(left: My 6th graders got to make up a vacation story about a place in WA state)My long weekend is drawing to a close. I had a great 5 day Chusok Weekend. Schools typically get 1 day off for this Korean Thanksgiving holiday but my principal decided that we needed 3 extra days off, giving us a wonderful 5 day weekend. So I have yet to work a full week, nor will I this week. But I really love my school, the teachers and kids, and my schedule seems to be okay.
My planning time is lumped into 1 day every week (different every other week) and I haven’t worked either of those days yet as they fit into my schedul
e, so I’ve been very busy teaching and planning in a small amount of time. And we have another holiday October 3…eventually I will work a whole week.
e, so I’ve been very busy teaching and planning in a small amount of time. And we have another holiday October 3…eventually I will work a whole week.(My desk and my book projects)
Some small differences in South Korea:
1. Korean Ages. When you’re born in Korea you are 1 year old. On January 1st, you turn 2 regardless of your birthday. So everyone born in the same year has the same birthday. The kids are a bit younger than I’m used to as far as years in school since, for example, the 6th graders are 12, but only 10 or 11 in US years. The big kicker here is that I’ll be 29 in Korean years on January 1st of this upcoming year. I don’t know if I’m ready to be 29 yet! Ah well, I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
2. Toilet Paper. Korean toilets were not made to flush paper. There are small wastebaskets next to each toilet which are t.p. receptacles. I keep forgetting this and habitually put my used t.p. into the toilets. I’m sure I’m going to cause a big clog one of these days. Also, teachers are given a roll of toilet paper at school that you take with you to the bathroom. There is no t.p. in the individual stalls, but one large roll as you walk in the bathroom. This is the lovely, school grade 1-ply. Our rolls are cushy 2-ply. But you have to remember to grab the roll on your way to the bathroom! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten halfway down the hall only to turn back and grab my t.p.
3. Island Views. From my front door I can see the sunset over the ocean. From my terrace, I can see the sunrise over Mount Halla, Jeju’s volcano (when I wake up that early). Actually, I can see that one from my bed in the morning. I officially love living on an island.
I got my ARC (Alien Registration Card) last week! This is exciting because it takes much time and paperwork to obtain. So now I have only 1 verifying document to submit (plus my US tax exemption forms) and I’m free and clear to live and work here. I can also get my cell phone and internet. Well, 2 of the 3 internet providers on the island are currently on probation for selling customer information and I believe 1 of those is the only provider who gives service to my location. So I’ll have to wait another 2 weeks for that. But cell phone! Yay!
My friend John came back in town this weekend to take care of his Education Office paperwork. Friday (after yoga with Julia) we ran around the city all day signing papers and filling out information. I was his tour guide around the city and actually surprised myself at how well we found everywhere we needed to go. Between the buses, inexpensive taxis, and walking, this island is very accessible. Friday night we had a potluck at my building to get to know our residents. About half of us came and we had great food and a fun time. Then everyone went out and I stayed home for a quiet, early night to myself.
Saturday we celebrated Chusok with a big dinner at my apartment. Marcie made tempura sweet potatoes, yams, and zucchini. Mike & John made Cucumber Noodles, and I made tofu stew and sautéed tofu with veggies. We drank soju and Korean Plum Wine and had a nice, relaxing evening.
Sunday my friends and I took a bus out to the east coast of Jeju Island to the town of Seongsan. There is a large hydro-volcanic peak/crater there called Ilchulbong, commonly referred to as Sunrise Peak. So we hopped on the 1 ½ hour bus ride from Jeju City and headed east, not really knowing where we were going, where we were staying, or how to get to this crater. 
But as we stepped off the bus in the sleepy coastal town, an elderly Korean man with very good English escorted us to a Minbak (like a small, inexpensive hostel), showed us where to have dinner, and told us when to leave for our Sunrise Expedition. (left: John and our friendly tour guide in Saengsan) I am constantly reminded how helpful and generous Korean culture is. Every person to whom you ask a question tries to help you regardless of language barriers or how time consuming your quest is. This was just another example of Korean hospitality.
But as we stepped off the bus in the sleepy coastal town, an elderly Korean man with very good English escorted us to a Minbak (like a small, inexpensive hostel), showed us where to have dinner, and told us when to leave for our Sunrise Expedition. (left: John and our friendly tour guide in Saengsan) I am constantly reminded how helpful and generous Korean culture is. Every person to whom you ask a question tries to help you regardless of language barriers or how time consuming your quest is. This was just another example of Korean hospitality.After we settled into our Minbak, for which we paid $50 total between 6 of us, John, Mike and Julia decided to climb the peak. Cindy, Marci and I walked around the touristy part of town around the Ilchulbong entrance and browsed the local Jeju merchandise. 
We met at a local seafood restaurant for dinner (they’re all seafood restaurants) and had a huge seafood stew with every kind of shellfish you can imagine. I had rice and kimchi with the traditional accoutrements, which was enough for me. Then we went down to the beach with Hallasan Soju and Orange Fanta, our new favorite drink, and Julia, Mike and John swam in the surf and lit off fireworks. We came back to the Minbak and watched CSI:Las Vegas in English for an hour. None of us have watched TV or heard that much English in over 2 weeks and we were glued to it. 
We met at a local seafood restaurant for dinner (they’re all seafood restaurants) and had a huge seafood stew with every kind of shellfish you can imagine. I had rice and kimchi with the traditional accoutrements, which was enough for me. Then we went down to the beach with Hallasan Soju and Orange Fanta, our new favorite drink, and Julia, Mike and John swam in the surf and lit off fireworks. We came back to the Minbak and watched CSI:Las Vegas in English for an hour. None of us have watched TV or heard that much English in over 2 weeks and we were glued to it. 
Monday morning we awoke at 5am for our trek up the peak. The walk is paved with lava rock stairs carved out of the mountain. It was about a 20 minute walk up in the cloudy, misty weather but the humidity abounded as usual and we were hot and sticky by the time we got to the top. It was beautiful watching the sky lighten up and seeing the colors of the sky, the ocean, and the green crater. 
Unfortunately, the sun could not be seen 
behind the thick cloud cover, but it was still breathtaking. I plan to go back when I can see the sunrise, maybe in the spring. 
Unfortunately, the sun could not be seen 
behind the thick cloud cover, but it was still breathtaking. I plan to go back when I can see the sunrise, maybe in the spring. 
We all got breakfast at GS 25 (Korea’s 7-11) and took the bus back to Jeju City at 8:30am. It was a very fun and spontaneous trip and we all had a great time. All in all, I think I spent about 30,000 Won ($30) including food, bus, and accommodations. I’ve definitely found some awesome friends who are ready for adventures and surprises and are open to whatever comes along. 
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