Sightseeing part 1

Yesterday, Latanya and I decided to take a Saturday trip into to Seoul and see some sites. Latanya left it up to me to pick our destination. I wanted to see Itaewon, and then go to the N Seoul Tower. Itaewon is a district full of western amenities and the N Seoul Tower is just like any large needle in the sky, it is in the geographic center of the city with gorgeous panoramic views. We woke up at the same time we normally do to go to work at about 7am (Dad now I know why you still wake up yearly on the weekends). We took our time getting ready and I mapped out our route, which included our bus to the subway and then our walking trail. Let me first say just like any map the distance between anything appears to be closer than they are. Also, the geography of the mountainous terrain in Seoul appeared to be smaller on the map than in reality, which we would soon find out.
By the time we left it was about 9am made our way to E-Mart and hopped on the bus 165. {A quick side note: The other day we were at our normal subway station Donong and we attempted to take our bus home when Lt's co-teacher neglected to tell us, that the bus 165-3 was not the same as the 165. Logically, I thought that it would eventually branch on to another route. But I thought that it would do that after our stop. This was not the case and we ended up practically in North Korea. We got off and grabbed a taxi back home. So from now on we know only to take the 165 without any dashes. }
The bus arrived after a few minutes. We took it to our subway stop, which was about 10 minutes or so of a ride. Once at Donong station we hopped on to our train, now with a T-Money card . The T-Money card is used for the Seoul's public transportation. It's good for the subway and buses. Basically you add as much money to it as you want and swipe it either when you enter the bus or the subway station. And as you exit either one you swipe it again and it subtracts a certain amount of money, depending on the distance of your trip as well as the amount transfers you made. The card makes traveling so much more efficient and less stressful, at least for us.
Our subway line kind of took us where we wanted to go. It was a twenty five minute ride from our station to Hannam station. Hannam is located near the Han river and just south of the area we wanted to see, Itaewon. Our map does not have every street on it and provides only a basic over view of the city, with little landmarks pointed out. So with my great sense of direction we began to make our way.
In the direction we were going there were numerous homes and buildings nestled into the mountainous landscape. It reminded us of San Fran. Well knowing that we were headed in the right direction we began climbing the hills. As we were making our way we heard people talking in English and were suddenly feeling a little happier. We finally made it up our first big hill, which took about 15 minutes or so. Once at the top we saw the Itaewon Hotel, and we knew we had arrived at our first destination. Latanya saw some signs in English and was relieved. We saw all sorts of non Korean restaurants, such as, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French and many American chains. We made the decision to make our way towards the N Seoul Tower which was my main objective on the day. After the tower we would come back and take a stroll through the district.
From our vantage point we could not see the tower but I knew the general direction. With no signs for the tower we chose a worthy street and started another incline. We zigged and zagged up different streets hoping to arrive at the top soon. The incline became steeper and the houses much nicer. It was like climbing the Hollywood hills. Every house was big, built into the hillside and had primo security. The cars that drove by were all luxury. Typically the average Korean drives a Hyundai, Daewoo, or Kia but all the cars we were seeing were BMW, Mercedes or Lexus.
After walking up the steep Korean Hollywood hills we made it to a plateau where we saw the Grand Hyatt hotel. This was good to see because from the train station earlier we were able to see the Hyatt and knew the tower was in the distance behind it. We kept walking and arrived at yet another hillside, except this one was all forest. The hillside was no longer a hillside instead it was the Namsan mountain home to the N Seoul Tower.

Comments

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Dan N Tan

Korean apartment pictures

Picture1&2: Our Building in Hopyeong Dong
Picture 3: The stairway
Picture 4: Key less entry
Picture 5: Foyer
Picture 6: Kitchen
Picture 7,8,9: Dining and Living Room with fridge
Picture 10: Heated Floor
Picture 11,12: Bathroom... yes that's the shower
Picture 13,14: Laundry room
Picture 15: Dryer
Picture 16: Master Bedroom (Right), Office (Left)
Picture 17: The office/ spare bedroom
Picture 18: Wallpaper
Picture 19: Walk in closet..lol
Picture 20, 21: Race car bed
Picture 22,23,24: View 1,2,3
Picture 25: Window to cover up the view

