! After a usual obnoxiously terrible day at Gangnam YMCA.
My friend, Andy, went to a wedding last weekend- and is going to another one this weekend, so hopefully will take me, Hannah, and Loren- and he shared with me some of the videos he took during the ceremony. I had heard before that Korean weddings were basically like drive ins to just get hitched at and leave, and from what I could tell.. I have to agree. The bride and groom walk down a cat walk, get married, turn around, take pictures with the family, and then everyone leaves the wedding hall and go to a wedding reception, after. I didn't see any wedding party members, or the father of the bride, or anything in this wedding. Maybe I just missed it, but it looked very odd, something I wouldn't want on the day I get hitched. I hope that Andy can take Hannah, Loren, and myself, it would be an awesome thing to experience.
On Friday, Marcy, Claire, May, Loren, Andy, Geon Woo, Thomas, and I went to a jimjilbang. Now a jimjilbang is a Korean style spa. The girls and guys get separated for a while, while we are separated, both genders get to go experience wonderful hot baths and saunas. You're completely naked during this. The showering in front of everyone was a little uncomfortable, but then you remember, you're all just skin, bones, cartilage, blood, oxygen, organs.. nothing special, really, helps get rid of those awkward first feelings of vulnerability. Afterwards, you change into designated outfits, and then go down and we met up with the boys in a co-ed steam rooms. These go from 35 C to 76 C was the hottest one I saw, and then as low as 12 C. I went into one that was about 47 C and my cartilage piercings were getting so hot that it became painful. Luckily I had a towel that I wrapped around my face, and there is cold water that you sit in. You really feel pampered and refreshed after the jimjilbang and I'd really like to go to one, again.
As I think I said before, I have been promised a host family that lives really near to Hannah. However, it's been over a week since the first mention of this, and I have received no news. So, I'm beginning to think it won't happen, luckily I'm flexible. I'm really enjoying my time, here. Though work really sucks, misery sure does love company, and at least I have Denise to eat burgers with, and complain about how terrible Gangnam is. Today was so bad I bought myself a chocolate cake. Marcy, Hannah, Loren, Andy, and I are the 5 amigos, and I'm really excited about this new found friendship with Denise. I already know I will really miss these people when I leave, just as I miss my friends back home.. only I'll see my friends back home, and there's a large chance that I won't ever see half of these people again. I guess that's what happens when you travel. I still wouldn't choose to return to Korea after my time here is finished, however I am enjoying my stay here, more. I'm no longer homesick. I got a hair cut in Korea, and I love it. As usual, back to short. Marcy, Loren, and I also saw a mini riot/parade/something that involved police escorts and banners on Saturday that was really interesting to watch.. too bad I still can't understand any Korean. My Korean hasnt improved much, at all... Update: Hannah just informed me that the riot included the Korean Prime Ministers name, and the word withdraw, so I guess I saw something really interesting, and didn't even understand it.. Go language barriers, am I right?
entering the jimjilbang.. fairy lights!
Dragon Hill Jimjilbang had this cool guy standing guard.
I bought a sunhat in Insadong. Skipping down Insadong with Andy.
police escorts.
marches/riots/whatever is going on, here.
Andy and his girls. Loren, Marcy, and myself.
I found good pizza! I was so excited! Hongdae's Monster Pizza is really similar to Pizza Mondo.
Now, I'm sure many of you have heard about the recent fire exchange between North Korea and South Korea. I have received a few emails/calls/texts etc. asking if I am okay, and for more information. Yes, a fire exchange happened, no, I'm not in any danger, no, there were not any casualties, and please, do not worry. When I first heard about this, I was a little frightened. As I have talked to a few of my friends during the Crimea situation, I thoroughly believed that if a 3rd World War was to occur, it would be set off by North Korea attacking South Korea.. or doing something similar in line of intelligence. I asked my coworkers about it, and my main boss man, Mr. Yu, told me to relax, that it happened often. Everyone else in the office who heard me bring it up, just kind of chuckled at the foreign girl. I was talking to Denise about it, afterwards, and she told me that she once had a similar reaction about North and South Korea conflict, until someone told her that, though North Korea has a lot of fire arms, but not the economical means to do anything about that. From what I have recently learned about both Koreas, through roommates, and coworkers, North Korea definitely has little to no economical wealth. So that is reassuring.
