Piercing in South Korea

While I was waiting for my contacts & glasses to be finished, there was a jewelry shop that did piercings. I have wanted to re-pierce my ears but I was always busy doing something. I had my cartilage pierce last year but it closed up since I didn’t put earrings in.

The jewelry shop was right next to Eye Optical One store so it was perfect. I ended up getting 3 piercings, on my tragus, and two right next to each other on the side of my ear. Piercing cost only 10,000 Won ($8 USD) but the most expensive part was the earring itself. I ended up getting the 14k gold earrings which cost 50,000 Won each ($45 USD). I decided to get 14k gold earrings because I usually get an allergic reaction to the alloy metal and sterling silver.

The piercer did not know any English. She was friendly and was able to mark where the piercing looks the best. She also gave a discount, but only if we paid cash.

As I was getting my ears pierced, the piercer handed me a stuff teddy bear…which I thought was cute. I was seated on one of those plastic stool chairs seen everywhere at the street food vendors. I also want to mention that she did not wear gloves. The piercer sterilized the needle and earring with alcohol which if she didn’t I would have said something.

She also put some cream on which I believe is batrian, it is a clear cream that prevents infection, it looks like vaseline. I’m not going to lie the initial part when the needle is being punctured through my ear hurt like a b*&%$! Afterwards, there was no more pain besides a sore ear. I did it three times. I curse like there is no tomorrow when she punctured my ears..hahahha…

Overall, it was a good experience and I’m loving my new pieces on my ear.

School Changey!

I have been in Korea for almost 5 months. Not to long ago, the board of education of our town held a teacher staff meeting which required all the native English teachers (net) to gather up for a discussion about what currently was going to happen in the near future. 

Apparently every year in my town the net change schools. I learn something everyday...I don't know why this happens but we were allowed to voice are opinions by sending an email but their was still a slight chance that we were still being moved around. It seems like they want students to see different foreigners every year but I find this very bothersome. 

After finally figuring out my situation, understanding my students, figuring out my transportation and most importantly knowing all my students names I will be leaving to another school the following year. I went through all that trouble for nothing...I really don't know what the reason is behind this situation but I feel like this is not a good idea. I feel like the net should be able to know your students well and have a teacher that teaches at the school for as long as their employed or requested differently from the school board. This will let the teachers understand their school schedules and events that re-occurrs every year instead of trying to figure out different schools cirumstances over and over again.

I feel like this puts a lot of pressures on the teachers and it is abit frustrating. As of now I teach at three different schools and the class sizes are small so I really like that about it. I get to understand my students more on the personal side. 

But the following year I will be teaching at one school and it is a much larger school. I recently talked to a teacher that worked for that school and she said the average class size is 27. o.O That is like triple the amount of students that I teach right now. I'm excited but nervous for this new upcoming challenge next year. So I will have to wait until next year to see what the next teaching adventure is all about. 

The new semster of the new school year has started on March 1st for my main school. This semester had several changes. I taught at 3 schools from July 2014- March 2015 but currently I am teaching at only 2 schools.

My main school stayed the same but I don't teach at San-nae and San-nae Nammyung Elementary school anymore. :( Thoses were my favorite schools that I taught at. The students were very nice, friendly and cute.

The office of education had hired a new GET for thoses 2 schools. When I was teaching at 3 schools, it was a bit complicated in the beginning but after a month in, I got the hang of it. Then here goes another change, I moved to a larger school, Miribeol teaching only 6th graders. There are 6 classes of 28- 30 6th graders a class.WOAH!! It was a drastic change for me. From only 10-12 6th graders to about 30 6th grade students per class.

Since I am backtracking on my blog since I fell off the bandwagon I am catching up with my blog, so much for my new year's resolution. >< For the new massive school, Miribeol that I teach at now, I have a great co-teacher who particular does all the work and all I have to do is illicit some words, phrases, sentences and prepare a game.

It seems quite relaxing compared to the other school that I have to teach at since I have no co-teacher therefore I teach alone, which I don't mind as much. The teaching styles are a bit different. The one school, I actually teach alone and the other school I have a co-teacher taking the lead.

So far I have been teaching for almost about 2 and 1/2 months at the larger school, Miribeol.

However I do miss my students from my other 2 schools. The last day at San-nae Nammyung and San-nae, I had the last review game with them and I also had a reward system going on. Since it was my last day teaching there, I had the students calculate there stamps for each grade. Students with the most stamps I've treated them to ice cream of there choice. It was about 6 students ranging from each grade starting with 1st to 6th graders.

LIFE IS FILLED WITH OBSTACLES, THAT WE MUST BULLDOZE ARE WAY THROUGH!!

