Well, here it is: one year in.
It doesn't seem real. I recently returned to Seoul from a ten-day vacation in Las Vegas and back home in Alberta. Many things took me by surprise: first, how much I missed being here in Korea while I was home, and, in the last few days, how severely I miss being back in Canada. Just a little taste of being home with friends and family made me realize how much I miss them. It sounds silly, but the last couple of days leading up to the start of my second year have been incredibly hard. Knowing that I could have been going home for good, but rather, I'll be spending another year here has hit home in a very real way.
I've met so many amazing people here, and I have many good friends, but I almost feel like I did in the first few weeks after I arrived here a year ago. I'm eager to meet new people and get out and explore. One of the reasons I opted to remain another year here in Korea was to have more opportunities to travel throughout Asia, something I have not done at all yet. I have explored many areas of Korea quite thoroughly, but other destinations in the region such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand have all eluded me thus far. I would like to think that I'll have many opportunities to visit them in my second year, but I have a feeling that it will fly by much like the first one has.
I'm sorry that this particular entry has sounded so melancholy. As such, it really matches my mood of late. I will have an opportunity tonight to reconnect with some friends here in Seoul at Dillinger Pub's trivia night, so I'm really looking forward to that. However, I think some Skyping home to friends and family might be in order.
I love you all, and I hope to talk to all of my friends soon.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Monday, May 09, 2011
Thoughts from Places: The Train from Seoul to Daegu
Written Saturday, May 7th, 2011
In the past couple of weeks, the weather has taken a distinct turn in Korea. Gone are the chilly mornings in which one can still see their breath and the ever-present chill in the hallways of the school. Instead, we have sunshine and warmth, a sharp rise in humidity, and that small bit of sweat accumulating at the small of your back as you walk the busy streets of Seoul
Summer is on the way!
As I gaze out the window of the train, the Korean countryside rolls by, bathed in the nearly oppressive heat of the late-spring sun. Oppressive, that us, to this Canadian, who is more used to seeing snow on the ground in early May than battling the heat. The warmer weather in the past couple of weeks has turned the landscape from dreary tones of brown and grey to the green of grass and leaves and the many colours of the flowers and other flora we pass. Shelby, Meagan and I are on our way to Daegu this afternoon, leaving behind the noise and smog of Seoul for a couple of days. Of course, Daegu is still a very sizeable city, so we'll be greeted once again by noise and smog at the end of our journey.
The landscape of this part of Korea is reminiscent of home. As I watch the trees pass by, I'm reminded of the Wapiti River valley, or the area around Dunvegan. Sunlight plays across green leaves and wide fields, and the nostalgia hits. I am loving my time here, but part of me is always eager to see my friends and family and the familiar Alberta countryside again. This leads me to think about my friends the happenings in their lives while I've been gone. It is supremely unfair that life does not simply stop or pause while I'm away. No, the lives of my friends go on, seemingly oblivious to the fact that I am not there to witness it. One of my best friends is going to be a father soon, and I am sad that I won't be there to meet his new kid when he or she is born. Is it not the height of selfishness for them to go on with their lives when I'm so far away?
I think it goes without saying that I am kidding. But part of me does regret not being there with my friends and family, for the good times and the bad. I am traveling to Las Vegas with some friends in August, and I will have some time afterwards. I'm contemplating going home for four or five days at that time. If I do so, it would be the last time I'd be home for a full year. Perhaps it would be worth it? I'd be able to meet Serge's new son or daughter, see my parents, visit with my friends... I haven't booked a return ticket back from Vegas yet, so I still have some time to think about it.
In the meantime, I'll be here, enjoying the beautiful weather and the company of new friends. But my mind will, on occasion, return to the beautiful expanses of wide prairie and lush forests of home, and the friends I've temporarily left behind.
In the past couple of weeks, the weather has taken a distinct turn in Korea. Gone are the chilly mornings in which one can still see their breath and the ever-present chill in the hallways of the school. Instead, we have sunshine and warmth, a sharp rise in humidity, and that small bit of sweat accumulating at the small of your back as you walk the busy streets of Seoul
Summer is on the way!
