I've been grading English books- grammar, sentence writing, speaking, everything. The first thing I do is grade in fun colors- no students like "red" all over their pages, especially for quotation marks and punctuation.
In the US, a star (example: *) on the number means that problem, answer, sentence is CORRECT and a circle means it's wrong. I started doing circles and stars. My students were sad (elementary age) and asking why the answer was wrong and wanted to know the right answer. I told my students they got the answer right, so they told me, "Teacher, do a circle around the number, not a star." A star in Korean grading means the answer is wrong and doing stars at the top of the page or on the entire page means the whole page is wrong. Circles means it's correct.
I have students who will yawn during my class, (which is allowed), but at times, my heart breaks for them because I am one of their many teachers and my English class is one class out of a bunch of academies they have lined up after me.
Students have their school day (elementary ends about 2:30), but it could vary for other schools. I teach academy classes (학원) in the afternoon and evening. My class isn't their one and only class. Students start Korean martial arts classes like Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, or Japanese Judo. Students attend other academies like, math, science, social sciences (history, economics, etc), then students go to rooms called 독서실 (Korean study rooms) to continue the studying. Academy classes happen daily- not one, but a lot. Korean study rooms are like small desks with wall lined up in a room for students to study. They are usually silent, so quiet you can hear a pin drop. Students will go home about 2:30-3:00am and sleep for a couple of hours and start the day again.
I also noticed that Koreans have 3 years of kindergarten, starting at age 5-7, sometimes as young as 4 (remember that Koreans have a different age system, so some as young as 2 start school). It's not bad, but a coworker of mine said, "there isn't much of a childhood" which made me think because in the US, we have a childhood. We're sent to daycare, half-day preschool, and told to play with friends. In Korea, children stay home with a parents (usually mother). I have not seen a lot of daycares in Korea. I have seen a lot of mother with children. I don't know if there's such a thing as a "play date" for children in Korea. I have to remember, Korean culture is different from what I am used to.
It's been interesting start to learning about the school system. I am hoping I will learn more.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
New foods and weekends
I've been trying new foods galore. I'm proud of myself because I usually don't try new foods alone. Ever since I arrived, it's been a step at a time. Who knows what I will try next. I've also been eating foods that I know and like. I've been craving cereal. I bought some Special K cereal. Unfortunately, for my family back in MN, I haven't been able to find GM cereals. I found Post and Kellog's cereals. I tried Korean milk. I hear it's a little different from US milk. I tried 매일매일 우유 (Maeil maeil milk) and 서울우유 (Seoul Milk) both taste the same, but to me, they taste sweet. I don't know if it's me or the milk. I think it tastes sweet. I have to try Korean soy milk still. The milk is good, but I stopped drinking it alone.
Recently, I was feeling kind of homesick and wanted something sweet. I bought instant vanilla latte cappuccino from Daiso (the Korean version of the dollar store with extremely cute items). I heated milk up first and added the mix. I added dark chocolate (it was free when I helped clean out an apartment, so I won't complain and dark chocolate also tastes sweet to me) to my cappuccino. I let the chocolate melt and I mixed it. Some how I got chocolate chunks, but it tasted delicious. I will wait until next month to have it again.
Recently, I was feeling kind of homesick and wanted something sweet. I bought instant vanilla latte cappuccino from Daiso (the Korean version of the dollar store with extremely cute items). I heated milk up first and added the mix. I added dark chocolate (it was free when I helped clean out an apartment, so I won't complain and dark chocolate also tastes sweet to me) to my cappuccino. I let the chocolate melt and I mixed it. Some how I got chocolate chunks, but it tasted delicious. I will wait until next month to have it again.
I bought cheetos. I used to LOVE the original kind, but as I got older, I lost my taste for them. These were on sale and I'm not picky. After I paid and went home, I saw "매콤한맛." All I could and can do is eat them or save them. I tried them and they are not as spicy as I thought they would be. They are more strong and garlic flavored (Koreans love their garlic too).
Lately, I've been watching Korean movies because I created a list and also from the flight to Korea, I got to watch many Korean movies. I have to thank youtube and the youtube creators because that's where I watch most of my movies. If you know me, you know I enjoy foreign films. I have to get going and find a new foreign film to watch this weekend.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Korean culture
Some new cultural experience I encountered are:
1) Hierarchy. I knew Korea had an hierarchy system. I did not know a lot about it. My parents reminded me, "respect your parents and elders" and it was followed with "that is the most important." There's hierarchy in age, rank at the work place (if someone starts work before me, but they are younger they are still my 선배-senior), even at my work place (rank with the bosses)- I call them "원장님" (won-jan nim) 님 (nim) is a polite way to call someone.
2) Business cards are important. I never thought of making a business card because I never really had an interest in them. In Korea, business cards are important to Korean people. They exchange business cards when they meet. They are in both English and Korean. I think business cards are used as almost a work ID when people do business with each other.
3) Korea is patriarchal. The US is too. In the United States, women can keep their surname, change to their husband's surname or use both. In Korea, women keep their father's surname. My Korean name is 박은영 (Park, Eunyoung). Park is my surname. When Koreans marry, the children take on the father's surname. I tried explaining to US born and raised coworkers about this cultural trait Korea has. I tried to be polite. I explained the surname is important. Kids want to do well in carrying on the name meaning, they don't want to "upset" the family name because it's not only them, it's the whole family. I tried to explain it simple, but polite.
Being a sociology major and taking some interesting cultural classes, it's fun to pick up on unique cultural traits.
1) Hierarchy. I knew Korea had an hierarchy system. I did not know a lot about it. My parents reminded me, "respect your parents and elders" and it was followed with "that is the most important." There's hierarchy in age, rank at the work place (if someone starts work before me, but they are younger they are still my 선배-senior), even at my work place (rank with the bosses)- I call them "원장님" (won-jan nim) 님 (nim) is a polite way to call someone.
2) Business cards are important. I never thought of making a business card because I never really had an interest in them. In Korea, business cards are important to Korean people. They exchange business cards when they meet. They are in both English and Korean. I think business cards are used as almost a work ID when people do business with each other.
3) Korea is patriarchal. The US is too. In the United States, women can keep their surname, change to their husband's surname or use both. In Korea, women keep their father's surname. My Korean name is 박은영 (Park, Eunyoung). Park is my surname. When Koreans marry, the children take on the father's surname. I tried explaining to US born and raised coworkers about this cultural trait Korea has. I tried to be polite. I explained the surname is important. Kids want to do well in carrying on the name meaning, they don't want to "upset" the family name because it's not only them, it's the whole family. I tried to explain it simple, but polite.
Being a sociology major and taking some interesting cultural classes, it's fun to pick up on unique cultural traits.
