Insomnia

I was a fool to think it wouldn't affect me here. To be honest, I'd love insomnia if it weren't for the exhausted feeling that dominates the days. But at night, I love staying awake; I'd rather remain conscious permanently. If I didn't get tired (nor look like a zombie), I wouldn't even attempt the sleep. Especially here in a new country, I'd like to have more time and therefore, less night and less sleep.

Oh beautiful Anyang fall. 

Plotting my winter break adventure...I'll remain quiet so to not get my hopes up ;)

Seoul Zoo: Let the Good Times Roll

Today the teachers at my school went out on a little "get out of the school and bond" adventure, something most public schools in South Korea partake in. All teachers headed to Seoul Grand Park and myself, my main co-teacher and part of the 4th grade team took on the zoo. I don't exactly like zoos unless they are of the rehabilitation/save/protect sort and I'm about 150% this one is not, but the teachers wanted this and you know, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. 

We had a blast and I learned that a good majority of Koreans LOVE taking photos, so we took a ton.
 
After our adventure, the teachers all met for a feast of about five different duck dishes. Talk about tasty. Mah-shee-ddah!


Seoul Grand Park- Seoul Zoo from Lana Wright on Vimeo.


When I got home, I took my nightly bike ride along the Anyangcheon River, but this time went the opposite direction. Surprise, I discovered some beautiful fountains!

Broth no a bear?

I cried on my way to work this morning. No, not because I'm sad, but because last night the weather literally dropped 25 degrees. At about 8am it was 36 degrees F and according to weather.com, felt like 29 degrees F. And this was not just any 36 degrees F, but with strong winds forcing a constant clenched jaw and waterfall snot and tears. Nearby school, I walked up to a crosswalk and encountered the vice principal of my school. It's really difficult for the two of us to communicate because of the language barrier, but he kindly took my hand and rubbed it with his. This may sound strange to some, but it was purely a kind gesture and reassured me that I am appreciated at the school. 

South Korea is known for having four distinct seasons, meaning, unlike the Pacific NW's 2 weeks of summer, 2 weeks of fall, etc...and so on tango dance, the weather will switch in a day and stay that way. But every native I've talked to is surprised that it has switched this early, so whether or not it will stay, I am uncertain. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining because I can already tell that fall around these parts is going to be absolutely breathtaking.

And lucky for me, I will be enjoying every last bit of it on my new bike. A new friend in the area decided that she no longer wanted hers and so she sold it to me. SCORE! and thank you, Jenna :) Since I've gotten it, I've been riding along the Anyangcheon River every day, usually at night. The wind in my face, city lights on the water, trail separate from cars, and the perfect combination of hills that provide me with that funny feeling in my stomach combine to make me feel free as a bird (cheesy, but serious!). I love work, but afterward I feel exhausted. Biking creates this separation from work and my personal life, like during and after biking, is my time and teacher-Lana has been shutoff. I love the re-energized feeling and it certainly doesn't hurt that Anyang is an extremely bike friendly city. 

Eye candy for your enjoyment: 

Met a friend from orientation in Myeongdong, Seoul for some shopping. The early me enjoyed a cup of joe. Stronger than most, but still not strong enough.

And we had these tasty treats. If you know their name, please share. I forgot, but must have another. 

Call me Chef Lana because I made eggs, tiny eggs and they are more difficult than large ones...

First time in Suwon. Please notice the female hand in the male back pocket. 

Dean, cheesecake, kiwi smoothie, coffee, and zebra print seats. 

 

Full moon two nights ago. 

That brick building on the left, that would be my school. 

 

I wouldn't dare end this post without more English t-shirts.  

Sundae Adventure

Sundae- pig intestine stuffed with blood clot, noodles
and vegetables served with liver and lung. Also pictured
is Duk Bok Ki. 

I can now check off my third item from the top seven exotic dishes for foreigners because tonight I ate Sundae (순대). No, not an ice cream sundae, but pig intestine stuffed with animal blood clot, noodles, and vegetables. My Sundae dish was mixed with pig liver and pig lung with Duk Bok Ki on the side. It was more appetizing than it sounds, trust me. 

My friend that works at the neighborhood coffee shop and that is a Korea native (also the same friend that introduced me to beondaegi or silkworm larva) took me to the older, original downtown neighborhood of Anyang, Manan Gu. Dongan Gu, which resides toward the east of Anyang and is the newer, wealthier downtown neighborhood is where I live. I love both neighborhoods for different reasons. 

