More pics from the Pungmul Festival, Bupyeong, May 23, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Pungmul Festival
The highlight of the day in Bupyeong was the festival. It was just a good ol’ fashioned street festival with lots of music, food and people having fun. Pungmul is a type of Korean folk music using drums, metal gongs, dancing and acrobatics. In addition to the more traditional performances in full costume, there were several groups of young people playing various percussion instruments throughout the festival. The picture with the umbrella-shaped objects is a very popular snack here. I’m not sure of the name, but it is made from rice and it tastes like popcorn. It’s very good. The festival was a feast for the eyes, ears and the soul. All in all it was a WONDERFUL day! Hopefully, the pictures tell a better story. Capped it off with a beer and spaghetti in a 14th floor jazz bar overlooking the city, then an all-out run for the subway to catch the last train at midnight!
The highlight of the day in Bupyeong was the festival. It was just a good ol’ fashioned street festival with lots of music, food and people having fun. Pungmul is a type of Korean folk music using drums, metal gongs, dancing and acrobatics. In addition to the more traditional performances in full costume, there were several groups of young people playing various percussion instruments throughout the festival. The picture with the umbrella-shaped objects is a very popular snack here. I’m not sure of the name, but it is made from rice and it tastes like popcorn. It’s very good. The festival was a feast for the eyes, ears and the soul. All in all it was a WONDERFUL day! Hopefully, the pictures tell a better story. Capped it off with a beer and spaghetti in a 14th floor jazz bar overlooking the city, then an all-out run for the subway to catch the last train at midnight!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Bupyeong Market
We eventually stumbled through getting directions to the festival and since weather was perfect, we stopped at the Bupyeong Market on the way. It is a huge outdoor market with everything from produce, meat and seafood to bedding, fabrics, household goods, clothes, shoes, etc…anything and everything! It’s not uncommon to see live octopusses (octopi???), squid, eel and other sea creatures swimming around in bins of water. Kinda creepy (I’m slightly terrified of the ocean), but you know you’re getting fresh fish! Oh, and lots of dog meat (pic above). While we were walking through the seafood aisle, we happened upon a vendor whom upon recognizing that we were foreigners said “USA?” When we said yes he asked if we wanted coffee and invited us into the back of his shop. We went back and they had a huge spread of several dishes laid out on a small table. He asked us to join them (him his brother and two other women working there) for lunch. We sat and sampled many things, some with tentacles, some mysteriously chewy, but it was all delicious. There were some things I wasn’t too sure about, but I tried it all because I didn’t want to offend them. Because we didn’t know each others languages, there was lots of nodding, pointing and gesturing. It was the best lunch I’ve had here. We were blown away by the warmth and hospitality.
Taekwondo in the Park
I went to Bupyeong yesterday with Myriam, one of the other ICEV teachers, for the Punmul (folk music) Festival. It is a large street festival with lots of food, games, traditional music performances, vendors, etc. When we departed the subway we headed to the park where we thought the festival was and didn’t find it. Instead we found a taekwondo tournament. It was amazing to see the similarities between our taekwondo tournaments at home and this one.
I went to Bupyeong yesterday with Myriam, one of the other ICEV teachers, for the Punmul (folk music) Festival. It is a large street festival with lots of food, games, traditional music performances, vendors, etc. When we departed the subway we headed to the park where we thought the festival was and didn’t find it. Instead we found a taekwondo tournament. It was amazing to see the similarities between our taekwondo tournaments at home and this one.
Teaching
ICEV (Incheon Cultural English Village) is an experiencial learning camp facility. Children come here for a week at a time to enhance the English they are already learning at their regular schools. The kids are in 4th-6th grade. The curriculum consists of job experience classes (science and arts) and life experience classes such as post office, banking, cooking, library, nature, hotel, hospital, etc. (there are about 25 of them). My first week was spent in orientation and observing classes. This week, I’m actually teaching. It has been FABULOUS!!! My first day was a little nerve-racking like doing anything for the first time, but since then has been going very smoothly. I am having loads of fun, mainly because the curriculum is fun. It leaves lots of room for using creative ways to engage the children in the learning process. And the kids are like sponges. They are so much fun to be with. There are several other programs at ICEV, some weekend programs, some for adults and teens. This week there was a Public Officials Program (POP) at ICEV, basically men and women Incheon public officials here to enhance their English-speaking skills. We had a soccer match this afternoon; teachers vs. public officials. We lost 5-3. I played defense the first half and keeper part of the second half. I was the only woman on the field and probably the oldest person, but I held my own. Fun, fun, fun…. Pictures in a future posting.