Try finding this 병원...Our Hospital Trip

As for our trip to the Hospital we were given directions to go into the city by ourselves, and to pick up our results from our physical. Well one would think it wouldn't be too hard to go back to a place we were before. However, we were driven there the first time, and this time we were taking public transportation, by ourselves.
We were told to meet each other at a common area between both of our schools. We had not talked to one another about it we just knew we had to find one another. The map I was given was clearly incorrect because I was waiting on a corner across from the station where I was told I would find an E-Mart, for twenty minutes. There was a chill in the air and I knew it was the wrong place, but knew if I would start walking around that Latanya would come by and I would miss her. So without a cell phone or any other communication other than my voice, I stood there patiently. I was practicing my Korean by repeating the name of the station over and over aloud (this would turn out to be helpful later). So after my waiting for twenty minutes I see Latanya in her purple coat waving at me across the street.
We meet up and she shows me where she was waiting in front of the E-Mart which just so happens to be a block away from where my poorly drawn map had shown. She had instructions for our journey to the hospital. We hopped into a cab and showed the driver the station that was written down on Lt's paper. He dropped us off at Donong station where we were to get on the subway.
It was our next situation when I thought a conversation Lt and I had once. Latanya once asked me if I would choose her to be my partner on the Amazing Race. It was for the this situation following that I would most certainly not have her as a partner. We walked into the station and approached the foreign contraption Koreans call a ticket machine. We started to push buttons for English and we thought we were in business. Not so fast. In order to purchase a ticket we found out that you need to know where you will be getting off. That would be easy if the stations were in English not Korean as they were. Well we tried to match the symbols up but had no luck. We also could not figure out how to do round trip which it shows a button for but doesn't work. After five minutes of frustration Latanya throws her hands up and says I don't know. She continues to be flustered and me also confused and frustrated say I don't know either. We look at each other hoping the other had a great idea to get us out of our jam and nothing happens. As if we thought the tickets would magically come flying out of the machine or something. After another few minutes go by and more buttons are frustratingly pushed a nice old man came up to us and tried to help us but he himself was unable to figure it out. And then a teenager in a Detroit Tigers hat helped us. We showed him our destination on the paper and he pushed a bunch of buttons and then we inserted the money and the tickets came out. We were very grateful and relieved because we were on a time schedule which just put more pressure on us because this trip was only supposed to be an hour to and from. We were already pushing thirty minutes and we haven't even got on the subway yet.
Finally on the subway, once we discussed and figured out which platform to get on, we waited for ten minutes for the next train. We got on and we only needed to go two stops. The Korean subway was very clean and the ride really smooth. We got off and Latanya told me the next instructions which were to exit Gate 2 and find the main street. It was then when I repeated, find the main street. What in the hell is that suppose to mean. One: what qualifies as a main street? Two: what do we do when find the main street, left, right, straight??? And Three: Was the hospital even on the main street? We had no street name no address and no real direction. So we started off using our intuition and my good sense of bearings. It lead us to a street, but not nearly main enough, which lead us to a hospital. Lt was convinced it was the one we were at before. I was not. At closer glance it was not. We then asked a nice old lady where the hospital was and pointed to writing on the paper. She gestured, from what I translated to, go up this big ass hill and keep going until you hit the "Main Street" and make a left. Lol.
So we continued to hike, and hike. We finally found a large street which was "Main Street" eligible. We made a left and found the hospital. We went in side, showed them our paper and received our results. We both thought they could have very easily mailed us these stupid little papers to our schools. But whatever we got there with five minutes to spare before closing, and an hour and fifteen minutes into our hour trip.
We went back out on to the "Main Street" and hike down to the station. We bought our tickets with no help and with ease this time. We waited another ten minutes and got on our train and headed back to Donong station. We got off and looked at our paper to realize it did not have the return destination written down. AHHHHHH! So we confirmed Latanya's co-teacher does not give good directions. So we were panicking as we walked to the taxi line. And then I remembered the train station that I was repeating aloud earlier on the corner. So we approached the cabbie and I said in my best Korean accent, PyeongnaeHopyeong Station?? And he.........nodded yes and we were so relieved. We hopped in and made our way back to the E-Mart and then walked to Latanya's school where we met Michelle. After two hours of a one hour trip we finally made it. It was then she drove us to our apartment. Wow what a trip? So that the latest everyone.
Dan