My neighborhood has smaller, somewhat traditional feeling outdoor markets, but they are nothing compared to Chungang Market, or Central Market, which we explored after our lovely meal. The labyrinth-like outdoor, but covered market could be the destination for the next skittles commercial. You have your red apples, yellow bananas, green lettuce, orange tangerines, purple grapes and then also scarves, sweaters, furniture, and prepared food all demonstrating just how beautiful the colors appear when mixed. I settled on some delicious apples.

Chungang or Central Market in Manan gu, Anyang, South Korea

After getting home, my friend texts me, "Be careful princess, that is a poison apple." Despite his English being rocky and my Korean being far from conversation level, we are still able to share some pretty comedic moments. Working as hard as we must for the other to understand makes the laughing response that much more satisfying. One of my goals coming to Korea has been to improve my ability to maintain friendships, something I felt I very much struggled with at home. So far, I think I'm making some pretty decent progress. 

Just another lemon tree.

Just one of "those days" that I think all expats in Korea experience. Blah, blah, you know...TGIF.

Outside the window @ school. I need some of this Vitamin D.

This video was used in a lesson today and I love it. I know it is pretty commonly used, but it was my first time seeing it today. Great for South Korea's Grade 5 "What are you doing?"
.
Hiking this weekend FOR SURE.

The Beautiful Store

The Beautiful Store

Weeks ago, one of the first people I met in Anyang told me about a secondhand store called The Beautiful Store.  Having quickly realized that the majority in Koreans are less than enthused about the idea of used clothing,  I was surprised. This could be completely off base and no where did I officially read this, but through the grape vine, I have heard it has something to do with a traditional belief regarding the previous owner continuing to "haunt" the article of clothing. I guess I wouldn't care for that either. Anyway, the news of a secondhand store in the land where they are spares excited me and so my friend wrote down the name of the store in both English and Korean for me.

After school today, I suddenly had the urge to visit. I had not a clue where the store was located (being the case with most new places since Google map is in Korean), so I hopped in a cab conveniently sitting outside my building and pointed to the name written in Korean characters. The driver laughed to his friend (another cab driver out front) and then we were off. About 15 minutes later and about 15 minutes of fearing for my life in one of the most terrifying cab rides of my life, I arrived at a tall brick building. After accidentally walking into the donation center and being told to head upstairs to the second floor, I made it inside the store. And it was, indeed, beautiful. I purchased two dressy jackets and a skirt for 10,000won (~9 USD), but had the place not closed 15 minutes after my arrival, I would have purchased much more. 

 I like the bag. 

The clothing, though, is not the greatest part about the store. Instead, its the foundation in which is lies. Proceeds from the sale of donated goods go toward numerous projects that support the community, citizens of the third world, emergency relief funding, etc.

From their brochure:

There is nothing in the world which exists alone. Humans, humans and nature, cities and countries, all the nations and peoples, and numerous communities are in need of, and linked to each other. There is nothing in our ecosystem free from a relationship with everything else.

For anyone in Korea in search of secondhand stores or and opportunity for volunteer work, by all means, I recommend The Beautiful Store. It sounds like they also host an expat garage sale, and sponsor a design company with the goal of sustainability in mind. HOORAY!

And a cute little red-eyed bugger just for you.

After school sun lit up only my Portland photo.

Really, a month?

Today marks the day that I have officially been in South Korea for one month. When I'm experiencing something new it feels like just yesterday that I arrived, but then when I am proudly and comfortably teaching one of my 24 classes, navigating the subway (I actually gave subway directions this weekend), or easily scarfing down familiar Korean dishes with perfectly placed chop sticks in hand, it feels like I've been here much longer.

There are few things about the country and its culture that I am not head over heels in love with. One thing that I just can't seem to dismiss, though, are the intense group stares that I sometimes receive from the older population. Specifically, when I am walking down a familiar walking/bike path on my way to and from school, groups of literally 5+ older women lock eyes on me, not flinching nor changing their facial expressions, until I am out of site. I smile, nothing. I wave, nothing. I certainly cannot begin to understand the reasoning behind such actions, legitimate or not, but do know that it is far too much to handle early in the morning or after an entire day teaching. Any other time, patience can persevere.