ICEV (Incheon Cultural English Village) is an experiencial learning camp facility. Children come here for a week at a time to enhance the English they are already learning at their regular schools. The kids are in 4th-6th grade. The curriculum consists of job experience classes (science and arts) and life experience classes such as post office, banking, cooking, library, nature, hotel, hospital, etc. (there are about 25 of them). My first week was spent in orientation and observing classes. This week, I’m actually teaching. It has been FABULOUS!!! My first day was a little nerve-racking like doing anything for the first time, but since then has been going very smoothly. I am having loads of fun, mainly because the curriculum is fun. It leaves lots of room for using creative ways to engage the children in the learning process. And the kids are like sponges. They are so much fun to be with. There are several other programs at ICEV, some weekend programs, some for adults and teens. This week there was a Public Officials Program (POP) at ICEV, basically men and women Incheon public officials here to enhance their English-speaking skills. We had a soccer match this afternoon; teachers vs. public officials. We lost 5-3. I played defense the first half and keeper part of the second half. I was the only woman on the field and probably the oldest person, but I held my own. Fun, fun, fun…. Pictures in a future posting.
Language Exchange
Learning the Korean language has become a priority for me. I have learned a few basic words, but don’t want to end up with another experience like the one at the supermarket on my second day here! I am now meeting with two friends, Myriam (from Quebec) and Hye Kyung (sounds like hyae-kyoung) (from Korea) to learn Korean and French. The great side benefit of this is we are also learning many cultural nuances. For instance, when Korean people meet, it is very common to ask “How old are you?” and “What is your blood type?”. Go figure. We’re meeting at the coffee shop downstairs on Monday and Wednesday nights 10-11pm (again…past my bedtime…maybe I’ll become a night person). Having these meetings at a coffee shop means we’re drinking coffee, which means I’m WIDE awake at 1am doing blog entries. Hopefully, I’ll get sleepy soon…. “Kopei juseyo”
Learning the Korean language has become a priority for me. I have learned a few basic words, but don’t want to end up with another experience like the one at the supermarket on my second day here! I am now meeting with two friends, Myriam (from Quebec) and Hye Kyung (sounds like hyae-kyoung) (from Korea) to learn Korean and French. The great side benefit of this is we are also learning many cultural nuances. For instance, when Korean people meet, it is very common to ask “How old are you?” and “What is your blood type?”. Go figure. We’re meeting at the coffee shop downstairs on Monday and Wednesday nights 10-11pm (again…past my bedtime…maybe I’ll become a night person). Having these meetings at a coffee shop means we’re drinking coffee, which means I’m WIDE awake at 1am doing blog entries. Hopefully, I’ll get sleepy soon…. “Kopei juseyo”
Jogyesa TempleWe visited the Jogyesa Temple. It is the only traditional Buddhist temple within ancient Seoul’s city limits. It is the headquarters of the Jogye sect of Korean Buddhism. The temple is situated in a dense downtown neighborhood, not what I was expecting. It was interesting as we approached the temple, to see monks out on the street shopping, eating in restaurants and talking on cell phones. We were able to enter the temple and rest briefly on small pads on the floor for a moment of reflection. It was very calming. This picture is one of three massive gold buddhas in the temple. The tree with the colorful lanterns was in the courtyard area of the temple. After being there, we decided to do a 2 or 3-day temple stay at a Buddhist temple in the mountains some time soon. Looking forward to that one.
Trip to Seoul
Myriam and I went to Seoul on Sunday. We watched the Royal Guards changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the main palace and center of royal affairs during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Now, city buildings surround the grounds. What a beautiful ceremony. It was quite windy, which made for a more visually interesting experience with all of the colorful flags and robes.
Myriam and I went to Seoul on Sunday. We watched the Royal Guards changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the main palace and center of royal affairs during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Now, city buildings surround the grounds. What a beautiful ceremony. It was quite windy, which made for a more visually interesting experience with all of the colorful flags and robes.
Initiation
Well, I believe I have been officially initiated. I have eaten squid and octopus and have used a squat toilet! When you have to go and don’t have a choice… That was interesting. No spillage or sprayage…yay!! I’m feeling pretty special. The real test will be doing that after a few adult beverages! Definitely no pics for this post!
Well, I believe I have been officially initiated. I have eaten squid and octopus and have used a squat toilet! When you have to go and don’t have a choice… That was interesting. No spillage or sprayage…yay!! I’m feeling pretty special. The real test will be doing that after a few adult beverages! Definitely no pics for this post!