Our New Apt

So first off, the Beyonce kid was hilarious.
Anyways, we finally got out of our one room motel/hotel. We moved into our new place two days ago and we love it. It's brand new, just built with the smell of fresh paint. We have new appliances and a small balcony. It's on the third floor so not too high of a climb. The building is rather small only a total of eight units. So no need for an elevator.
Our door has a key less entry. There is a little keypad for a code. Once you punch in the code a little jingle plays and in you go. When you go through the front door the first thing you see is a built in shelving unit, for coats and shoes. Turning to the left there is a little step up and suddenly you're in the living room. Connected to the living room is the bathroom on left; the balcony straight ahead; the two bedrooms are on the right hand side next one another. And the kitchen is behind you connected with the living room in the same open space. The refrigerator is on the opposite side of the kitchen counter next to the balcony. The living space is rather small but a good size for Korean standards.
The bathroom consists of a toilet, a sink, a medicine cabinet, and a shower head attached on the wall over the sink. It's the size of most people's closet. The shower shares the same floor as the toilet with one drain in the middle. Let's just say the whole room gets wet when you take a shower.
Our bedrooms were provided with a bed we had to put together. Every time we sit on it, it feels like it's going to break. Also, it's extremely hard. Apparently Koreans like the feeling of sleeping on the floor but higher up. It might as well be a piece of wood propped up on cinder blocks. Our backs are slowly adjusting to the stiffness of the mattress. The bed is also the size of those race car beds for kids, except with an modern adult style headboard. When we first lied down I was like, Latanya move to your side, and she said she already was. We both cracked up. Michelle, Latanya's co-teacher told us we should buy another one and push them together. Seriously it's the size of a twin but smaller. Well maybe not smaller but at least the same size, and for two people, C'mon.
In the other room there is a small free standing closet, a desk and a chair. And that was it. There is no other furniture in the apartment. We were like, where is everything else? Michelle said we had to buy any other furniture. We said that couldn't be right. It was supposed to be fully furnished. So the next day I talked to my co-teacher and she said they would buy us some more furniture and she would talk to me about it today. So we were relieved to hear that. As of right now all of our suite cases are all over the place because we have no where to store our stuff.
The other night once we moved in we went to E-Mart, which is there version of Wal-Mart. But think of Wal-Mart on steroids. You could compare Juan Pierre vs. A-Rod, A-Rod being E-Mart(Perfect Example). E-Mart is like a Super Target, a Macy's and an Ikea all rolled into one. It's five stories with escalators that can hold your carts and it has anything you could ever need. We just needed to get a few supplies like a pan, silverware and a few groceries. E-Mart is only a five minute walk away, so it's very convenient.
Our neighborhood is really up and coming. We have dozens of restaurants on our street alone. There are also many bars. I can't wait to try the local brew, non lite anyway. There is also a movie theatre near the E-Mart as well as more restaurants and clothing stores. Our neighborhood has everything we need, food, clothes, entertainment and beer. What more could we ask for (Michael: I'll make sure to scope out all the good bars for you when you fly out).
A trip into Seoul isn't that long. Maybe 25 to 30 minutes. We have to get on a bus and take it to the Subway and from there it goes straight into the metropolis. Are city of Namyangju is pretty big too, its population is over 500,000.