Trying new foods in Korea~
I am shocked at all the new foods I am trying in Korea. Of course, I love my bulgogi (marinated beef), bi-bim-bab (mixed rice with vegetables) and my white rice. I have tried so many new foods, I thought you live once and gotta try everything, if it's edible it's good. There are foods that I have tried multiple times, but I just don't care for them (meaning I will eat them, but it won't be my first choice).
When I eat with my bio-brother and bio-father, they like meat. I will eat meat and vegetables. Last time, I ate with them, my brother and I had seafood. We had a stone bowl with octopus cut up in microscopic pieces mixed with rice in a broth. It did not have seafood taste. I loved that it came with LOTS of vegetables. Someone told me, my birth brother and I have a similar taste, we both can handle spicy food and I noticed we don't usually go for desserts. I always laugh because I always put a big bite in my mouth and it takes a while to chew and my birth brother just laughs because my face gets round.
I have tried many foods and tried to take a picture of all the foods I tried. I ate something called: Sundae or Soondae (순대) which translates to "blood sausage". I dipped it in a salt seasoning kind of mixture and it tasted good. I recently tried jellyfish, someone joked saying, "it stings when it goes down" made me laugh because it reminded me of my dad. He'd probably say something funny like that.
Bi-bim-bab is kind of my "safety" meal. I know I like it and I know what to expect from it. However, I am a bigger fan of the 돌솥비빔밥 (stone bowl bi-bim-bab) because places serve a raw egg on top AND the bowl actually cooks the egg when you mix everything.
I really like kimchi and soy bean stew (김치찌개 and 되장찌개). Both have tofu and vegetables. The broth for kimchi stew is made with fermented kimchi and soybean soup it can be created to match your taste. In Korea, soy bean soup is served with clams. I tried clams in Korea.
This is 토스트 (Toast). Bread is pan fried, with a fried egg and ham. It has a "special" sauce on it and I have grown to love it. It's probably not the best meal option, but I can never say no.
Bulgogi pizza. The crust isn't bad, but there was small pieces of corn on the pizza and HUGE chunks of meat. I liked it.
I went to lunch with one of closest international student friends from UWRF. We ate chap chae, bulgogi, cold kimchi soup, squid, some pancakes made out of vegetable and egg and an egg dish. It was tasty.
What's really cool is STARBUCKS is international. There's one Starbucks in Korea that allows the Korean language to be used while working (I believe it is in Insadong). In all the Starbucks I have been in, it's usually English that is being spoken. I don't go often because prices are not the best (meaning more expensive than at home, plus, I am a caribou coffee fan).
I missed "American" food haha. I ate the burger king. If you want to "upgrade" meaning larger size, it costs more money. I got regular fries and chicken tenders. It was a two floor Burger King. First floor is for ordering, waiting for food or take out. No drive thru (sorry), but they have delivery, that's right, delivery. This Burger King was open 24 hours. Second floor was for sitting and eating.
I like bubble tea. Unfortunately, I am not a huge "fan" of the pearls that come in the beverage. I just remember getting a stomach ache after eating them. I ordered a honey dew bubble tea. It tasted like a melon bar.
My friend, Grace and her boyfriend, Yong took me for dinner. I said, that I wanted to try something I never tried before. We ate 부대찌개 (Bu-dae stew). We got the ham and meat one. I believe there were different kinds of stew. We got to put ramen in it too. We ate family style--where everybody shares. It was spicy. It also had pepperoni in it. I have not tried it yet, but Koreans like their spam.
If you research it, there are articles that it's popular among western people because it's kind of Americanized. There are US army bases in Korea.
My friend Grace, her boyfriend, Yong and I got dessert, which was .팥빙수 (shaved ice with fruit and beans). This was made with milk flakes instead of shaved ice. There are strawberries on top. The square stuff is called 떡 which is rice cakes, but these are sweetened (not sweetened to American standard, lightly sweetened).
This is sweet and sour pork. I loved it. Lots of vegetables and right amount of sauce and seasoning.
I tried something called 샤부 샤부 (shyabu-shyabu). It's good. I mean for 15.00; I got meat, my own soup base, vegetables (Korea has such HUGE mushrooms, so I do wonder if I really am from Korea. I mean why does my homeland have such HUGE mushrooms..?) On the right side is what I got to eat.
Baked goods are nothing like US baked goods. They are tasty, but not as sweet. Koreans almost try to make their baked goods "cute" and in US, we make them sweet. Korean apartments (aka the main kind of housing) do not come equipped with ovens. Usually, pastry shops, coffee places, restaurants do have ovens and large ones to bake what they need. I haven't needed sugar for anything yet. I honestly don't know if they have sugar. I have organic powdered sugar. From what I ate, I noticed pastries are tasty, but a little dry and not as sweet.
Not only that pastries are not sweet, I noticed, they package little amounts. I think I got three cookies in each package. I mean, in America, I don't know how many pastries get packaged together. I noticed when I want cookies and lots of them to buy lots of packages. haha. I do miss cookies.
When I eat with my bio-brother and bio-father, they like meat. I will eat meat and vegetables. Last time, I ate with them, my brother and I had seafood. We had a stone bowl with octopus cut up in microscopic pieces mixed with rice in a broth. It did not have seafood taste. I loved that it came with LOTS of vegetables. Someone told me, my birth brother and I have a similar taste, we both can handle spicy food and I noticed we don't usually go for desserts. I always laugh because I always put a big bite in my mouth and it takes a while to chew and my birth brother just laughs because my face gets round.
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| 돈까스 (Donkatsu) It's a pork cutlet. I had this twice, but I'm not into fried pork. |
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| 비빔밥 (Mixed rice) before and after |
Bi-bim-bab is kind of my "safety" meal. I know I like it and I know what to expect from it. However, I am a bigger fan of the 돌솥비빔밥 (stone bowl bi-bim-bab) because places serve a raw egg on top AND the bowl actually cooks the egg when you mix everything.
 |
| Kimchi Stew |
I really like kimchi and soy bean stew (김치찌개 and 되장찌개). Both have tofu and vegetables. The broth for kimchi stew is made with fermented kimchi and soybean soup it can be created to match your taste. In Korea, soy bean soup is served with clams. I tried clams in Korea.
 |
| Kimbab |
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| 떡라면 (rice cake ramen). I heard if I eat ramen before bed, my face might swell up the next morning. |
 |
| toast |
This is 토스트 (Toast). Bread is pan fried, with a fried egg and ham. It has a "special" sauce on it and I have grown to love it. It's probably not the best meal option, but I can never say no.
Bulgogi pizza. The crust isn't bad, but there was small pieces of corn on the pizza and HUGE chunks of meat. I liked it.
