Hello, Hello! Welcome to the new home for my ramblings. After a much-too-long haitus, I'm back and will hopefully put my nose to the grindstone on "this here blog." As you can see, I've moved everything over from my former blog, 'Travel for Travel's Sake,' to a FREE space. Isn't it quiant?
In the coming weeks, learn more about my backpacking trip through SE Asia, and my relocation to the Mini-Apple. Perhaps I can play tourist a bit between weddings and work this summer, and entertain you as I go.
Stay Tuned,
-Bets
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The First Waygook
As you know, I live in a small Korean town. It has all you need to survive and lead a healthy lifestyle: doctors, gym, dentist, pharmacies, herbal care, eye doctor, etc. I've heard of many people not trusting the local professionals as their English is poor. And yes, sometimes the results aren't what you want (sugar water injection, bad hair cuts, etc.). But really, I would rather try a local and make a relationship than drag myself to Seoul for a 20 minute doctor's appointment with someone who won't remember me from the last guy. You just need to have the gumption to try a local professional and know that it could flop or be a great find.
I believe this is why I was the first foreigner to grace not one office, but FIVE establishments! I popped the waygook cherry at the doctor, herbalist, dentist, public clinic, and hair dresser. Crazy! Each one offered a similar experience, and I returned to each one a happy customer. Here were my experiences:
The Doctor: I get sick fairly often, and it sucks. I asked my co-teacher for clinic suggestions and she gave me two options. Seeing both offices from the street, I opted for the clinic with cleaner windows (that's a good sign, right?). The nurses were very welcoming and escorted me to the doctor with minimal wait. Little did I know that my doctor got his medical degree in South Carolina and practiced in Tennessee. He explained he hadn't seen a foreigner in his office since he moved his practice from Seoul. He was essentially fluent in English and got better and better each time I saw him as we developed a great rapport. I would highly suggest him to anyone living in the area.
The Herbalist: Seeking further assistance with an illness, I decided to give acupuncture a go. When in Korea? My coordinator took me to see him and it appeared that we were both just as nervous to meet the other. We got through the first appointment fine without English (my coordinator translated) and then I went alone for my follow-up treatments. His English, too, blossomed and I'm told he now has more foreign patients than ever. Seriously, be kind to one foreigner because we will tell our friends!
The Dentist: After asking many of my co-workers what dentist they recommend, there was a clear consensus to visit one specific place not far from my house. When I arrived, I felt like I was in a ritzy hotel with a spiral staircase. The staff greeted and stared as I made my way to the dentist's chair...a chair that looked out over a view of the city. Already learning that check-ups were a bit abnormal, I gave it a try anyway and received a cleaning and check-up. Luckily, one woman was able to help me a bit as she was a dental assistant in the US for a number of years. She was shy, but very kind. After the doctor confirmed one cavity, I arranged to go in for a filling (cheap!). However, when I arrived a second dentist explained there wasn't a cavity, so instead I got another teeth cleaning for free! I didn't know why, but that's just the kind of service one doesn't expect!
The Hair Salon: Perhaps the experience I was most apprehensive about going into, was the hair salon. Whatever happened I was essentially stuck. She explained in Korean that I was her first foreign client and she appeared nervous. A woman shampooed my hair and then three people surrounded me looking puzzled by the mane before them. 'Oh boy,' I thought... In the end, everything turned out alright and the price was right! I could see everyone breathed a sigh of relief when I left.
Pop Pop!
-Bets
I believe this is why I was the first foreigner to grace not one office, but FIVE establishments! I popped the waygook cherry at the doctor, herbalist, dentist, public clinic, and hair dresser. Crazy! Each one offered a similar experience, and I returned to each one a happy customer. Here were my experiences:
The Doctor: I get sick fairly often, and it sucks. I asked my co-teacher for clinic suggestions and she gave me two options. Seeing both offices from the street, I opted for the clinic with cleaner windows (that's a good sign, right?). The nurses were very welcoming and escorted me to the doctor with minimal wait. Little did I know that my doctor got his medical degree in South Carolina and practiced in Tennessee. He explained he hadn't seen a foreigner in his office since he moved his practice from Seoul. He was essentially fluent in English and got better and better each time I saw him as we developed a great rapport. I would highly suggest him to anyone living in the area.
The Herbalist: Seeking further assistance with an illness, I decided to give acupuncture a go. When in Korea? My coordinator took me to see him and it appeared that we were both just as nervous to meet the other. We got through the first appointment fine without English (my coordinator translated) and then I went alone for my follow-up treatments. His English, too, blossomed and I'm told he now has more foreign patients than ever. Seriously, be kind to one foreigner because we will tell our friends!