Shennigans

I know it has been awhile since my last post but I had some issues with my laptop and it is currently being fixed by the Korea MacPCguys in Korea. They are great replying back to you and are able to fix mostly anything, you name it. I have to say though I was waiting for the last minute to get my laptop fixed. I'm such a procrastinator! There has been so much things that is happening in the new school year. This post is more likely a February rant.

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After coming back from my vacation, I had "deskwarming" before class resumed the following week and a few extra days off. 

                                                                               ***
I was told that I was going to be moved around to a different school and it is not a finally decision yet.. I am in my 7 month in my contract here in Korea and I just got my sh*t together...finding my way to get to the three schools that I teach at every week (transportation), knowing all my student's name by heart, knowing my co-workers, and etc!!!! I was like "WHATTHEFUDGE-AROO"!!!!???

***

I have to say I'm excited and looking forward to the great opportunities that awaits for me but the down side of all my effort working with the students felt like a bootless errand, I know someone great will be picking up after me but still that took awhile for the students to warm up and getting to know me as well. Everything was going great until this change...I feel like a chess piece being moved around.

***

I also have my loans kicking in the beginning of March so I have been calculating my expense and budgeting myself carefully. I won't be travelling much as I did before because of this financial obligation that I have from my student loans. Since I have only 5 months left in my contract, I have to make a decision if I would like to resign my contract with the board of education for another year. I have been contemplating if I should or not but right now, it is most likely. 

Official Open Class: May 11th

My teaching contract is coming to an end which is July 1st. I had an open class at my main school. It is like a teacher's observation were several well known english teachers evaluates the Native English teachers with their co-teacher. This is pretty much were they score your teaching ability and see if you are worth resigning with, again!) Lets be real here, I do not have a co-teacher that teaches with me at my main school. (sitting in the back of the class or disappearing is not consider co-teaching!)

Last Friday, three days before my open class, the science teacher and I had to practice our roles of teaching together. I found that a bit odd, because he was not one of the homeroom teachers, that I am suppose to teach with. I asked about this issue and their response was that he knew the most English. O.o I have handed my lesson plan for my open class two weeks ago prior to my open class. I have lesson planned alone as usual and went on my merry way. He asked me what role he should "play". His role particularly was just standing there and doing comprehension questions to make sure the students understood the information I was teaching them. I am use to making my lesson super simple and understandable for the students since I don't have a co-teacher.

On the day of my open class, my real co-teacher did not inform me that the open class was at a different time from my daily schedule. I figured after not having class that morning and went upstairs to talk about the time of my open class. I was a bit frustrated because there was a language barrier and communication problem between us. I was not aware of anything, this goes the same with holiday, breaks, and school events. I would usually hear about it the day of, if I'm lucky. I started to be proactive and ask them every week, if there was a holiday, break, or school event that was happening. To my surprise, sometimes they were not aware of it. I'm not buying it all. A school year calendar is always made ahead of time before the school year even starts.

After my open class was finish, the evaluators, my fake co-teacher, my real co-teacher and myself went to the science room to discuss about our teaching style. We were critized about our teaching style and I was asked questions about my co-teacher of why he doesn't participate as much. (Running through my head: I teach only how do I explain this!) Questions also included, "Do you lesson plan with your teacher?", "When do you prepare the lesson plan?" and etc. I was not able to answer those questions because I did not want to put anyone in a bad position, so my real co-teacher started talking in Korean. They talked for almost 30 minutes, while I passively smile at them. I have to say I did a pretty great job teaching my students alone for this long. I go above and beyond for my lessons.

After two weeks have passed, I brought up the question about my renewal. Apparently this week will be the time for discussing my renewal. I'll see what will happen next.

Anyone have open class experiences?

Getting Contacts & Glasses in South Korea

It is about that time of the year for my eye check up and I did it in South Korea while I was in Haeundae for the weekend. I went to Eye One Optic and the service was pretty amazing. I didn't really speak much Korean and it was totally fine. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The Ophthalmologist helping me knew English pretty well. First, I was captured by there sales on glasses frames' for only $10. This deal is definitely much cheaper than in America. They are not designer brands but are decent. The check-up was considered the free service for purchasing there glasses. There are different pricing for the lenses. 

Base: 60,000 Won (Lenses are thicker, the more expensive the lenses the thinner the lenses)

Average: 110,000 Won

Best: 200,000 Won

Before I left to go to Korea I purchase brand new glasses and they cost around $200 US dollars (not including the check up fee) and the glasses was not a designer brand either. I was able to purchase a black frame glasses with my prescription lenses for 110,000 Won ($100 US dollars). I also looked at the Freshlook circle lenses and I was able to sample the 5 different types. My eyes were so red from putting on so many different contact lenses.

There is a large selection prescription circle lenses that is available but most of the brands do not have it for astigmatism, which I happen to have, a fancy word for deformed distorted eyes. (irregular shape of the cornea)

 

The circle lenses has 30 pairs, one box for the left & the right eye that are use once a day only, but can be use more than once for me. Each box cost $40 dollars. They have been very comfortable just like contacts, make your pupil just slightly larger but it is very natural looking. I did not get the ones that look like alien eyes, made be for Halloween. 