Night on the town in Itaewon
Friday night on the town with the girls. We went to Itaewon, a part of Seoul where there are a lot of foreigners (i.e. Westerners), mainly military service personnel. Started out at the Loft for Ladies Night…free drinks all night! Upon walking into the bar it was like I was transported back to the Fox & Hound (local bar at home)…all of the patrons were from the US, mostly military, and everything looked very “western”. It was fine, but I’m still getting into the Korean culture…that said…I’ll take free drinks! We then went downstairs to another very “western” club and danced until 3am. Those of you that know me know that is WAY past my bedtime…as a matter of fact we didn’t even leave until 10:30pm which IS my bedtime. Gettin’ out of my box….. Lots of fun. Will definitely do that again. Oh yeah, the military men are very “friendly”. I think maybe they just wanted to make sure we felt welcomed…wink, wink.
Friday night on the town with the girls. We went to Itaewon, a part of Seoul where there are a lot of foreigners (i.e. Westerners), mainly military service personnel. Started out at the Loft for Ladies Night…free drinks all night! Upon walking into the bar it was like I was transported back to the Fox & Hound (local bar at home)…all of the patrons were from the US, mostly military, and everything looked very “western”. It was fine, but I’m still getting into the Korean culture…that said…I’ll take free drinks! We then went downstairs to another very “western” club and danced until 3am. Those of you that know me know that is WAY past my bedtime…as a matter of fact we didn’t even leave until 10:30pm which IS my bedtime. Gettin’ out of my box….. Lots of fun. Will definitely do that again. Oh yeah, the military men are very “friendly”. I think maybe they just wanted to make sure we felt welcomed…wink, wink.
Monday, May 11, 2009
My new home...
Spent most of the day yesterday unpacking, cleaning and getting settled into the apartment…It is a studio apartment with a twin bed, small bookcase, desk and a nightstand. There is a washing machine and a cook top stove, no oven or microwave. There is plenty of cupboard/cabinet space for my “stuff”. I do have A/C. The heating is in the floor…interesting. Prepared my first Korean dinner last night… chicken, spinach, peppers, rice, spicy sauce…yum! Also found a great bottle of wine, Majuang Red (just under $7/bottle) from a winery here in Korea, Kyungsan Winery. Lovely! Note to self…potential field trip. Today I’ll go to the hospital to get my physical that is required prior to starting work and then to the bank to get my account set up. Someone from the school will be taking me around to get this done. Had my first panic moment yesterday…I went to the store and got a cart full of household stuff and food. When I got to the register it wouldn’t take my card and I then spent about 10 minutes trying to communicate with the store clerks who didn’t speak any English. None of the Korean that I have learned helped much… “Hello”, “Thank you” and “Where are the bathrooms?” just didn’t seem to help the situation along any. They ended up having to take everything back and put it on the shelves. I then went to the ATM, got cash and went back to get my stuff. Whew!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Welcome to Incheon
My first day in Korea and it has been a GREAT welcome! I LOVE this place already! I arrived at about 7pm and one of the other ICEV teachers from Canada, met me at the airport and was great about helping me get money and schlep (sp?) my bags through the airport, onto the train, into a cab and then up to my studio apartment. She's going on her third year teaching in Korea and has been extremely helpful. After dropping my things off at the apartment, we met up with a couple from New Zealand, also teachers here at ICEV, and went for dinner. We had shabu-shabu (thinly sliced beef, vegetables, broth, rice and noodles) DELICIOUS!!!, kimchi and soju! They went out for ice cream afterwards, but I had to pass since I needed to buy a sheet and a towel so I could take a shower and sleep in the bed. Luckily the Home Plus store (kind of like a Walmart) is right across the street from the apartment. We're situated in a busy part of town, lots going on. Lots of shops, cafes, etc. Time for bed. After getting only three hours of sleep Thursday night, I only got about two hours of sleep on the plane. I ended up with a middle seat (on this 12+ hour flight) next to a nice gentleman from India who was listening to Indian music on his headset and would occasionally break out into spontaneous bursts of loud singing. When he wasn't singing, he was loudly clearing his throat and nasal passages. The elderly lady on my other side kept asking me when we would be arriving, what flight this was and if I was going to Korea or India. Since sleep obviously wasn't an option, I watched four movies. The weather is great, in the 70's.
Friday, May 8, 2009
I'm off!
It's official! I depart San Francisco tomorrow (Friday, May 8th) on a nonstop flight to Incheon, S. Korea. My next posting will be from S. Korea - Land of the Morning Calm.
안녕히 가세요
안녕히 가세요
Almost there.....
After several days of processing visa paperwork and coordinating flight arrangements (still not quite nailed down), it is just about time to fly! The last couple of weeks have been filled with packing, moving, good-byes, lots of eating and some serious work on becoming a couch potato over the last several days...I'm ready! I will truly miss my family and friends, but through the wonders of technology, the communication will continue. I'll try to do one more entry before getting on the plane....then the REAL fun begins!
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