The Dentist: After asking many of my co-workers what dentist they recommend, there was a clear consensus to visit one specific place not far from my house. When I arrived, I felt like I was in a ritzy hotel with a spiral staircase. The staff greeted and stared as I made my way to the dentist's chair...a chair that looked out over a view of the city. Already learning that check-ups were a bit abnormal, I gave it a try anyway and received a cleaning and check-up. Luckily, one woman was able to help me a bit as she was a dental assistant in the US for a number of years. She was shy, but very kind. After the doctor confirmed one cavity, I arranged to go in for a filling (cheap!). However, when I arrived a second dentist explained there wasn't a cavity, so instead I got another teeth cleaning for free! I didn't know why, but that's just the kind of service one doesn't expect!
The Hair Salon: Perhaps the experience I was most apprehensive about going into, was the hair salon. Whatever happened I was essentially stuck. She explained in Korean that I was her first foreign client and she appeared nervous. A woman shampooed my hair and then three people surrounded me looking puzzled by the mane before them. 'Oh boy,' I thought... In the end, everything turned out alright and the price was right! I could see everyone breathed a sigh of relief when I left.
Pop Pop!
-Bets
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A Teacher's Prayer
I'm coming up on one month since leaving Korea. My backpacking trip has been a blast, but I've been thinking a lot about my time teaching in "the land of four seasons." How are my students doing? Has the new guy adjusted to life in small town Korea? Is he good at volleyball? I wonder how the staff dynamic has changed.
When I return to the states, I'm looking forward to getting back into the classroom (whether abroad or at home). For any teachers who are still getting the feel for the classroom this semester, or are seasoned veterans in the field, please enjoy "A Teacher's Prayer" by Marsha Elyn Wright:
ABCs and 123s,
-Bets
When I return to the states, I'm looking forward to getting back into the classroom (whether abroad or at home). For any teachers who are still getting the feel for the classroom this semester, or are seasoned veterans in the field, please enjoy "A Teacher's Prayer" by Marsha Elyn Wright:
Help me be grateful
for the students who like to learn,
and feel challenged by those who don't.
Help me be thankful
for the students I love,
and understand those I'm learning to love.
Help me be motivated
by the students who learn to think,
and be committed to those afraid to try.
Help me be inspired
by the students who choose right over wrong,
and be patient with those who lack the courage.
Help me be gentle
with the students who make mistakes,
and learn to forgive a difficult child.
Help me be wise
with the students building character,
and be unwavering with those without conscience.
Help me be committed
to the students who are responsible,
and be persistent with those who value nothing.
Help me be calm
in the midst of violence,
and model self-control in the midst of anger.
Help me be faithful
in the days of discouragement,
and be dedicated to make one child smile.
ABCs and 123s,
-Bets
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Waygook Humor
When you come to Korea, you learn quickly that foreigners are a dime a dozen. If you thought you were the only one to have the idea to teach abroad/blog about it, think again. Most Koreans (and myself!) expect the foreigners they meet in Korea to be English teachers. Foreign English teachers are spread out over many small towns, rural areas, cities, and metro areas.
In Korea, I'm usually (USUALLY) impressed by the foreigners I meet as we are fairly like minded and often share in a specific humor, which I would like to call, "waygook humor." It's a mixture of making fun of yourself for being foreign, as well as the cultural differences/experiences which leave you laughing and sometimes completely confused. Of course, we have other things in common, but I really enjoy a good waygook joke from time to time.
Check out these sites to see what I mean. Waygooks, if you have any more suggestions, share the link in the comments section:
Still Laughing,
-Bets
In Korea, I'm usually (USUALLY) impressed by the foreigners I meet as we are fairly like minded and often share in a specific humor, which I would like to call, "waygook humor." It's a mixture of making fun of yourself for being foreign, as well as the cultural differences/experiences which leave you laughing and sometimes completely confused. Of course, we have other things in common, but I really enjoy a good waygook joke from time to time.
Check out these sites to see what I mean. Waygooks, if you have any more suggestions, share the link in the comments section:
- Kikin' it in Korea - A waygook life in GIFs
- Clueless Waygook Memes - Guy wears a 위국인 (waygook = foreigner) t-shirt
- Sh*t ESL Teachers Say - The YouTube sensation hit Korea, too
- Sh*t Korean Girls Say - I showed this to my CT, she couldn't stop laughing
Still Laughing,
-Bets
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
My First Korean Wedding
In March, I was pleased to be invited to my friend and co-worker's wedding. I was very excited to see a Korean wedding as I had heard a lot about my co-teachers' weddings. Mr. Kim had talked about getting engaged in January and I thought it was great news, though I was sad to think that I would miss his wedding. Little did I know that the wedding would occur in March: only three months after the engagement.