As I gaze out the window of the train, the Korean countryside rolls by, bathed in the nearly oppressive heat of the late-spring sun. Oppressive, that us, to this Canadian, who is more used to seeing snow on the ground in early May than battling the heat. The warmer weather in the past couple of weeks has turned the landscape from dreary tones of brown and grey to the green of grass and leaves and the many colours of the flowers and other flora we pass. Shelby, Meagan and I are on our way to Daegu this afternoon, leaving behind the noise and smog of Seoul for a couple of days. Of course, Daegu is still a very sizeable city, so we'll be greeted once again by noise and smog at the end of our journey.
The landscape of this part of Korea is reminiscent of home. As I watch the trees pass by, I'm reminded of the Wapiti River valley, or the area around Dunvegan. Sunlight plays across green leaves and wide fields, and the nostalgia hits. I am loving my time here, but part of me is always eager to see my friends and family and the familiar Alberta countryside again. This leads me to think about my friends the happenings in their lives while I've been gone. It is supremely unfair that life does not simply stop or pause while I'm away. No, the lives of my friends go on, seemingly oblivious to the fact that I am not there to witness it. One of my best friends is going to be a father soon, and I am sad that I won't be there to meet his new kid when he or she is born. Is it not the height of selfishness for them to go on with their lives when I'm so far away?
I think it goes without saying that I am kidding. But part of me does regret not being there with my friends and family, for the good times and the bad. I am traveling to Las Vegas with some friends in August, and I will have some time afterwards. I'm contemplating going home for four or five days at that time. If I do so, it would be the last time I'd be home for a full year. Perhaps it would be worth it? I'd be able to meet Serge's new son or daughter, see my parents, visit with my friends... I haven't booked a return ticket back from Vegas yet, so I still have some time to think about it.
In the meantime, I'll be here, enjoying the beautiful weather and the company of new friends. But my mind will, on occasion, return to the beautiful expanses of wide prairie and lush forests of home, and the friends I've temporarily left behind.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
All Our Yesterdays
I have now been living and working in Korea for approximately eight months.
When I came, I signed a contract for one year. If I stick to that original plan, then there are fewer days ahead than there are behind. However, that no longer looks to be the case. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. I am really enjoying the people and the country. I've met some amazing people, both Koreans and ex-pats. Still, because the time has gone by so quickly, I find myself wanting to stay longer. Therefore, I am writing this entry to inform my friends and family back home that I have officially decided to renew my contract with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education for a second year.
What has brought me to this decision? A number of things, actually. First, one of my goals in coming here was to explore areas of the world I haven't seen before. I've always had a desire to visit many countries, a desire that hasn't been fulfilled yet in my life. A friend that I met here has now declared that she has been to thirty countries before the age of thirty. I'm twenty-eight, and I'm nowhere near reaching that number, nor will I be able to in the foreseeable future. As of now, I've been to a grand total of seven countries. Yes, that's right: seven. I definitely have some catching up to do!
My second reason for wanting to stay may not come as a surprise to many people. I've met someone: a wonderful person by the name of Shelby Martin. She has made my time here truly special, and I feel that I'm not ready to end that time soon. I honestly don't know that I would have lasted this long without her here. She has opened my eyes to new experiences, and seeing the world through her eyes has made me appreciate it all the more.
Even though I've decided to remain for another year, I realize that the time is still flying by. Even with my decision to extend my contract another year, having completed eight months means that my time here is one third done. I don't know about you, but that blows my mind!
I don't know when I'll be able to return home for a visit; like I said, I would like to use the time I have here to explore places I haven't been. I miss all of my friends dearly, and I hope that we will all remain in close contact. I love you all, and I hope to see you all again soon!
All my best!
When I came, I signed a contract for one year. If I stick to that original plan, then there are fewer days ahead than there are behind. However, that no longer looks to be the case. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. I am really enjoying the people and the country. I've met some amazing people, both Koreans and ex-pats. Still, because the time has gone by so quickly, I find myself wanting to stay longer. Therefore, I am writing this entry to inform my friends and family back home that I have officially decided to renew my contract with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education for a second year.