Korean's consider their culture very " Bbali Bbali" or, hurry hurry (the antithesis of my experience in South Africa). I don't actually consider it so, from an outsider looking in, Korea is just a big city, with a lot of people, who take forever to change anything. Now, I say this with a bit of annoyance directed at Gangnam YMCA, and how work STILL hasn't gotten better, and how none of the incoming ICYE volunteers- aside from the UK girls- knew where their projects were or what they were until after arriving to Korea. Otherwise, if you get outside of the hustle and bustle, you meet some of the friendliest, most good natured people. Now, if only they would just have more salads.
At work I have noticed that every English teacher uses the color "sky blue" a lot. At first I thought it was a weird New Zealand thing, not until I worked with another class did I realize that the kids REALLY like the color Sky Blue, an obsession, it has been called. I have also noticed that hand-bottom-contact is a physical form of a strong bond. I have been poked in the anus by children fingers, not something I really every wanted to experience, nor do I wish to experience it again. They also tend to grab your bottom. I have witnessed the swimming teachers pinch the bottoms of the little kids, now this isn't abusive, or at all negative, it's a form of a strong relationship, and trust, from what I understand. This would not fly, in the US, but nor would the behavior of half of the "Gangnam Brats", as I so charmingly named them. These kids are devils. The older they get, the worse they are. I know one thing, I am not above spanking my future kids. These kids have never been spanked, and really could use a good thwack on the rear every now and then.
Denise and I, burger buddies! After a usual obnoxiously terrible day at Gangnam YMCA.
My friend, Andy, went to a wedding last weekend- and is going to another one this weekend, so hopefully will take me, Hannah, and Loren- and he shared with me some of the videos he took during the ceremony. I had heard before that Korean weddings were basically like drive ins to just get hitched at and leave, and from what I could tell.. I have to agree. The bride and groom walk down a cat walk, get married, turn around, take pictures with the family, and then everyone leaves the wedding hall and go to a wedding reception, after. I didn't see any wedding party members, or the father of the bride, or anything in this wedding. Maybe I just missed it, but it looked very odd, something I wouldn't want on the day I get hitched. I hope that Andy can take Hannah, Loren, and myself, it would be an awesome thing to experience.
On Friday, Marcy, Claire, May, Loren, Andy, Geon Woo, Thomas, and I went to a jimjilbang. Now a jimjilbang is a Korean style spa. The girls and guys get separated for a while, while we are separated, both genders get to go experience wonderful hot baths and saunas. You're completely naked during this. The showering in front of everyone was a little uncomfortable, but then you remember, you're all just skin, bones, cartilage, blood, oxygen, organs.. nothing special, really, helps get rid of those awkward first feelings of vulnerability. Afterwards, you change into designated outfits, and then go down and we met up with the boys in a co-ed steam rooms. These go from 35 C to 76 C was the hottest one I saw, and then as low as 12 C. I went into one that was about 47 C and my cartilage piercings were getting so hot that it became painful. Luckily I had a towel that I wrapped around my face, and there is cold water that you sit in. You really feel pampered and refreshed after the jimjilbang and I'd really like to go to one, again.
As I think I said before, I have been promised a host family that lives really near to Hannah. However, it's been over a week since the first mention of this, and I have received no news. So, I'm beginning to think it won't happen, luckily I'm flexible. I'm really enjoying my time, here. Though work really sucks, misery sure does love company, and at least I have Denise to eat burgers with, and complain about how terrible Gangnam is. Today was so bad I bought myself a chocolate cake. Marcy, Hannah, Loren, Andy, and I are the 5 amigos, and I'm really excited about this new found friendship with Denise. I already know I will really miss these people when I leave, just as I miss my friends back home.. only I'll see my friends back home, and there's a large chance that I won't ever see half of these people again. I guess that's what happens when you travel. I still wouldn't choose to return to Korea after my time here is finished, however I am enjoying my stay here, more. I'm no longer homesick. I got a hair cut in Korea, and I love it. As usual, back to short. Marcy, Loren, and I also saw a mini riot/parade/something that involved police escorts and banners on Saturday that was really interesting to watch.. too bad I still can't understand any Korean. My Korean hasnt improved much, at all... Update: Hannah just informed me that the riot included the Korean Prime Ministers name, and the word withdraw, so I guess I saw something really interesting, and didn't even understand it.. Go language barriers, am I right?
entering the jimjilbang.. fairy lights!
Dragon Hill Jimjilbang had this cool guy standing guard.
I bought a sunhat in Insadong. Skipping down Insadong with Andy.
police escorts.
marches/riots/whatever is going on, here.