Beyonce eat your heart out

I get to school this morning and this little boy is following me. I introduce myself and use my English 1 introduction skills Hello! Name is Latanya. What's your name? Nice to meet you. Good bye. The boy answers my questions in perfect English but he looks confused when I tell him my name (I don't remember his name). I go into the teachers lounge and I am getting ready for class with Myuang and Michelle drinking my Korean coffee and there's a knock on the door. Here is the little boy again he asks me my name and I tell him Latanya but he still has a confused look on his face. Michelle says this is one of my six grade students and he couldn't wait to meet the new English teacher. In my head I'm thinking this is why the boy has been following me around school this morning. So at lunch Michelle tells me the little boy thought the new English teacher was Beyonce and wanted to meet her...lol. I guess if I'm Beyonce Daniel's is Jay Z.
Tan

After School Activities - Dan

So after school yesterday there was a party with the school faculty. We all left at 5pm and drove to a near by restaurant. The place had an open floor concept, with separate private rooms in the back. My school had reserved a room for all of us. There were about 30 people all together. The tables were low to the ground with pillows alongside. We all took our shoes and coats off and sat down. There were a few people already there and were cooking food already. In the center of each table was a round grill just like in the picture below. The servers brought uncooked meat and one person was in charge of the grilling. As the food became cooked each person took as they pleased. On the rest of the table there were other foods like Kimchi, salad and more Kimchi. There were also many dipping sauces for the meat. We ate grilled beef, pork, ribs and duck. Earlier in the day Grace had asked me if I ever had duck before and I said no. I had thought she said dog at first and was shocked to be asked that. After a few minutes of being on different pages I explained I heard dog not duck and she cracked up in laughter. She said there was no way she would ever eat dog, and I said good.
Anyways dinner was coming along nicely. I sat next to a man who wanted to practice his English and asked me several questions. The men all asked me if I wanted some Soju. Soju is a sweet potato vodka. I tried the cheap version and then the better stuff. It tasted like a sweet type of vodka. It was good and easy to drink. It's a Korean tradition when offering to take a shot with someone that the one who offers, hands there shot glass to the other person. Then they pour and the receiver takes the shot and then hands the glass back and fills it up again, and the other person takes a shot. It's a way showing respect and welcoming the other person. Next thing I knew I was being offered a few shots back to back to back. And towards the end of dinner I shared a shot with my principal and two with my vice principal. I just know that this would never happen back home. Everyone was so nice and I got to learn a lot about Korean culture. I talked to many teachers and I was asking Heather if this was an annual party. She responded with no they do it at least once a month. I was like, wow! Once a month! The dinner was completely informal even though the setting was rather formal. People talked and got along so well. The majority of the teachers at my school are in there twenties, so everyone is fairly young. It makes for a fun environment.
After dinner we all continued the party at a karaoke lounge. There karaoke lounges consist of different rooms you can rent out that have a karaoke machine, seating and a few tables in the middle. On one wall next the machine there was a giant flat screen to watch the words, with music videos in the background. When I got there the principal and vice principal were already going at it, with some Korean pop song. It was so funny how they got so into it. They told me to pick a song and get up there. I felt a little pressured but chose a song and grabbed the mic. I chose "Oh Darling" by the Beatles and started wailing. I was so good that the vice principal started a Daniel, Daniel, Daniel chant. LOL. I had so much fun. There was more Soju and beer to go around and this was all on a school night. The Soju was only about 13% alcohol and was equivalent to most wines. So when you take small shots it does not hit you as hard. But let's just say that it hit some harder than others.
My principal was a little wasted. He kept hugging me and saying thank you (he must have loved my signing). Heather later translated for him and he said I reminded him of his youngest daughter's situation. She is currently living in D.C. and working for the government or something. Regardless I just know that it's not too often you can have that kind of fun with your principal and co-teachers. The night was getting late and a few teachers drove me home where I found Latanya asleep. I was sorry that she missed all the fun because I know she would have loved it. Maybe next time.
Well as for today it's been normal. I did some teaching and Kate my other co-teacher used a song for her class to help with the English learning. It was "As Long as You Love Me" by the Backstreet Boys, classic 1997. It was certainly entertaining to hear the sound for four different classes three times each. I should have sang that song for karaoke. LOL. One more thing. I had this curry soup today at lunch. It was awesome, just add some rice and it was heaven in my mouth. Until next time.
Dan