What has brought me to this decision? A number of things, actually. First, one of my goals in coming here was to explore areas of the world I haven't seen before. I've always had a desire to visit many countries, a desire that hasn't been fulfilled yet in my life. A friend that I met here has now declared that she has been to thirty countries before the age of thirty. I'm twenty-eight, and I'm nowhere near reaching that number, nor will I be able to in the foreseeable future. As of now, I've been to a grand total of seven countries. Yes, that's right: seven. I definitely have some catching up to do!
My second reason for wanting to stay may not come as a surprise to many people. I've met someone: a wonderful person by the name of Shelby Martin. She has made my time here truly special, and I feel that I'm not ready to end that time soon. I honestly don't know that I would have lasted this long without her here. She has opened my eyes to new experiences, and seeing the world through her eyes has made me appreciate it all the more.
Even though I've decided to remain for another year, I realize that the time is still flying by. Even with my decision to extend my contract another year, having completed eight months means that my time here is one third done. I don't know about you, but that blows my mind!
I don't know when I'll be able to return home for a visit; like I said, I would like to use the time I have here to explore places I haven't been. I miss all of my friends dearly, and I hope that we will all remain in close contact. I love you all, and I hope to see you all again soon!
All my best!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Homeward
As many of you already know, I'll be returning home to Alberta, Canada in a little over a week! I really am enjoying my time in Korea. The culture, the food, and the sights are all fascinating, and I truly am having the time of my life. That said, there are a number of things that I miss. First and foremost, obviously, are my friends and family. I've been away from home before, but I've never gone longer than two months between visits. By the time I arrive in Grande Prairie on January 21st, it will have been nearly five months since I've seen my parents, and I miss them terribly. I also really miss all of my good friends, and I hope to see everyone at some point during my two-week visit. To that end. I've decided to compile a list of the things I want to do while I'm there. Some involve friends, and others involve random things that I really miss from home.- Game night/get together at Dan and Ronnie Hallock's place. Some of my best memories from the past year have been getting together with friends there, watching 24, playing Worms or Settlers of Cataan, and generally just having an awesome time.
- Enjoy a pizza from Ramona's. Best pizza in town!
- Go to wing night with the guys. Even though a few of the guys have moved on, I really want to go to "wing night" with Steve, Corey, Dan, and Chris. I miss you guys!
- Have a Harvey Wallbanger at Original Joe's.
- Go to Wendy's or Arby's with Chris. I miss those times!
- Have "movie night" with Pam. This is huge, I hope this can happen, I really miss movie night!
- Visit my friends and former colleagues at St. Joe's. I'm told that I'll be in town during exam week, so it should be easy to drop in and say hi to everyone!
- Turkey dinner with my parents, to make up for missing it on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Watch Deep Space Nine with Bobbi. In person!
- Get a haircut from Central Barber Shop.
- Go to McDonald's with Michel. Just like university!
- Visit Edmonton for a guys' night with Patrick and Phil.
- Watch The West Wing with Pat.
- Have a huge get-together with all of my friends at The Golden Star. Let's re-do the one we had at the end of July, minus the ridiculousness of my horrible bout with hay fever!
I really want to make all of these things happen! I can't wait to see all of my friends, and making this list has gotten me more excited than ever! Also, if you have any other ideas, please leave suggestions in the comments. I can't wait to see you all! I will be home from January 21st until February 5th, but I would like to spend a day or two in Edmonton as well. See you all soon!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A Taste of Armageddon
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| ROK soldier takes part in a civil defense drill from six years ago |
As I write this, there is a large booming voice coming over the loudspeaker in the school, yelling at the students to get down and find cover. Emergency alarms and sirens are going off all over the city, and the booms of jet fighters flying overhead can be heard.
No, we're not under attack.
Today, at 2:00 pm local time, a civil emergency drill is being held, and tests of the civil response to an attack on Korea are being held across the country. It is very fascinating to be living in an area where the possibility of an attack such as this actually exists. It is a far cry from life in northern Alberta...