So when I stumbled upon the 1000 Awesome Things Blog, a blog dedicated to documenting the moments that brighten out days, and read number 399, "Discovering a Shortcut Home," I grew inspired. Sure, the lure of the walking/biking path's trees, benches, street stands, and children on their way to school is enticing, but the stares...they were enough for me to set out in search for a new track. And what do you know, I found one via sidewalks and it is, indeed, shorter and I, indeed, get to cut through a parking lot (something the blog glorifies), which makes it feel even better. The walking/bike path and I will reunite very soon, I'm sure, but as of now, we are on a temporary break.

In other news, I finally purchased a rice cooker or Cuckoo. Operating it was a little difficult because all buttons are in Korean, but tonight I managed to successfully prepare some rice for dinner! It was a much needed treat after having a cold hot dog for lunch, the first school lunch that I have disliked and the first school lunch that has been even remotely "Western." The disappointment was a surprise to me since just yesterday, students told me that they had not liked the lunch, but they were excited for the food the next day. Guess I'm still just eager to indulge myself in mainly Korean food.

And I'm pretty sure I can eat as much of it as I want because next week I start yoga and a fellow Anyang resident has offered to sell me their bike that they no longer ride. SCORE! Everyday I think to myself: "I wish I had a bike, so that I could..." and now I will hopefully be able to say: "Now that I have a bike, I can..." :)

Beautiful Marigolds outside my school remind mm of home.

Happy autumn. The leaves here are beginning to change. 

 

 

Dreaming Korea

Lately, a large portion of my dreams take place in South Korea. It doesn't seem all that weird considering this is the place I see and experience on a daily basis, but it came as quite the shocker to me. The best thing would be if the language of my dreams was Korean, but that just isn't possible quite yet. Although, I did begin learning the Hangul consonants and vowels today.

I wont type too much because I'd prefer to simply post visuals of all that has been happening. It's certainly been a busy past couple weeks. Not photographed:

• Learning the game "Rock, scissors, paper," from students (same game, but slightly tweeked) + My students are totally opening up to me and so, we are all able to have a little fun while learning. In return I taught them high five, pound, explosion. They love it.
• Students beginning to recognize and talk to me outside of school throughout the city + Enough said.
• The bowing throughout the hallways disappearing and turning into "Lana, teacher, Lana!" :) + The bowing is very respectful, but it always feels like an end to the encounter.When they call me name, they are ready to talk. In the hallway is where I get to have casual conversations with them and really get to know who they are.
• Finding a place to purchase books written in English and discovering the book "Immortal Unicorn,"S. Beagle compiled by Peter + If you are looking for used books in English in Anyang, you can find them at Beomgye station. Sure they are mostly romance novels, but if you looks close enough, you will find something good. There must be better places for books, but I have not yet found them.
  
• Witnessing a man on the sidewalk that had been hit on his bike by a car - I stepped out of school and heard the yelling and the crash. After walking a block away from school, there the man way laying on the sidewalk. Just as I walked up, an ambulance arrived. Some of my nearby students hardly seemed phased and said that this happens all the time. I guess I'm not surprised because the driving situation around here is anything but safe.
• Being smooched (without consent) by native men on two different occasions - I don't think either of the incidents were dangerous, but it was definitely a wake up call. I feel really safe where I am, but I think I need to make sure that I am still setting boundaries when talking to strangers. And perhaps stay away from those that have drank to much soju.
• Being added to the Cool Messenger (similar to AIM) list at my school + Made me feel accepted.
• Learning to ride the subway + Now I can go ANYWHERE
• EATING tasty foods +
• Getting the computer back up and running +++ 

OK, so I typed a lot. Time for some pictures:

Ate Vietnamese food for dinner one night in
Pyeongchong. The Pho was absolutely amazing.

Came across the Anyang Festival. Here a young
girl sticking money to a donation board. Clever technique! 

At the festival, my friend Jake and I were offered a chance to try on
some traditional Korean clothing. We also signed something in Korean,
so I wouldn't be surprised if we spot ourselves on a bus somewhere...

Took a trip to Myeong-dong, Seoul in search of computer parts.
Can'twait to return for some shopping.

Also traveled to Yongsan, Seoul to explore the 9 story electronics i-Mall
and eat some lunch.

There was a yoga extravaganza taking place in the area. Wish I could
be a part.

Last night of the Anyang Festival- a whole lot of good music
and dancing.