Korean Food

I am one of the world's pickiest eaters besides my wonderful sister. I have tried some stuff in last two days that wouldn't even take a second glance at. Yesterday for lunch my principal, vice principal, two school administrators, and co teachers took me to lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant in Namyangju. We took our shoes off and sat Indian style at this long wooden table. The waitress brought out several little bowls of food it reminded me of buffet style dining. I was really scared looking at all the foreign food I bet I had this look on my face like what did I get myself into. Everyone kept suggesting I try something and I felt pressured to try everything...so I put on my best Karen Layne impression and said a little prayer: please God don't let me embarrass myself in front of my co workers and please...please let this food taste good. I did use a fork because my chopstick skills aren't the best. I loved everything I ate but don't ask me what I ordered cause I have no idea. My co workers were really pleased that I tried everything and thanked me for being so open to their culture.
Pangok elementary doesn't have a cafeteria on the basement floor there is a huge kitchen where the students parents and a chef cooks traditional Korea food everyday and delivers it to the students classroom. The staff has a teacher’s lounge where the teachers gather to eat. Today, my co teachers kept offering me food and the pressure was on. I'm 2-0 with Korean food it is so delicious I wish I could remember what I had (tomorrow I will take a notebook so I can write down what I eat). I used chopsticks and it wasn't bad at all. After lunch, a few science teachers got together with the ESL teachers for coffee and tea (at school the drinks aren't served with food). Korean coffee (yummy) this particular type is instant it comes in a long, medium, individual sized packet all you do is add hot water. The teachers kept asking me questions about my husband in my head I was thinking are they in love with him too but they haven't met him...lol

Tan

My First Two Days - Dan

Well after I was dropped off at my school, Baekbong Elementary, I was greeted by an assistant of the English program. Her name is Heather. She was the same one who met us at our hotel. She proceeded to bring me inside. I was nervous to a certain extent but surprisingly I was calm and cool. We first stepped inside and I had a little cube with my name on it and inside there were a pair of sandals. I slipped them on and we went up to the teacher's lounge. The school was filled with excited students, for it was the first day of there new school year. The teachers on the other hand were running around trying to prepare themselves for a hectic day. We walked into the lounge and I met some teachers and the faculty. I was then taken up stairs to the fifth floor and met my two co-teachers. They gave themselves English nicknames to make it easier for me to address them. One was Grace who I would be assisting most of the time. The other was Kate and it was her first day at the school as well as mine. She was as nervous as I was. After we met we went back down to the teacher's lounge and I met the Principal and Vice Principal. Just like Latanya, my Principal did not speak any English, so I had a translator. He asked me the same questions that Latanya was asked. It just so happened to be his first day as well at this school. After meeting them I was introduced to the rest of the faculty and stood up and bowed. A few minutes later the Vice Principal introduced all the new faces on there T.V. broadcasting show held in the next room. I got up on a podium and said a few words and introduced myself on the air. I was extremely calm for some reason. I know back home I dread public speaking but for some reason here I don't mind.
Next I was given a tour of the grounds and met some more people. Everyone was so inviting and pleasant. I was shown to my new desk and computer. Once lunch time came around my co-teachers and I went to the cafeteria and ate. That was an experience. Only the first and second graders eat there, as well as the teachers. All the other grades eat in there classrooms. Basically we grabbed a metal tray with five separate indentions in them. We picked up our silverware, which consisted of a metal spoon and metal chopsticks (good thing I am already a pro at using chopsticks). We then followed down the line and received our food one scoop at a time. Traditional Korean meals consist of three basic foods and then added courses like rice and noodles etc. The three main dishes are Kimchi, Soup and some sort of Meat. That day we had, cold Kimchi, a seaweed soup, white rice, a beef mixture with vegetables and an egg quiche, I think. It was all delish. It is also customary not to drink while eating. So once we were all done we poured out our unfinished food into a metal container, which looked like they recycle for compost or something. Then we put our trays and soup bowls away as well as the silverware. After that we proceeded to what looked to be a soft served ice cream dispenser but in reality was only a water cooler, hot and cold. The cups were right next to the despenser in a refrigerated shelving unit. After washing our meals down we whiped our faces with a napkin which were located next to the water.
After lunch Grace, Kate and I met with the P.E. teacher and the Art teacher and had coffee and tea. We chatted a little bit. They asked me some questions about myself and I to them. It was a nice relaxing time. Once our lunch period ended we all went back to our offices. Not too long after that I was summoned by Heather telling me that Latanya and Michelle were waiting down stairs for me to go to the hospital.
I greated both my wife and Michelle and we drove into Seoul for our physicals. The hospital was small. I think it was just a small clinic. We literally went in and out, no waiting at all. With the exception of me not filling my urine sample up enough, oops. The nurse called me back to try again so I had to drink a ton of water to get the urge again. The first time I had to go really bad so I had brilliant idea of peeing into the toilet and then moving the cup into the stream at about half way so I wouldn't over flow it. Well before I knew it I was almost done and only got a sprinkle. Well seven cups full of water later they got there sample. I know too much information, but a funny story none the less. They basically did a normal physical including a blood sample, the nurse was really good. I hardly felt a thing. After that Michelle drove us home and we went to get some munchies and watch some movies.
Today we were picked up at 8:00am again. Michelle dropped me off and I said goodbye to my lovely wife. I got to school, put my sandals on and went up to my fifth floor office. Grace and Kate soon followed in and we were soon going to our first class. Grace gave me a quick run down of our lesson for the day. She showed me our worksheet and let me know to basically follow her lead and help out where I could. The children soon flowed in and we were on our way. Grace sat them down boy girl boy girl. She introduced herself and then me. We asked the children if they had any questions. The most popular one of the day was how old I was. I don't know if they were shocked of how young I was or that I look much older than I am. Either way they all gasped at the notion. Other questions were, am I married, where do I come from, do I speak Korean and what's my favorite food? I was not surprised that when I said that Mexican food was my favorite, they all scratched there heads and had no idea what I was talking about. We had four different classes come in. We basically did a dialogue and gave them some vocabulary. There was a lot of speaking and repeating. In the later classes we started to ask questions about the dialogue. I was certainly impressed with some quick and accurate answers.
After the classes we went to lunch in the cafeteria. Ate similar food from the day before with a different soup and some paddies of some sort with ketchup. It was all really good. We all met for coffee and tea again, and discussed many different subjects. The P.E. teacher was telling me how he must enlist into the Army next year. It is mandatory for every male able to enlist for two years either after high school or college. He delayed his an extra year to start teaching.
Now I am just sitting at my desk writing on the blog. There is a after school staff party later. It sounds like it will be fun. Well I hope my first two days read as exciting as they have been.
Dan