Andy and his girls. Loren, Marcy, and myself.
I found good pizza! I was so excited! Hongdae's Monster Pizza is really similar to Pizza Mondo.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Differences
I got pink eye from swimming lessons with 2-3 year olds. I am currently quarentined in the flat. With all this time I have to ponder what I'm doing with my life, in Korea, and on my blog.. I have realized my blog has been extremely dry, lately. And I apologize. It's even boring me to read. So I'm going to spice it up a bit with doing some more comparisons and contrasts.
First off, my recent experience with the Korean doctor's office showed me how ridiculously expensive American health care is. I paid $23 USD for a check up, and medication. I also was surprised by how worried Koreans are if you get sick. I'm not a huge fan of going to hospitals, and if you have cold, you are give 10 pills to take a day for 7 days, and if you do not go to the hospital, you are highly pressured TO go to the hospital. They hand out medication like candy. In America, it would cost you the eye you were getting checked out. I was teased for being so shocked by how cheap my check up was. Having also lived with 5 Europeans for the last almost 2 months, I also realize just how much I wish for some changes in America. Don't get me wrong, I bleed red, white, and blue. I love fourth of July, and oh boy howdy, I am proud as can be to be a US citizen.. however I do completely feel that something should change in the health care scene.
Living with people from multiple different cultures is also extremely difficult. Although the UK and the US are very similar, we still have our differences in culture and what's acceptable... like for instant, closing doors. I have been struggling with adapting to living with such different cultures. Things that were drilled into my head as child, such as learning how to lower your voice, closing doors quietly, walking quietly, and not inviting people over after 8pm on a weekday, are things that apparently have not been taught around the world. I also thought that it was common to be quiet if someone in the house was sick. Noise pollution is something that I have never deemed acceptable or polite and a harsh " shut up!" is a very okay way to halt this noise pollution.. apparently other cultures don't find that acceptable. These are things that I have had to slowly adopt towards. And with the recent discovery of learning that I will soon be sent off to live with a host family, I will have to re-adapt to a different way of life, and a different family dynamic.
I am constantly being reminded how much your own personal space actually DOES affect others. Living with 5 girls has taught me to make sure that anything and everything in other's shared space should be cleaned up and not be in anyone else's way. One of the biggest issues in the house is dishes, garbage, cleaning bathrooms, and putting away laundry. Though the garbage is slowly but surely getting figured out, and more people are willing to take the garbage down when it is sitting at the front door. The biggest issue of late has been cleaning the rice cooker. The rice cooker gathers a bunch of gross slime whenever you cook rice. Often, Loren and I are the ones throwing out old rice, and cleaning up the cooker. I try not to leave dishes in the sink, and wash up my dishes immediately after I use them. Living with five girls is a constant lesson and growing experience, and I'm looking forward to sleeping in a quiet room without being woken half way through sleeping.
Another thing I've realized in Korea is how focused they are on one singular form of beauty. Plastic surgery in Korea is very common. I work in Gangnam so I see plastic surgery ads every five steps, probably even less. There are mirrors right next to the plastic surgery ads as well, so you see the Korean version of " beautiful" and then yourself. Because it's so common, plastic surgery is also extremely cheap. So, if you're interested in going to get plastic surgery, Korea's your location! The desired look for Korean women is : light skin, small nose, wide eyes with double eye lids, and a v shaped chin. You can buy skin whitening face cream, and stickers that will give you double eyelids. Diet pills are also extremely cheap, and prevalent in Korean society.
This is a snap shot of a commercial that I haven't really every understood, but it's obviously about fat removal on women.
Women especially are hyper vigilant about age and weight. I asked one of my coworkers one day what she will be doing this weekend, her response was " I'm going to go to the gym. I'm too fat". This surprises me, because as far as I can tell, she's a petite girl. Koreans put a lot of emphasis into having a fit body, which is awesome, but even good things in access is a bad thing. Most of the work places have had all the girls do a fitness test, and there's even a BMI test at the Gangnam information center. My coworker had also commented to me about how old she was.. She's 23 in Korea, 21 in America. I have befriended a 27 year old Korean girl ( 25 years old in America), and she also was commenting about how old she was. Now, as far as I'm aware, when you're in you're 20s in America, you're not considered old, you are still living a youthful life with a lot of life still to live. Oddly enough, in Korea you're almost expected to be married off at 25 Korean age. I'm 20, here, and I'm starting to get weird looks for not having a boyfriend. That was until I told my coworkers that having a boyfriend at my age is not something that is necessary to lead a successful social life.