I went to lunch with one of closest international student friends from UWRF. We ate chap chae, bulgogi, cold kimchi soup, squid, some pancakes made out of vegetable and egg and an egg dish. It was tasty.
What's really cool is STARBUCKS is international. There's one Starbucks in Korea that allows the Korean language to be used while working (I believe it is in Insadong). In all the Starbucks I have been in, it's usually English that is being spoken. I don't go often because prices are not the best (meaning more expensive than at home, plus, I am a caribou coffee fan). 
 |
| My friend, Grace and I eating 부대 찌개 |
If you research it, there are articles that it's popular among western people because it's kind of Americanized. There are US army bases in Korea.
My friend Grace, her boyfriend, Yong and I got dessert, which was .팥빙수 (shaved ice with fruit and beans). This was made with milk flakes instead of shaved ice. There are strawberries on top. The square stuff is called 떡 which is rice cakes, but these are sweetened (not sweetened to American standard, lightly sweetened).
I tried something called 샤부 샤부 (shyabu-shyabu). It's good. I mean for 15.00; I got meat, my own soup base, vegetables (Korea has such HUGE mushrooms, so I do wonder if I really am from Korea. I mean why does my homeland have such HUGE mushrooms..?) On the right side is what I got to eat. 
Baked goods are nothing like US baked goods. They are tasty, but not as sweet. Koreans almost try to make their baked goods "cute" and in US, we make them sweet. Korean apartments (aka the main kind of housing) do not come equipped with ovens. Usually, pastry shops, coffee places, restaurants do have ovens and large ones to bake what they need. I haven't needed sugar for anything yet. I honestly don't know if they have sugar. I have organic powdered sugar. From what I ate, I noticed pastries are tasty, but a little dry and not as sweet.
Not only that pastries are not sweet, I noticed, they package little amounts. I think I got three cookies in each package. I mean, in America, I don't know how many pastries get packaged together. I noticed when I want cookies and lots of them to buy lots of packages. haha. I do miss cookies. 
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Cherry Blossom season and students
I finished my first month teaching. I'll have to invest in some pants...one of these days my 5 years old students might pants me. They can only hug my legs..they are not tall enough to hug above my legs. When I try to leave their classroom, they sit on my feet, so I have to lift them up too. My 5 years old students give me hugs, hand hearts, smile and most of all they love giving me high-fives. Never knew high-fives were the best...I guess they are to kids. One of my 5 years old students said, "영어선생님 최고에요" It means English teacher is the best. (영어- English, 선생님-teacher, 최고-best because he is a student and younger than me he has to be formal and add 에요). He also gave me a thumb up and big smile. The next day he told me that he likes my classes!! (YAY!). I have him daily for 20 minutes. My job is to spark his interest in learning English. Actually, all my 5 years old students are sweet. When it's done, they are shocked and say "벌써 끝났어요?" (벌써-already 끝났어요- finished). Recently, I taught them, 'head, shoulders, knees and toes'; they don't know the words, but they love doing the actions and laughing. All I hear are giggles. I do it slow, then medium speed, then super fast; the students keep wanting to go super-duper fast.
I also teach 7 years old students. At the end of class, I will help them put on their jackets, get their backpacks because little kids loose interest. I don't want them to miss their bus. I was helping one student zip her jacket. She said, "엄마" I said, "Teacher is Mom?!" She looks at me and smiles. I guess "mom" is way better than "아줌마" (older married lady). I was not called that...yet. I wasn't sure if I should have taken it as a compliment, but my cousin said that at a young age it comes out and to take it as a compliment because it means the kids are close with you. I will take it as a compliment and be happy with it.
One of my 6 years old students has started giving me a kiss on my cheek and I don't know why. Other students give me hugs. Recently this week in April, one of my students who doesn't really show emotion, was the first student to give me a hug at the end of class. The rest of the students followed.
In March and April, it was cherry blossom season. They are trees with the pretty pink flowers. They are pretty. It's nice to know, I left a snowy Minnesota for an actual spring, not a winter lingering behind kind of spring.
I also teach 7 years old students. At the end of class, I will help them put on their jackets, get their backpacks because little kids loose interest. I don't want them to miss their bus. I was helping one student zip her jacket. She said, "엄마" I said, "Teacher is Mom?!" She looks at me and smiles. I guess "mom" is way better than "아줌마" (older married lady). I was not called that...yet. I wasn't sure if I should have taken it as a compliment, but my cousin said that at a young age it comes out and to take it as a compliment because it means the kids are close with you. I will take it as a compliment and be happy with it.
One of my 6 years old students has started giving me a kiss on my cheek and I don't know why. Other students give me hugs. Recently this week in April, one of my students who doesn't really show emotion, was the first student to give me a hug at the end of class. The rest of the students followed.
In March and April, it was cherry blossom season. They are trees with the pretty pink flowers. They are pretty. It's nice to know, I left a snowy Minnesota for an actual spring, not a winter lingering behind kind of spring.
Friday, March 14, 2014
FOOD in Korea and Shrek too?
I've been eating well. I'm trying new foods. I was born in a city near the coast, so my birth family eats seafood. The times I have met my birth brother, we did not eat seafood. We ate meat. We sit at a table and there's a small grill in front and they bring the meat and you grill your own meat. Yes, I did this with a guy friend/후배 (junior) from the university. [Not sure if you guys knew, he's the same person]. He's not a boyfriend, so no worries, just a friend. I really like grilling meat. There are a lot of side dishes, rice, tasty side dishes.... yes, abnormally large mushrooms too. This was the first meal my 오빠 and I ate together. We didn't grill, we got small bulgogi steaks. It was tasty.
I also have been eating some ramens. I like 떡 라면 (Rice cake ramen).
I also like Kimchi stew (김치지께)
I also like some street food like 떡볶이 (spicy rice cakes)... No worries, people cook with bottled water. I also got something that was bulgogi and rice in a cup.
Sometimes my coworkers and I will stop for food and then coffee. I found a coffee shop near my school. There are plenty of coffee shops near my place too.
I brought my Shrek doll with me to Korea.
I'm not sure how many people know about my Shrek doll or know the story behind it. I actually got the doll from my Dad when we went to Florida for a work trip. My dad doesn't ride rides, so he played the games and won me the Shrek doll.
sick, Melktert, and extra large toilet paper...?
I've been sick for the last two weeks. I am coughing up a lung. I don't know what else I can do or take. For starters, I'm suppose to have health insurance, but I found out I won't get it. I am hesitant about going to a doctor and spending thousands. I am just annoyed. I lost my voice. My students have to listen to a raspy teacher, especially when we have to sing a kids song. Today, I've been feeling nausea. I don't know why. I have a headache. I'm tired of being sick. Now, my ears have started to hurt. I don't know what else I can do.