First Day of School- Tan

It's 2 a.m. and I just can't sleep it's a combination of the time difference and nervousness (Daniel has the time difference down and is sleeping like a baby). I pass the time by watching movies and t.v. on Graboid which is like netflix on the internet. At 7 am, the alarm goes off and we start to get ready for the day...this experience feels like being 12 all over again on the first day of school. At 8am Michelle my co teacher from Pangok elementary picked us up and drove us to our schools. First, we dropped Daniel off to school it’s a bittersweet feeling because this is the first time in 3 years we will not be working together. Michelle then drives me to Pangok Elementary we are greeted by hundreds of laughing children who are excited to back on the first day of school and have a new English teacher.
Michelle introduced me to the principal and vice principal. The principal doesn't speak any English so Michelle translated the conversation for me...he asked me basic questions like what's my name?, what's my major?, and where I'm from? I met the vice principal who speaks a little English and is always cracking jokes. Michelle taught me how to greet the school administration and my colleagues. I have to do a slight head bow it's saying hello while showing respect and if I am sitting down when the principal or vice principal enters the room I have to stand up until they leave the room.
I also have another co teacher named Myang I will be working with her for the first semester teaching 3rd and 5th grade. She is really sweet and eager to learn more English. This year is the first year at Pangok with an ESL program along with my co teachers we will be setting up the program. Myang gave me all my teaching materials and showed me how to create a lesson plan I’m not sure how we will divide the teaching duties but that will come with time. The 3rd graders are at the beginning stages of learning English a lot of the work will be listening, repeating, and reading. As for the 5th graders they will be listening, repeating, reading, and writing. My official teaching debut will start next week for now I’m watching Myang.
Sidenote: The Korean girls can’t get enough of Daniel they think he is so cute. One girl asked him if he is a movie star and another one was sad to hear he is married. As for the school girls they are always waving at him and giggling…lol..I picked a winner ;)