Here is a copy of the email I received from the Canadian Embassy this morning:
South Korea will hold a nationwide special civil emergency exercise today at 14:00 for 15 minutes. Sirens will sound, transport will be stopped and some people may be asked to take shelter in metro stations or basements. Aircraft may be heard overhead. There is no need to be alarmed. On 23 November, North Korea fired multiple rounds of artillery shells at the island of Yeonpyeong, killing 4 people and injuring several more. South Korea responded with its own artillery and has strengthened its military presence in the area. We advise against travel to Yeonpyong, or to the other North West Islands of Baengnyeong-do, Daecheong-do, Socheong-do and Woo-do. We assess that there is no substantially increased risk or danger to those living in or travelling to other areas of South Korea as a result of current tensions. Canadians should be vigilant, monitor ongoing developments, and follow the advice of local authorities.
Canadians are encouraged to maintain their level of readiness to cope with any emergency situation. It is recommended that:
you ensure that your travel documents, including your passport, are valid;
you have registered with the online Registry of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) and/or updated your registration with your latest information.
Those of you who have been following me on Facebook may know that on Thursday of last week, I lost my passport when I left my backpack on the subway. Needless to say, the past few days have been very stressful and have involved filling out a police report, pleading my case with the Canadian Embassy, and beginning the lengthy process of acquiring a new passport. One roadblock that I've encountered is the fact that I need my birth certificate in order to apply for a replacement passport, a document I neglected to bring with me to Korea. As my parents are currently on vacation in South America until the end of December, I've been required to apply for a new birth certificate with the Government of Alberta. They are currently processing my application, and will mail the certificate here when it is ready.
As I wrap this post up, the alarms continue to sound, and the voices over the intercom speak in clipped, panicked Korean. I can definitely hear the jets flying overhead, and there is a palpable sense of excitement in the office. Moreso now than at any other time in the last few days am I feeling apprehension at not having my passport with me. I can only hope that I am able to acquire a new one before I'm scheduled to go home next month, or before the voices and sirens are no longer a drill.
Love you all, and with any luck, I'll see you next month back in Alberta!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Three Months In: A General Update
Today is November 26th, which means exactly three months ago I started working here in South Korea. What do I think so far?
The Food: It took awhile, but I'm really enjoying Korean food. In fact, the other day I came to the realization that I will miss many Korean foods when I return to Canada. Korean barbecue is easy enough to find in Canada, but acquiring some things like dak galbi or songpyun may be a little more difficult.
The People: Korean people are an interesting group. Koreans are fiercely loyal to their families, and intensely proud of Korean accomplishments; the Korean national identity is very strong. Students in my class were dismayed when I told them that many people around the world don't realize how modern Korea is, but the class erupted in cheers when I told them that my best friend drives a Hyundai Tucson, and that my television back in Canada is a Samsung.
Seoul is an extremely active, busy place. I'm amazed that, at three in the morning, there seems to be just as many vehicles driving on a main thoroughfare as most other times of the day. Of course, at that time, well over 90% of them are taxis. The city simply never stops. I'm often both amazed and daunted by it.
I would be remiss if I didn't comment briefly on the events of this past Tuesday. Supposedly in response to military exercises conducted by South Korean forces, North Korea launched a barrage of artillery shells against a South Korean island, Yeonpyeong. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Korean marines and two civilian men and the destruction of a number of South Korean homes. South Korea returned fire to the north with 88 artillery shells. Damage and casualties in the north is unknown. It is important to remember that incidents between the two Koreas happen on a regular basis. This particular attack is a little different in that it is the first time civilian targets have been hit; however, it is by no means the most severe attack to happen. Please know that we are completely safe and sound here in Seoul!