I've been teaching a couple of weeks. All my kids watched the movie Frozen. Can you guess the name that most of the girls chose is? Elsa or Anna. I have 3 'Elsa' in one class.
Today, it "white day" in Korea (March 14). It's a cute day for couples....and as you may know I am single, My day is called "black day" when I get to eat black noodles...that day is April 14. I am counting down the days............ Oh my, some of my kindergartners found a classmate for white day.
The other night, I had milktart (melktert) a dessert from South Africa. I had it with Gemma and Jenny. They are English teachers at the same school-company, but Jenny and I both work at the same school. Gemma works at another location. I will say it was mighty tasty and good.
I've been teaching a couple of weeks. All my kids watched the movie Frozen. Can you guess the name that most of the girls chose is? Elsa or Anna. I have 3 'Elsa' in one class.
Today, it "white day" in Korea (March 14). It's a cute day for couples....and as you may know I am single, My day is called "black day" when I get to eat black noodles...that day is April 14. I am counting down the days............ Oh my, some of my kindergartners found a classmate for white day.
The other night, I had milktart (melktert) a dessert from South Africa. I had it with Gemma and Jenny. They are English teachers at the same school-company, but Jenny and I both work at the same school. Gemma works at another location. I will say it was mighty tasty and good.
Tonight, I am going to attempt to wash clothes... not shrink or color odd colors... Wish me luck. I also had to buy some stuff for the apartment, like toilet paper, Kleenexes, etx. WAMO!! (not sure if that is a word), but 30 rolls of toilet paper for 12.50. Trust me, I looked for "baby" sizes likes a couple of rolls, like we have in the states... nope. I guess Koreans buy their toilet paper in bulk size... I have 30 rolls of toilet paper.
Monday, March 3, 2014
The worst week...
I've been in training last couple of days. Change of plans with people not getting the date right about when the teacher is leaving. I was placed in a motel provided by the school. The school manager picks me up and drops me off after training. Wednesday, I go to lunch with two female teachers and male teacher. By the way, this male teacher raised his eyebrows at me (like you do when you're either being funny or checking someone out). I was more creeped out because either later that day or the next day, a female teacher who has 2 other roommates (and I think one is that guy) offer me their couch. I say, "I'm just fine at the motel." I was just creeped out by the guy. I am still nice and professional since we're teachers at the same school. They ask about my family in America and Korea. I say, "I have and know a lot of older brothers and sisters" and smile. My friends were happy about that comment.
I had a stomach ache from Wednesday night to Friday night. I couldn't eat because I would feel nausea after I ate. I still ate. Thursday, I did not get a lunch and Friday I did get a lunch. I always carried water with me. A co-worker thought it was because of stress- apartment stuff, training, moving, teaching, etc. I usually eat if I am stressed. My 오빠 was worried and wondered if we should get medicine. I couldn't take anything Thursday because I had a medical check Friday morning to make sure I don't do drugs or have AIDS or an STD. I found out I am 157.9cm (5'2). I am 50kg (110 pounds). I lost weight that week. I am slowly getting my appetite back this week. Maybe it's from running up and down the subway station stairs (I don't use the escalator) and I usually have a bag so more of a workout. I video chatted with a friend and she thought I looked pale. I said it could be my make up the lighting is bad, so I came out with a really pale face once.
Also, don't laugh, I think my eyes are getting old. I had an eye test. I don't know what this means. They picked the microscopic letters. I have 1.0 in one eye and 1.2 in the other. I asked a friend from the US with glasses and they said "must be a Korean scaling. I have no idea." My eyes don't hurt, only if I look at a screen too long, they get tired and a heavy feeling like they can't stay open. I don't use my computer as much. The only other thing that was weird was I couldn't see all of the subway stops on a map in the subway, but then again it was the whole subway map and it's abnormally high up.
I moved into a temporary apartment and I'll move again this weekend. OMG, I probably sound like a 5-star apartment snob. It smells. I will use a public restroom so I don't have to use my toilet. My bathroom window is broken. The pillow case is brown and nasty looking. My windows are like dusty. I am refusing to use their dishes because the look nasty and unclean. Walls are damaged too. I'm in the basement. I'm ready to sleep with a knife next to me. I told my friend, "get me out of here." At least it's rent free. I lock my doors (all 3 locks) when I am home. Last night, I slept on my couch because I was paranoid my bed would be nasty. The pillow case is. I will use only this place for sleeping nothing else.
I forgot to mention, the week I was sick, Friday morning, I woke up at 4am in a sweaty bed and chills. I am doing much better.
Apparently, someone told me that the teachers live in a "poor" area of Yongin. I don't want to sound like a snob, but get me a new place. I was considering buying febreeze. I didn't want to spend 5.00. I spend 5.00 on handsoap so I could wash my hands. OMG, this is way worse than camping!!! I am paranoid I smell like the nasty scent in this place. I don't want to clean it either since I'm moving, why waste my energy.
Today, I started teaching and didn't die. The kids are so cute. A co-worker said, "those will be your kids if you marry a Korean guy." They have such big eyes, hair is nicely done, outfits are so fashionable.
My kids were shocked because I only spoke English to them. They're like "she's the Korean teacher..." (all the kids laugh).
I guess not all of it was bad, just the stomach ache. I loved seeing my friends and family. The kids are cute, but some don't like to listen.
I had a stomach ache from Wednesday night to Friday night. I couldn't eat because I would feel nausea after I ate. I still ate. Thursday, I did not get a lunch and Friday I did get a lunch. I always carried water with me. A co-worker thought it was because of stress- apartment stuff, training, moving, teaching, etc. I usually eat if I am stressed. My 오빠 was worried and wondered if we should get medicine. I couldn't take anything Thursday because I had a medical check Friday morning to make sure I don't do drugs or have AIDS or an STD. I found out I am 157.9cm (5'2). I am 50kg (110 pounds). I lost weight that week. I am slowly getting my appetite back this week. Maybe it's from running up and down the subway station stairs (I don't use the escalator) and I usually have a bag so more of a workout. I video chatted with a friend and she thought I looked pale. I said it could be my make up the lighting is bad, so I came out with a really pale face once.
Also, don't laugh, I think my eyes are getting old. I had an eye test. I don't know what this means. They picked the microscopic letters. I have 1.0 in one eye and 1.2 in the other. I asked a friend from the US with glasses and they said "must be a Korean scaling. I have no idea." My eyes don't hurt, only if I look at a screen too long, they get tired and a heavy feeling like they can't stay open. I don't use my computer as much. The only other thing that was weird was I couldn't see all of the subway stops on a map in the subway, but then again it was the whole subway map and it's abnormally high up.