That, of course, ended with fireworks.

Out with the new friend.

I asked him to surprise me with a new food and he ordered us
Beondegi (silkworm pupae). Even the Native Koreans that
I share this story with cringe, but it really was not bad.

I don't think there is such thing as a boring night in Beomgye.
When do people sleep?

Dear PC Bangs, Thanks for the assistance when my laptop was
out of service, but to be honest, I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE YOU.
FYI, Microsoft Word > World of Warcraft.

Sometimes when I am high above ground level in building,
I creep. This guy caught me. Oops!

Sunday is Fun Day in Anyang.

I know that I am getting settled in because everything that seemed larger and more overwhelming than comprehendible no longer intimidates me. Neighborhoods that, at first, seemed impossible to navigate feel much smaller and clearly organized. I now know where everything is located at the local store, I can find the two nearby subway stations, and I finally understand my buildings garbage and recycling. It’s so funny how impossible it is to imagine the way in which things will fall into place until they just do. And sometimes it still takes time to realize that those things have fallen into place. As things fall in to place, all I need to do is maintain a healthy balance of ownership and flexibility in all series of events.

Me, Jake, Shannon, and Jeff: goodbyes as the subway. 

Shannon and Jeff paid a visit to Anyang this weekend, which partially cured my minor homesickness starting to brew. We had a lot of fun celebrating Jake’s Birthday, but, of course, it felt too short. One day they will return and before that, I will visit them in Daegu.

Tomorrow, I leave my settling world in Anyang and travel to the city of Anseong for GEPIK orientation. It seems weird for me to have orientation after having already started teaching and having a week of holiday, but I am also excited to head out on my own. I cannot express how amazing it is to have a best friend nearby, but I think it will also be wonderful to take in the country and its people solo for a bit few days. Jakes orientation won't be until the second half of the week because he teaches high school.

At orientation, I also hope to meet new people. I have been meeting some around Anyang when going out, but I’m finding it difficult to establish sincere relationships with those that I meet. It isn’t just here that I have struggled with this, but now is the time that I must test my ability to overcome this weakness, open up and ready myself for close friendships. Obviously not all relationships will progress into close friendships, but there can certainly be no self sabotaging...

And today I will share a few photos from my Sunday, a day that the people of Anyang were out to play.

Anyang Central Park

Street closed down and the mini-cars roam

Cotton Candy Man

Up to the street market

Shmitle

So lost in Anyang

Today I was lost and by lost, I mean I had absolutely no idea where on earth I was or how to get home. I was on one of my walking tours and after seeing about 7 of Anyang's wonderful parks, I realized that I had no idea where I was. Luckily, this only lasted for about 20 minutes until I spotted a 711 (yes, they are everywhere here). This was not just any 711, but the one next to a foreigner bar called "The Dugout" that I visited a few days back. At the 711, I bought some ice cream and ate it while I recharged my cellphone (you do that at mini-marts here). 

Afterward, I was starving and so I met Jake in Pyeonchong for some food. Usually when we decide to go out to eat, we choose any random restaurant out of the hundreds. Some have menus with photographs or English pronunciations and others do not. This one did not and so, I brought out my Korean/English dictionary and looked up the word "recommend." I then proceeded to point at the menu and then point to "recommend" in Korean. They cooked us up a dish of octopus, beef and vegetables. I wish I knew the name because it was delicious and I'd like to order it again. 

Recommended Meal

Dinner was excellent, but once full, all I could think about was cleaning my bathroom, the last un-cleaned room of my apartment. I'm not necessarily the neatest person, but dirt or dust just gross me out. I cannot bear to think about someone else’s skin particles setting in my living space, so naturally, I am out to clean every inch of my hair and dust ridden apartment. I find myself at the top of the mirror in my bathroom and BAM, there they are- NEEDLES. Are they medical needles? Or are they heroin/other hard drug needles? I do not know, but they appear to be in a hidden location and this freaked me out. SICK! I quickly disposed of them, but am pretty sure they will re-appear in my nightmares...

Tomorrow, I'm following a hiking trail to Seoul. I do not know how far I will travel, but it shall be quite interesting. Then, THEN, Shannon and Jeff are visiting on Friday and Saturday :)

And here, for you, some eye candy:

Art and Parks in Anyang

Fluttering High

Treats Everywhere=Koreas #1 Draw

Ready for my own.