In Korea, engagements don't last long. Most weddings are held in wedding halls, large buildings with multiple floors of ball rooms/conference rooms/buffets. The wedding hall staff does all the planning and the only thing the couples need to worry about is the guest list.
Mr. Kim's wedding was in a wedding hall next to the beach near his fiance's hometown. It was a lovely afternoon and I was looking forward to the festivities and reconnecting with staff members who had recently transferred schools.
After our old school staff congregated in the lobby, we gathered up our money to give to the groom and his parents. No one was to give gifts, just cash. It's customary in Korea for the couple to make a list of all the money they received. In the future, they will be expected to reciprocate/exceed the given money if any of their friends or family marry in the future. So, if I gave $50, they would be expected to give $50 or more to me when I get married.
Upon presenting our monetary gift, we were given meal tickets to the wedding hall's buffet restaurant. A bit confused, but still following my fellow teachers, I went into the restaurant and ate lunch before the ceremony. There were giant plates of sushi, kimchi, noodles, onion rings, and more! It was the biggest spread I'd ever seen in Korea. As I was eating, I realized that I could be eating with guests of Mr. Kim or with any number of guests from other weddings in the hall. Regardless, we enjoyed the food and then headed into the ceremony area.
It looked like any other hotel banquet room. It was gussied up with fake pink and white flowers, ribbon, and white satin cloth. The bride and groom were in their Sunday best, the families in traditional hanboks, and the rest of the crowd was a mixture of ripped jeans, business suits, and pencil skirts. Tables were set up beside the aisle for grandparents and elderly to sit. Everyone else stood on the perimeter and watched. Though watch is a loose term... During the ceremony, most people were chatting with others, texting/talking on their cell phone, meandering back and forth, and overall not paying attention. I didn't understand why people were even there. Didn't you want to see the wedding?
The ceremony started with the usual blessings and welcome speeches. But then the emcee started to make the groom do embarrassing things, like take off his shoe and ask everyone for money throughout the room. It got more awkward as Mr. Kim was then forced to dance to an old Korean pop song as the crowd laughed with glee. And then it clicked...
There would be no reception. There would be no dancing. This was it. The wedding WAS the dollar dance. I felt cheated. Where was my dance floor? The toasting?
When it was all over, everyone posed with the couple for various prescribed group photos: family, extended family, co-workers, students, and friends. If you fit the category, you went for your picture. The process took awhile, but once our group picture was over, Mr. Kim looked straight at me and said, "Betsy, thank you very much for coming." I couldn't believe it. Of the 60 friends in his photo and countless other people before it, he turned to me and thanked me specifically.
With that, Mr. Kim and his bride were whisked away on their honeymoon and the rest of us hopped in our carpools for the afternoon drive home. It wasn't the day I was expecting, but I liked it all the same.
To the bride and groom,
-Bets
In Korea, engagements don't last long. Most weddings are held in wedding halls, large buildings with multiple floors of ball rooms/conference rooms/buffets. The wedding hall staff does all the planning and the only thing the couples need to worry about is the guest list.
Mr. Kim's wedding was in a wedding hall next to the beach near his fiance's hometown. It was a lovely afternoon and I was looking forward to the festivities and reconnecting with staff members who had recently transferred schools.
After our old school staff congregated in the lobby, we gathered up our money to give to the groom and his parents. No one was to give gifts, just cash. It's customary in Korea for the couple to make a list of all the money they received. In the future, they will be expected to reciprocate/exceed the given money if any of their friends or family marry in the future. So, if I gave $50, they would be expected to give $50 or more to me when I get married.
Upon presenting our monetary gift, we were given meal tickets to the wedding hall's buffet restaurant. A bit confused, but still following my fellow teachers, I went into the restaurant and ate lunch before the ceremony. There were giant plates of sushi, kimchi, noodles, onion rings, and more! It was the biggest spread I'd ever seen in Korea. As I was eating, I realized that I could be eating with guests of Mr. Kim or with any number of guests from other weddings in the hall. Regardless, we enjoyed the food and then headed into the ceremony area.
It looked like any other hotel banquet room. It was gussied up with fake pink and white flowers, ribbon, and white satin cloth. The bride and groom were in their Sunday best, the families in traditional hanboks, and the rest of the crowd was a mixture of ripped jeans, business suits, and pencil skirts. Tables were set up beside the aisle for grandparents and elderly to sit. Everyone else stood on the perimeter and watched. Though watch is a loose term... During the ceremony, most people were chatting with others, texting/talking on their cell phone, meandering back and forth, and overall not paying attention. I didn't understand why people were even there. Didn't you want to see the wedding?
The ceremony started with the usual blessings and welcome speeches. But then the emcee started to make the groom do embarrassing things, like take off his shoe and ask everyone for money throughout the room. It got more awkward as Mr. Kim was then forced to dance to an old Korean pop song as the crowd laughed with glee. And then it clicked...