For service, I received contact solution & another case to hold my other glasses. In total it cost 190,000 Won ($180 USD) for a month supply of contacts and a pair of glasses. What was really surprising is that, my glasses and contacts were ready in ONE hour. That is how fast the service is. In America, I have to wait at least two weeks to get my contacts and glasses. So I was really amazed. 

Top 5 things you need to know about MERS-CoV in South Korea

Top 5 things you need to know about MERS-CoV in South Korea

picture is from www.medicalnewstoday.com

1. MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) is a viral respiratory illness originated from Saudi Arabia, first reported in 2012.  
2. It causes severe acute respiratory illness, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, & vomiting, more severe complications that follow is pneumonia & kidney failure.
3. There is no vaccine. There is only medication for the side effects of MERS to help relieve the symptoms.
4. MERS is not an airborne, as there has not been much research to determine the factors. It is believed to be transmitted by contact.
5. To prevent getting MERS, wash you hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Cover you nose & mouth with a tissues. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, & mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid personal contact, such as sharing cups, eating utensils, kissing, & etc.

The past couple of weeks I have been so paranoid about getting sick. I have been constantly washing my hands before eating or just if I feel like it's dirty. My hands are not really great to shake someone's hands right now. They are soooo dry. I also stayed away from my students as far as I can. I have been avoiding all contacts from my students, Korean teachers and I have also been cleaning my teaching area. I have been very caution with mostly everything. The news is also not helping, signs being plastered about MERS in South Korea, fifth person dies..ya...da..ya..da. This is how bad my paranoia is. I was about to buy rubber gloves so when I go outside my hands are not touching the surface. I also been showering head to toe before entering my bedroom after being outside in crowded places. I know I am probably being ridiculous but I'm being very caution and trying to prevent from contracting the illness that has no vaccine. Welp! There is my little scope about MERS.

Be safe everyone! I hope this goes away now.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

This weekend was exploring Busan with several of my friends that I haven't seen for awhile. One of the amazing places, we went to see was Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, it's in the Northeastern region in Busan. It is also one of the few temples that is along the coast. It was so pretty.

While walking up towards the temple, there were many vendors that sold miscellanous things, street food, and also religionous items. The temple had many parts, they had a pagoda, statues for each zodiac lined up, a buddhist carving, and  they had an underground fresh water pit that you can drink. It looked more man-made than natural. I was looking at the infastructure and was disappointed. As I knocked on the side of the walls, I immediately knew it was a fake underground cave.

The temple had the amazing spot to see the sun set rise too. It is such a pretty and well kept temple that one should visit while in Korea. Here are some of my pictures:

My next adventure, I would like to visit the 3 jewel temples in South Korea. Here are some of the information I have gather for my next adventure.

http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/visit/33-beautiful-temples-enlightenment-857401

THREE JEWEL TEMPLES OF KOREA (GYEONGSANG)

TONGDOSA- REPRESENTS THE BUDDHA

HAEINSA-REPRESENTS THE DHARMA/BUDDHIST TEACHING

SONGGWANGSA-REPRESENTS THE SANGHA/BUDDSHIST COMMUNITY (SOUTH JEOLLA PROVINCE)

Taejongdae

Taejongdae was a really nice place to relax and enjoy the beach. I have attached the link about the park. Beware that you are walking on an incline so be prepared to wear sneakers or comfortable shoes. My friends and I decided to go on a whim and I wore flats that day but there were women in heels and men in nice leather shoes. I was surprised the women's were able to last that long. It is a great escape from the city life or country side. 

I went on a Saturday and it was a bit crowded. There is an option to take a tourist train ($2-3 USD) to the park but we decided to walk since we were up for the adventures. The train looks like the one in a theme park all deck out and colorful that attract tourist but, It was not a far walk, we were so busy talking and catching up with each other that we nearly past the turn that lead to the beach. Taejongdae is known for their rock beach which has a beautiful view of the ocean and lighthouse. This park was also in a Korean Drama, Pinocchio. It was the suicide scene of the mother for all of those who watched the drama. Don't mind me with that awesome hat, I have misplaced my sunglasses so the sun is shining right at me. The sun was beaming hot that day and I was able to pick up this hat for only 5,000 won. ($5 USD)

 The rocks are very smooth and slipper if it's wet. It is such a nice view from the rocks. There were many people eating at this area. It was like a picnic area with a great view.

We had a picnic with delicious kimbab and juice while enjoying the scenic view. It was also very breezy once you reach this side. I would definitely like to come back to this place, but there is so much to see in South Korea that I haven't explored yet.

-chuieeglam