I moved into a temporary apartment and I'll move again this weekend. OMG, I probably sound like a 5-star apartment snob. It smells. I will use a public restroom so I don't have to use my toilet. My bathroom window is broken. The pillow case is brown and nasty looking. My windows are like dusty. I am refusing to use their dishes because the look nasty and unclean. Walls are damaged too. I'm in the basement. I'm ready to sleep with a knife next to me. I told my friend, "get me out of here." At least it's rent free. I lock my doors (all 3 locks) when I am home. Last night, I slept on my couch because I was paranoid my bed would be nasty. The pillow case is. I will use only this place for sleeping nothing else.
I forgot to mention, the week I was sick, Friday morning, I woke up at 4am in a sweaty bed and chills. I am doing much better.
Apparently, someone told me that the teachers live in a "poor" area of Yongin. I don't want to sound like a snob, but get me a new place. I was considering buying febreeze. I didn't want to spend 5.00. I spend 5.00 on handsoap so I could wash my hands. OMG, this is way worse than camping!!! I am paranoid I smell like the nasty scent in this place. I don't want to clean it either since I'm moving, why waste my energy.
Today, I started teaching and didn't die. The kids are so cute. A co-worker said, "those will be your kids if you marry a Korean guy." They have such big eyes, hair is nicely done, outfits are so fashionable.
My kids were shocked because I only spoke English to them. They're like "she's the Korean teacher..." (all the kids laugh).
I guess not all of it was bad, just the stomach ache. I loved seeing my friends and family. The kids are cute, but some don't like to listen.
Blood is thicker than water and a fun week
This weekend I am headed to Ulsan (southeast near Busan). That's where I was born. I should just get a job down there haha. I'm not sure how to go about this, but I'm suppose to meet my brother's friend who is a girl. I was worried and panicking about all of this. Why? The dreaded "what if" question(s). What if she doesn't like me? What if I don't like her? You can't tell your sibling (and one that you just met too) that you don't like his girlfriend. He didn't even let me look at a crossing guard. I'm pretty sure if I ever go to a concert and see my favorite idol (and yes, he has a habit of ripping his shirts and pants -for E and B)..I'm pretty my brother and male cousins would blindfold me and drag me out.
You ask why I am nervous... Well, she and I have been texting a bit and she's really outgoing. I'm outgoing with people I know. I still use formal Korean language with my brother; now we're getting to the informal. Our first meeting, was kind of a quiet one. I'm scared. It's not that I don't like outgoing people, y'all see my friends and I? We're unique, outgoing, kind of enjoy nagging and bullying each other, teasing each other. (and by friends I mean E and B). I've been writing in my journal and praying to GOD a lot that she's not a fake-idiot who is rude towards me but sweet towards me in front of my brother. I pray hoping we can get along like normal human beings. Em and Brea suggested I "fluff" up my hulk-ish muscles and intimidate her (I won't do that). I am the most worried she won't like me and we'll fight when my brother is not around and make peace when he is. I can't say anything. It's rude if I don't visit and all that. I am very worried. I also think it'll be a date for them with the sister tagging along. Yes, she is younger than me, by two years.
The HUGEST thing I'm worried about is that we'll not like each other and my brother takes her side and we hate each other forever. Granted, I am preparing myself mentally for that.
I met with my 후배 (junior) from the university last night. I told him why I was nervous. He said I should be just fine. (I asked E and B too). They said I should be fine for 1) she'll want "bonus" points from the brother and 2) if I say something like she hit me, siblings are more likely to side. They told me not to worry because a sibling's opinion has more value than being happy with that significant other. I'm not gonna order her around to clean and all that. I thought my opinion would be meaningless to my brother since we just met. She text me saying "you're brother worries about you more than anyone" and the last couple of nights I have had an upset stomach where I can't eat or sleep (I slept like 2 hours). I told my brother that my stomach hurts and I haven't been able to eat, so if I don't eat, don't be shocked.... let's just say she left our group chat room on kakao. Sisters, believe it, I am actually a nice sibling!! I don't pick fights and I don't run to dad for safety (no mom), I actually listen. I mean, I am a great sister to all.
Guess what, I worried for nothing. I haven't met her yet. I'm still wrapping my head around this "big" brother concept.
I met my 후배, Yoonhoo (not a boyfriend) for dinner. We grilled meat and then went for coffee. It's been 2-3+ years since we've seen each other. I meet him and do a couple cute acts (애교- aegyo). I show him how to get to "down town" Yongin. I say, "we have to pass by Infinite (Korean boy band) and Juniel (Female solo singer) uniform shop." We pass by and I say, "Look it's infinite!" He says, "Nuna, think about our age, we're too old to like idols." We walk to the crosswalk and a Politician who's campaigning for senate or mayor hands us his cards. My friend asks if I can vote in Korea. I say "no." He says in English, "She won't vote for you." We walk to a place to grill meat and get 2 kinds of meat, 3 rice bowls, 2 cokes, water, and side dishes. Yummy!! He paid for dinner and we got a punch card to return again. On the way out, I learn door slide in Korea. I attempt to push the door open and my friend is watching and finally says, "Nuna, it slides like this" and opens it (Yes, I have a college degree). He says, "Nuna, I can't pay for the door if you break it with your muscles." (My friends E and B say I am like the Hulk and I have muscles). We get coffee at Coffee Bene (he pays again). This time we just chat since it's been 2-3+years. About 8:30 he walks me back to my place because he has to leave for Seoul since it's about an hour commute by subway.
On Saturday, when I went to Ulsan, I met my brother at the train station. I always tell him, I will wait by Dunkin Donuts, where we met the first time. My brother was waiting. This time, we eat with our 아빠 (dad). He remembers me. I think my 오빠 told him that we are siblings and family. My dad was happy. My brother has to translate. My dad says "visit next weekend." My dad has an Ulsan accent. I can't tell if my brother does or doesn't. I think he does when he speaks to 아빠. We go to grill meat. We get abnormally large mushrooms with our meat. 오빠 grills them and garlic (my family likes garlic). My 아빠and 오빠 eat the mushrooms. I think my dad told him to share with me. I told my 오빠 before I don't like mushrooms (I left out my dramatic version of it). My 오빠 offers me one, but we laugh and I say, "오빠 먹어" (brother, eat). My 아빠 almost seems worried about me, so he says, "은영아 많이먹어라" (eat a lot). My Korean family uses my Korean name with me because it's easier for them to say. It's different for me to say, "아빠" (dad/daddy), but I think my 아빠 likes it. I asked my 오빠 before what do I call him? 오빠 says "아빠." My 아빠 asks my brother why am I in 용인 (경기도). My 오빠 tells 아빠 I am working at a kindergarten. I think he wishes it was Ulsan, that way I don't have to travel so far. I told my 오빠 that I meet with my friends often and I'll meet with my guy friend again. My 오빠 says, "만났다고?!" (you're meeting; used for dating. My 오빠 uses the tome like 오빠 has to approve first and kind of gets concerned). I tell him we're only friends.