There would be no reception. There would be no dancing. This was it. The wedding WAS the dollar dance. I felt cheated. Where was my dance floor? The toasting?
When it was all over, everyone posed with the couple for various prescribed group photos: family, extended family, co-workers, students, and friends. If you fit the category, you went for your picture. The process took awhile, but once our group picture was over, Mr. Kim looked straight at me and said, "Betsy, thank you very much for coming." I couldn't believe it. Of the 60 friends in his photo and countless other people before it, he turned to me and thanked me specifically.
With that, Mr. Kim and his bride were whisked away on their honeymoon and the rest of us hopped in our carpools for the afternoon drive home. It wasn't the day I was expecting, but I liked it all the same.
To the bride and groom,
-Bets
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
One Car, Two Car, Black Car, White Car
"Harry," said Dwayne. " I have some news for you: modern science has given us a whole lot of wonderful new colors, with strange, exciting names like red!, orange!, green!, and pink!, Harry. We're not stuck any more with just black, gray, and white! Isn't that good news, Harry?"
-Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of Champions
I am not an expert on car ownership in Korea, but the hoards of vehicles in this country is similar to the US. As home ownership is pretty rare, Koreans seem to use their cars as a status symbol. I chatted with a friend about dating in Korea, and she told me she checked out guys' cars to learn more about them. She said she was very impressed by European imports (wealthy) and put off by small, colorful, Korean cars (poor).
In the US, people drive all sorts of cars from beaters to Beamers. Living in a town of 8,000, people knew I was driving by because of my car's make, model, and color. I was one of two people with the same car. Two. Our cars were unique and as for my younger demographic: our cars had more to do with function than form.
In Korea, people seem to stick to a pretty set list of car makes and models. Most of the young professionals I've met have bought new models of the latest Kia or Hyundai. Beyond similar models, they are all the same colors: grey, black, white, and tan. In a large parking lot, there may be one or two colored cars out of hundreds. Clearly, Vonnegut's words didn't ring true in South Korea.
A Korean friend tried to explain their reasoning for the color choices. They said that since VIPs and CEOs drive neutral colored European imports, the rest of the country thought their cars should mimic them with similar designs. I don't know if it's true, but something clearly stuck and continues to echo throughout dealership showrooms around the country.
So, how does this affect me?
In the small school parking lot there are about 12 vehicles. I've probably gotten a ride from each teacher at least once or twice. But, to be honest, if someone asked me: Where is the English teacher's car? I would have no clue. I know it's tanish-greyish...or maybe it's white? It has the blue foam bumpers on it (like most do). I could probably whittle the list down to 6 cars, but that would just be nixing the black cars in the parking lot. I consider myself pretty observant, and I just don't understand how this is so difficult. Parking lots are tricky places...
Vroom,
-Bets
Friday, August 31, 2012
The (Korean) End
Today is my last day of teaching in Korea. It's been quite a year with lots and lots of great memories. I've gotten to meet some amazing people who I will miss a ton. I don't want to make this some Miss Pageant farewell letter, but I hope those I've met here know how much I've enjoyed their company and insights. It definitely feels way WAY too soon to leave. I can't say much else as I'm a mix of emotions: sad, anxious, exhausted, excited, lonely, over-the-moon, butterflies...
So, now what?
Well, I'm moving out my apartment today to make way for my replacement. I also am cancelling every Korean service I have this afternoon. The logistics of moving don't really change from one culture to the next, do they? Tonight there is a joint going away party and then it's life in a backpack for the next 50+ days. Myself and a friend will be exploring Southeast Asia including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. We are ready for adventure and I will be sure to relay stories when I return.
In the meantime, I have scheduled blog posts to continue in my absence. You'll hear more about my time in Korea and I'll attempt to make up for my extended departure from the internet in August (sorry about that, vacation beckoned). Be sure to check out the new summer photos as well. When I get home I should have some time to edit my hours of video and share some more memories. Jet lag and all...
'Til then,
-Bets
So, now what?
Well, I'm moving out my apartment today to make way for my replacement. I also am cancelling every Korean service I have this afternoon. The logistics of moving don't really change from one culture to the next, do they? Tonight there is a joint going away party and then it's life in a backpack for the next 50+ days. Myself and a friend will be exploring Southeast Asia including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. We are ready for adventure and I will be sure to relay stories when I return.
In the meantime, I have scheduled blog posts to continue in my absence. You'll hear more about my time in Korea and I'll attempt to make up for my extended departure from the internet in August (sorry about that, vacation beckoned). Be sure to check out the new summer photos as well. When I get home I should have some time to edit my hours of video and share some more memories. Jet lag and all...
'Til then,
-Bets
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)