Korea continues to surprise, amaze, and makes me reevaluate my own life. I cannot wait to see and experience other parts of the culture that continues to catch me off guard.
First off, my recent experience with the Korean doctor's office showed me how ridiculously expensive American health care is. I paid $23 USD for a check up, and medication. I also was surprised by how worried Koreans are if you get sick. I'm not a huge fan of going to hospitals, and if you have cold, you are give 10 pills to take a day for 7 days, and if you do not go to the hospital, you are highly pressured TO go to the hospital. They hand out medication like candy. In America, it would cost you the eye you were getting checked out. I was teased for being so shocked by how cheap my check up was. Having also lived with 5 Europeans for the last almost 2 months, I also realize just how much I wish for some changes in America. Don't get me wrong, I bleed red, white, and blue. I love fourth of July, and oh boy howdy, I am proud as can be to be a US citizen.. however I do completely feel that something should change in the health care scene.
Living with people from multiple different cultures is also extremely difficult. Although the UK and the US are very similar, we still have our differences in culture and what's acceptable... like for instant, closing doors. I have been struggling with adapting to living with such different cultures. Things that were drilled into my head as child, such as learning how to lower your voice, closing doors quietly, walking quietly, and not inviting people over after 8pm on a weekday, are things that apparently have not been taught around the world. I also thought that it was common to be quiet if someone in the house was sick. Noise pollution is something that I have never deemed acceptable or polite and a harsh " shut up!" is a very okay way to halt this noise pollution.. apparently other cultures don't find that acceptable. These are things that I have had to slowly adopt towards. And with the recent discovery of learning that I will soon be sent off to live with a host family, I will have to re-adapt to a different way of life, and a different family dynamic.
I am constantly being reminded how much your own personal space actually DOES affect others. Living with 5 girls has taught me to make sure that anything and everything in other's shared space should be cleaned up and not be in anyone else's way. One of the biggest issues in the house is dishes, garbage, cleaning bathrooms, and putting away laundry. Though the garbage is slowly but surely getting figured out, and more people are willing to take the garbage down when it is sitting at the front door. The biggest issue of late has been cleaning the rice cooker. The rice cooker gathers a bunch of gross slime whenever you cook rice. Often, Loren and I are the ones throwing out old rice, and cleaning up the cooker. I try not to leave dishes in the sink, and wash up my dishes immediately after I use them. Living with five girls is a constant lesson and growing experience, and I'm looking forward to sleeping in a quiet room without being woken half way through sleeping.
Another thing I've realized in Korea is how focused they are on one singular form of beauty. Plastic surgery in Korea is very common. I work in Gangnam so I see plastic surgery ads every five steps, probably even less. There are mirrors right next to the plastic surgery ads as well, so you see the Korean version of " beautiful" and then yourself. Because it's so common, plastic surgery is also extremely cheap. So, if you're interested in going to get plastic surgery, Korea's your location! The desired look for Korean women is : light skin, small nose, wide eyes with double eye lids, and a v shaped chin. You can buy skin whitening face cream, and stickers that will give you double eyelids. Diet pills are also extremely cheap, and prevalent in Korean society.
This is a snap shot of a commercial that I haven't really every understood, but it's obviously about fat removal on women.
Women especially are hyper vigilant about age and weight. I asked one of my coworkers one day what she will be doing this weekend, her response was " I'm going to go to the gym. I'm too fat". This surprises me, because as far as I can tell, she's a petite girl. Koreans put a lot of emphasis into having a fit body, which is awesome, but even good things in access is a bad thing. Most of the work places have had all the girls do a fitness test, and there's even a BMI test at the Gangnam information center. My coworker had also commented to me about how old she was.. She's 23 in Korea, 21 in America. I have befriended a 27 year old Korean girl ( 25 years old in America), and she also was commenting about how old she was. Now, as far as I'm aware, when you're in you're 20s in America, you're not considered old, you are still living a youthful life with a lot of life still to live. Oddly enough, in Korea you're almost expected to be married off at 25 Korean age. I'm 20, here, and I'm starting to get weird looks for not having a boyfriend. That was until I told my coworkers that having a boyfriend at my age is not something that is necessary to lead a successful social life.
Korea continues to surprise, amaze, and makes me reevaluate my own life. I cannot wait to see and experience other parts of the culture that continues to catch me off guard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)