My 오빠 says he wants to thank my family for taking good care of me.
Don't worry~ I have family and friends here that are watching out for me, my safety and well being.
You ask why I am nervous... Well, she and I have been texting a bit and she's really outgoing. I'm outgoing with people I know. I still use formal Korean language with my brother; now we're getting to the informal. Our first meeting, was kind of a quiet one. I'm scared. It's not that I don't like outgoing people, y'all see my friends and I? We're unique, outgoing, kind of enjoy nagging and bullying each other, teasing each other. (and by friends I mean E and B). I've been writing in my journal and praying to GOD a lot that she's not a fake-idiot who is rude towards me but sweet towards me in front of my brother. I pray hoping we can get along like normal human beings. Em and Brea suggested I "fluff" up my hulk-ish muscles and intimidate her (I won't do that). I am the most worried she won't like me and we'll fight when my brother is not around and make peace when he is. I can't say anything. It's rude if I don't visit and all that. I am very worried. I also think it'll be a date for them with the sister tagging along. Yes, she is younger than me, by two years.
The HUGEST thing I'm worried about is that we'll not like each other and my brother takes her side and we hate each other forever. Granted, I am preparing myself mentally for that.
I met with my 후배 (junior) from the university last night. I told him why I was nervous. He said I should be just fine. (I asked E and B too). They said I should be fine for 1) she'll want "bonus" points from the brother and 2) if I say something like she hit me, siblings are more likely to side. They told me not to worry because a sibling's opinion has more value than being happy with that significant other. I'm not gonna order her around to clean and all that. I thought my opinion would be meaningless to my brother since we just met. She text me saying "you're brother worries about you more than anyone" and the last couple of nights I have had an upset stomach where I can't eat or sleep (I slept like 2 hours). I told my brother that my stomach hurts and I haven't been able to eat, so if I don't eat, don't be shocked.... let's just say she left our group chat room on kakao. Sisters, believe it, I am actually a nice sibling!! I don't pick fights and I don't run to dad for safety (no mom), I actually listen. I mean, I am a great sister to all.
Guess what, I worried for nothing. I haven't met her yet. I'm still wrapping my head around this "big" brother concept.
I met my 후배, Yoonhoo (not a boyfriend) for dinner. We grilled meat and then went for coffee. It's been 2-3+ years since we've seen each other. I meet him and do a couple cute acts (애교- aegyo). I show him how to get to "down town" Yongin. I say, "we have to pass by Infinite (Korean boy band) and Juniel (Female solo singer) uniform shop." We pass by and I say, "Look it's infinite!" He says, "Nuna, think about our age, we're too old to like idols." We walk to the crosswalk and a Politician who's campaigning for senate or mayor hands us his cards. My friend asks if I can vote in Korea. I say "no." He says in English, "She won't vote for you." We walk to a place to grill meat and get 2 kinds of meat, 3 rice bowls, 2 cokes, water, and side dishes. Yummy!! He paid for dinner and we got a punch card to return again. On the way out, I learn door slide in Korea. I attempt to push the door open and my friend is watching and finally says, "Nuna, it slides like this" and opens it (Yes, I have a college degree). He says, "Nuna, I can't pay for the door if you break it with your muscles." (My friends E and B say I am like the Hulk and I have muscles). We get coffee at Coffee Bene (he pays again). This time we just chat since it's been 2-3+years. About 8:30 he walks me back to my place because he has to leave for Seoul since it's about an hour commute by subway.
On Saturday, when I went to Ulsan, I met my brother at the train station. I always tell him, I will wait by Dunkin Donuts, where we met the first time. My brother was waiting. This time, we eat with our 아빠 (dad). He remembers me. I think my 오빠 told him that we are siblings and family. My dad was happy. My brother has to translate. My dad says "visit next weekend." My dad has an Ulsan accent. I can't tell if my brother does or doesn't. I think he does when he speaks to 아빠. We go to grill meat. We get abnormally large mushrooms with our meat. 오빠 grills them and garlic (my family likes garlic). My 아빠and 오빠 eat the mushrooms. I think my dad told him to share with me. I told my 오빠 before I don't like mushrooms (I left out my dramatic version of it). My 오빠 offers me one, but we laugh and I say, "오빠 먹어" (brother, eat). My 아빠 almost seems worried about me, so he says, "은영아 많이먹어라" (eat a lot). My Korean family uses my Korean name with me because it's easier for them to say. It's different for me to say, "아빠" (dad/daddy), but I think my 아빠 likes it. I asked my 오빠 before what do I call him? 오빠 says "아빠." My 아빠 asks my brother why am I in 용인 (경기도). My 오빠 tells 아빠 I am working at a kindergarten. I think he wishes it was Ulsan, that way I don't have to travel so far. I told my 오빠 that I meet with my friends often and I'll meet with my guy friend again. My 오빠 says, "만났다고?!" (you're meeting; used for dating. My 오빠 uses the tome like 오빠 has to approve first and kind of gets concerned). I tell him we're only friends.
My 오빠 says he wants to thank my family for taking good care of me.
Don't worry~ I have family and friends here that are watching out for me, my safety and well being.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Korea
I've been in Korea for sometime and I am getting the lay of the land. The first thing I noticed is the cars- Hyundai (현대) or Kia. I don't see a lot of Chevy, Chevrolet, Toyota, Subaru, etc. I also see a lot of 삼성 (Samsung). I wonder if it is that Korea takes pride in their companies (can't forget LG too) and use the products that are made there. I probably sound like a downer when I say, I wonder if the US takes "pride" in the items they produce in the US. It's not that I think the US refuses to take pride in "homemade" items, it's just that I think Korea has this sense of pride when they use their items.
Another thing I noticed in Korea is that Seoul seems like a "busy" city with people walking, subways being filled to max capacity, and a lot of cars driving in the streets. Aside from being a busy city, Koreans seem to take time to see the small stuff and still get to places on time. It's busy but at the same time people are not in a hurry and still make their appointments. I am amazed by that. As a result of Seoul being so big and populated, people bump into each other, but no one gets mad, it's almost like they expect it. It's not intentional and I think it's because it's busy and really populated.
These are the newest cultural experiences I have noticed.