In the aftermath of this incident, the President of South Korea has declared that more troops will be stationed in the maritime border region and Washington has of course declared its solidarity with South Korea. Also, the Korean defense minister has resigned due to public pressure with regards to how the attack was handled. The President has stated that, in the future, Northern aggression that targets civilians will be met with harsher retaliation. Finally, the United States has deployed a carrier group, led by the USS George Washington, to the Yellow Sea. The only other worrying sign is that the US Navy and the ROK Navy are scheduled to participate in military exercises sometime next week, and the government in Pyongyang has stated that they will respond to this "provocation." I had scheduled a visit to the Demilitarized Zone next week, but in light of this latest news, I've decided to hold off on that particular trip. I do not believe that the situation will escalate significantly, but I also don't believe we have seen all of the fallout from this incident. I do want everyone to know that I am keeping an ear to the ground, but that I am currently completely safe! I've registered with the Canadian embassy, so if there is any reason to leave Korea quickly, I'll have support in place.
Tonight, however, will be cause for celebration. I've signed up to a Thanksgiving dinner, put on by the meetup.com group "Seoulite." Originally, a few friends were going to come with me, but they unfortunately had to back out. I guess I can share the bottle of wine I got us with some new friends I meet there! I think it will be a lot of fun, and I'm really looking forward to turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Can't wait! Pictures to come!
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| A Korean dish: Bibimbap |
The People: Korean people are an interesting group. Koreans are fiercely loyal to their families, and intensely proud of Korean accomplishments; the Korean national identity is very strong. Students in my class were dismayed when I told them that many people around the world don't realize how modern Korea is, but the class erupted in cheers when I told them that my best friend drives a Hyundai Tucson, and that my television back in Canada is a Samsung.
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| "Dynamic Seoul" |
I would be remiss if I didn't comment briefly on the events of this past Tuesday. Supposedly in response to military exercises conducted by South Korean forces, North Korea launched a barrage of artillery shells against a South Korean island, Yeonpyeong. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Korean marines and two civilian men and the destruction of a number of South Korean homes. South Korea returned fire to the north with 88 artillery shells. Damage and casualties in the north is unknown. It is important to remember that incidents between the two Koreas happen on a regular basis. This particular attack is a little different in that it is the first time civilian targets have been hit; however, it is by no means the most severe attack to happen. Please know that we are completely safe and sound here in Seoul!
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| Defense Minister Kim Tae-Young resigned after criticism |
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| Yeonpyeong Island after NK shelling |
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| Two marines and two civilians were killed on the island |
Tonight, however, will be cause for celebration. I've signed up to a Thanksgiving dinner, put on by the meetup.com group "Seoulite." Originally, a few friends were going to come with me, but they unfortunately had to back out. I guess I can share the bottle of wine I got us with some new friends I meet there! I think it will be a lot of fun, and I'm really looking forward to turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Can't wait! Pictures to come!
Friday, November 12, 2010
빼빼로 Day!
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| Pepero promotional display in Lotte Mart in November |
Pepero is a Korean confection, made of a cookie stick covered in chocolate. There are a number of different flavours, but my favorite is definitely almond! On Pepero Day, couples exchange boxes of pepero in order to show their affection. Also, students will buy pepero for their teachers, and people often buy pepero for friends in their workplace.Pepero is manufactured and sold by Lotte, a Korean company whose influence cannot be escaped in Seoul. Everywhere you look, you will find items and services carrying the Lotte name. Lotte Mart, Lotte Department Store, Lotte World (a huge indoor amusement park), apartment complexes known as Lotte Castle, hotels, insurance coverage, and even two baseball teams: the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, and the Lotte Giants in Busan. According to Lotte, Pepero Day was not started by them. Rather, they apparently noticed a spike in the sale of pepero on November 11th, after which they encouraged the holiday with special gift packaging and promotions of pepero during November. November 11th is considered Pepero Day because, apparently, the date "11/11" resembles four sticks of pepero.
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| Original pepero |
Regardless of the origin or "legitimacy" of Pepero Day as a holiday, Korean couples and children have a lot of fun exchanging pepero and surprising friends and family with the treat. I, for one, enjoyed receiving pepero from many of my students, and I even bought a couple of boxes to bring to work and share with my co-workers. I wonder if something similar could be introduced to Canada? I personally think that pepero (and/or pocky) should have more of a presence in my home country. Perhaps Lotte could expand their operations even further?
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