Another thing I noticed in Korea is that Seoul seems like a "busy" city with people walking, subways being filled to max capacity, and a lot of cars driving in the streets. Aside from being a busy city, Koreans seem to take time to see the small stuff and still get to places on time. It's busy but at the same time people are not in a hurry and still make their appointments. I am amazed by that. As a result of Seoul being so big and populated, people bump into each other, but no one gets mad, it's almost like they expect it. It's not intentional and I think it's because it's busy and really populated.
These are the newest cultural experiences I have noticed.
Age in Korea
In Korea, I skipped the age of 25 and went straight to 26. Don't forget I am 24 in America. I'd gladly remind my family members in America that I am the youngest.
When people ask my age, I say 89 (because that's the year I was born in), then people can determine my age. In Korea, I am still the youngest in my family- "막내" (mag-nae).
In Korea, when children are born, they are 1 at the time of their birth. Every New Year everybody gains a year. Koreans may say they are a couple years older than they really are because of their age system. I found out from 오빠 that I am 26 (in Korea).
How I found out my age was that I was messaging with my 오빠's friend. She called me "언니." (unni) I was shocked because I'm used to "언니" with my friends. It felt weird, plus I thought she was older (another thing of being the youngest, I always think I am the youngest...kidding). I also use "언니" with my friends whom are girls, older than me, and whom I am close with. Plus, my brother is older, so I thought ranks would play an important role in how I should address her. I use "오빠" with my older male cousins and "언니" with the one girl cousin I met.
오빠 [oppa; the pp are pronounced]: It is a term for a girl to call an older male
* This can also be used to call older male friends, or a term for a boyfriend
언니 [unni-eon-ni]: It is a term for a girl to call an older female
*For me, I have to be close with them
I do have (a) female cousin (s) in Korea, whom I call "언니." I think I have more males in my Korean family than I do females; I was bored and wanted to count how many females and males I had in my family instead of doing my housework (kidding).
If I was a boy. I would have to call my brother "형" (hyung). I would have to call my older sister "누나" (nuna).
형 [young and put an H in front of it]: Older brother to a boy
누나 [noo-na]: Older sister to a boy
형님 [hyung- nim]: which is more respectful than "형". This can be used in the work place or with an older male whom you're not close with.
누님 [Nu-nim]: Again, more respectful than "누나".
If I had my way, everybody would be called "야" (Thank you Running Man). They use "야" a lot on that show. I just picked it up from there. "야" means "Hey" and it's informal. My friends in America and I use "야" so we can find each other. If I use "야" with my relatives whom are older than me, I would be in trouble. I also tell my friends "야" is my term for endearment...which they think is funny and will leave me alone forever. Sometimes, I call my animals "야" but that's because I love them a lot. I haven't called my parents "야" and I don't think they would respond happily.
I also use words like "eldest" and "second oldest" when I describe my uncles and aunts from Korea to family in America.
큰아빠: [keun-appa] is oldest uncle. {Literal translation: big-dad}
작은 아빠: [Jak-eun appa] is second oldest uncle {Literal translation: small-dad}
When I am in Korea and describe my sisters to people I use:
큰언니: [Keun-unni]: meaning big/oldest sister
두번째 언니: [doo-bun jae unni]: meaning second sister.
I use words like: 엄마 (mom or mommy) when I talk about my mom and 아빠 (dad or daddy) when I talk about my dad. I can use 어머니 (Mother) but that is formal and meant for kids who are getting married. I can use 아버지 (father), but same as mother.
초카 (Cho-ka) is niece or nephew (can be used as both). I use 여초카 (niece) and 남초카 (nephew).
When I speak with my cousin who are older than me I use formal language where I add "요, 입니다, 습니다" when I speak. There's an age gap and trust me, I have not used "야" at all.
That is all I can say about age.
When people ask my age, I say 89 (because that's the year I was born in), then people can determine my age. In Korea, I am still the youngest in my family- "막내" (mag-nae).
In Korea, when children are born, they are 1 at the time of their birth. Every New Year everybody gains a year. Koreans may say they are a couple years older than they really are because of their age system. I found out from 오빠 that I am 26 (in Korea).
How I found out my age was that I was messaging with my 오빠's friend. She called me "언니." (unni) I was shocked because I'm used to "언니" with my friends. It felt weird, plus I thought she was older (another thing of being the youngest, I always think I am the youngest...kidding). I also use "언니" with my friends whom are girls, older than me, and whom I am close with. Plus, my brother is older, so I thought ranks would play an important role in how I should address her. I use "오빠" with my older male cousins and "언니" with the one girl cousin I met.
오빠 [oppa; the pp are pronounced]: It is a term for a girl to call an older male
* This can also be used to call older male friends, or a term for a boyfriend
언니 [unni-eon-ni]: It is a term for a girl to call an older female
*For me, I have to be close with them
I do have (a) female cousin (s) in Korea, whom I call "언니." I think I have more males in my Korean family than I do females; I was bored and wanted to count how many females and males I had in my family instead of doing my housework (kidding).
If I was a boy. I would have to call my brother "형" (hyung). I would have to call my older sister "누나" (nuna).
형 [young and put an H in front of it]: Older brother to a boy
누나 [noo-na]: Older sister to a boy
형님 [hyung- nim]: which is more respectful than "형". This can be used in the work place or with an older male whom you're not close with.
누님 [Nu-nim]: Again, more respectful than "누나".
If I had my way, everybody would be called "야" (Thank you Running Man). They use "야" a lot on that show. I just picked it up from there. "야" means "Hey" and it's informal. My friends in America and I use "야" so we can find each other. If I use "야" with my relatives whom are older than me, I would be in trouble. I also tell my friends "야" is my term for endearment...which they think is funny and will leave me alone forever. Sometimes, I call my animals "야" but that's because I love them a lot. I haven't called my parents "야" and I don't think they would respond happily.
I also use words like "eldest" and "second oldest" when I describe my uncles and aunts from Korea to family in America.
큰아빠: [keun-appa] is oldest uncle. {Literal translation: big-dad}
작은 아빠: [Jak-eun appa] is second oldest uncle {Literal translation: small-dad}
When I am in Korea and describe my sisters to people I use:
큰언니: [Keun-unni]: meaning big/oldest sister
두번째 언니: [doo-bun jae unni]: meaning second sister.
I use words like: 엄마 (mom or mommy) when I talk about my mom and 아빠 (dad or daddy) when I talk about my dad. I can use 어머니 (Mother) but that is formal and meant for kids who are getting married. I can use 아버지 (father), but same as mother.
초카 (Cho-ka) is niece or nephew (can be used as both). I use 여초카 (niece) and 남초카 (nephew).
When I speak with my cousin who are older than me I use formal language where I add "요, 입니다, 습니다" when I speak. There's an age gap and trust me, I have not used "야" at all.
That is all I can say about age.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Travel to Korea
I made it after what seemed to be a day of craziness. I arrive at the airport early (during a snow storm). One bag was 6 pounds over weight, so I had to leave some summer clothes, swimsuit and a pair of my black converse (Chuck Taylor) shoes behind.
I was able to get on an "early" flight to Chicago. I was suppse to leave at 8:30 but it was cancelled and I was bumped up to the early flight meaning. We leave MSP at 9:30. Unfortuanately, we had to de frost the plane, wait in line at the runway and a passanger says they want to get off. We have to go back and let them off, de-frost again and wait in line. Not the best timing. I would have said "leave them and let's go."
In Chicago, there was a group of people boarding to go to Seoul (some to other places and they had a stop in Seoul). We were sent in circles trying to find Asiana Airlines. We found it and had 30 minutes until it took off, so we got to go through the checkpoint first and RUN. I got my exercise in for the year. I ran with my 2-ton backpack, and giant "personal" bag, jacket and all that fun stuff.
13 hour plane ride to Incheon (인천). I went through customs, immigration, got my luggage. Now, when I went through immigration, I could have chosen from 3 guys and a girl. The girl's line was shorter. I went through the girls line.
On my plane ride, I watched three Korean movies. This is HUGE accomplishment for me because I cannot sit and watch a movie, I have to do something while I watch TV or a movie. I watched No Breathing (Seo In-Guk, Lee Jongsuk and Kwon Yuri of SNSD/Girls' Generation) are in the movie. It's a great comedy movie. I can relate to it since it was about swimming. The next movie I watched was Wish (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wish_(film)). It made my eyes water A LOT. It was so moving and touching. The last movie I watched was The Flu (Jang Hyuk and Soo Ae) it was a pretty decent action movie and there was a sweet love story. I love the beginning sences becuase they are funny. I recommenend to watch the last two. The first one is a funny one. I REALLY recommend Wish!!!
Seoul seems different from the last time I was here (which was 2007). It seems like there are bigger buildings, more cars on the streets and more places to try. All I see are Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks...it might be a long year without Caribou Coffee. I attempted to try my Korean language skills and I became flustered and mumbled a lot. I'm gonna try my hardest to be able to communicate.
Unfortunately, I decided to leave the US with an almost dead phone and camera battery. Goal tomorrow: find an E-mart and guy some prong-plug stuff. My computer battery is halfway gone.
I am totally jet-lagged and tired I will update y'all another day.
오빠 여동생 날 (Older brother- younger sister day)
The one think a lot of people do not know about me is I do have an older brother (오빠) in Korea. (Yes, my family in America is all girls, no brothers). Also, I have been in contact with 오빠 since June of (2013). Ever since I arrived, I have been in contact with my 오빠 through kakao talk or facebook.
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| 드디어 만났다. 2014년 02월22일. 박기경이오빠 랑 나. |
Yesterday, February 22, 2014 was the best. I woke up at 4:30am (seriously; I have a habit of sleeping in- FAMILY mark it on your calendar!!!). I couldn't sleep my stomach was in knots. I was hungry, but nervous. I couldn't eat anything. I woke up, got ready to catach the train at Seoul station at 7:30. I almost got on the wrong train, but I asked someone with my super limited Korean if it was the right train, they said it was the next train. I waited for the KTX train. I found my car and seat. I pulled out my iPod and listened to music hoping it would help me get some sleep since I didn't get any the night before. Again, I was paranoid I would miss my stop (which was 2hours and 30 minutes away). All I could do was look out the window. After years of being a nail-biter and trying to stop; I finall stopped and chewed gum to try and take away my nervousness.
I arrived at Ulsan train station at 10:00. I get off the train and walk to the first floor. All I have is a picture of 오빠 on my phone. I see a sea of Koreans. I was able to get wifi at the train station to tell 오빠 where I am located. I see someone walk around and they look like they are looking for someone. I wonder if that's 오빠. It was not; good thing I didn't follow. I'm not sure what to do. I turn around and 오빠 is behind me. This time, I think I am turning into a "fangirl". I bow to 오빠 and say "아녕하세요". (my informal Korean is not the best and 야 [hey] will get me into trouble). 오빠 carries my bags to the car. Throughout the day, I kept thinking it was a dream.
오빠 and I walk to his car. 오빠 and I go to 경주 (Gyeongju) and visit 안압지. 오빠 takes me to lunch for 닭갈비. Then my brother drove to his house to meet 아빠 (dad). I think my dad didn't know who I was and how could I have said something...? The first question 아빠 asks is "생일 몇살이야?" (When is your birthday?). I say 89년 03월19일 (March 19, 1989). 아빠 gives snacks to eat. 오빠 pulls out a photo album my mom made when we first traveled to Korea. He looks at it with me and shows me his photo album growing up. I see my 언니's album too. I show 오빠 my cats and dog (Lola, Edgie and Nelly). I also show my nieces and nephew.
오빠 and I go to Ulsan and walk around the coast. (shocker I am from a coastal city in Korea, I would love to live on the coast and I apparently love water activities
a lot). I get the gift I prepared for 오빠 a photo album, letter and chocolate. 오빠 and I get coffee. I show 오빠 the album and tell him there are no actually cute and normal pictures of me as a baby. I was always eating. I could only choose from eating, sleeping, or some milestone picture or some picture with my hair done. I informed my 오빠 that I am the "rebellious" (maybe independent) child. Parents say, "go anywhere, see the world." I say, "Okay. Keep my stuff in my room, don't sell it, watch my animals. See ya whenever I choose to comeback." How I described rebellious was my parents would say one thing and I don't listen and do as I want to.
오빠 takes me back home to say my goodbye to 아빠. I'm not sure if 아빠 recognizes me or not. 오빠 and I go shopping and 오빠 says to me, "오빠 선물 사줄게" (오빠 will buy you a gift). A winter jacket since I am from the land of snowstorms (not 10,000 lakes).
오빠 takes me to the train station where we eat dinner. Inside I felt bad for not being able to stay longer. All I could say was "오늘은 고마워요" (Thank you for today.) 오빠 and I walk to the train platform. 오빠 carries my bags. The train comes and I get on. I listen to music and look out the window because I feel tears starting and I don't want people to see. I hold my tears in. I leave for Seoul.
Truth is, I requested not to meet with the other aunts and uncles for fear that I would be overwhelmed and not sure what to do. I chose to meet 오빠 alone and one-on-one. We used kong-lish (Korean-English).
오빠 또 만나요.
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