Member BlogTeach Your Childrenby: the real ginger on: May 15, 2008 5:04am
Korea has had many special days since February--Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Children's Day, Parents' Day...and now, Teachers' Day. For the occasion, my school canceled classes and instead, had the children/teachers all meet at the park. The 2nd and 3rd years went to a park close to the Han River, while the 1st years and myself went to Boramae Park. It's pretty close to where I live (about 20 minutes walking) AND I didn't have to be there until 9:30! Score! I showed up, thinking, "I'm supposed to meet them by the pagoda looking thing where the old men play Chinese checkers." I assumed it would a piece of cake. Unfortunately, 10 other schools in the area had the same brilliant Boramae idea, so there were thousands and thousands of students milling around. Only two of those schools made their kids wear their uniforms, so I was pretty lost. I was peering from face to face, wondering, "Is that one of my kids? Is that one of my co-workers?" I was lost in a sea of black bowl cuts and blunt bangs, skinny jeans and highlighter-bright t-shirts (the 90s are back with a vengence, folks). Finally, I tracked down my school and had to endure another impromptu paparazzi session. One of my students who speaks English very well eventually intervened and told all her classmates that they were being embarrassing, so they stopped. Aish.
The students were supposed to draw landscapes and write poems about space, but I think they were too distracted by the fresh air and the thousands of other students to focus. The teachers just sat in a picnic area and ate kimbap. Each female teacher had made their own special kind and were quite insistent on making me try them all. Honestly, I think I had about 15 pieces this morning, but all of it was delicious. They later ordered some soup and ddukbogi (I loooove the latter), After eating, another co-teacher and I walked around the park, chatting with students. We left at 12:30 and then Dean and I went to a noraebang. Our day ended at Ice Berry with a cold bowl of patbingsoo.
So...yay, Teachers' Day! My parents are coming in TWO DAYS, so I'm freaking thrilled. I'll have a lot of time off (paid leave), so I have that to look forward to. And the DAY that they fly out, my SISTER flies in. It's gonna be a hell of a time.
I have no idea who this student is, but my co-teacher instructed me to go sit with her for a picture. I think we're both a bit awkward.
Kongguk University had a three day festival and our friend invited us last night. Drinking maekju until 1 AM probably wasn't the smartest idea, considering it was a weekday, but we met some cool Koreans, so that's a plus.
My birthday was two days ago, so my co-teachers threw me a mini-party in my classroom.
The Hi-Seoul festival continued this weekend, plus there were many events due to Buddha's birthday being on Monday.
A sea of lanterns above my head.
A shot of Dean.
TheCheonggye Stream was beautiful on Sunday--all these families were out and there were beautiful lanterns everywhere. A lot of people were performing on the streets, as well, giving it a really fun atmosphere.
Finally, one of my baby and me.
AND, for your *viewing pleasure*, I compiled a 2 minute video of Boramae Park, Kongguk drinking, and classroom time that you can watch here, on youtube:
This title is Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young:
Teach your children well, Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would
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Comments |
:D
you look ultra fab in those jeans!
haha and I like those lanterns :D
by: sinequanonerose
Jun 12, 2008 6:08am
good teacher
my 1st time to comment here..
sorry im not good in english.
i like reading your blog,
i think your an awesome teacher! which school do you teach?
i also live in Boramae,just 10 mins walking from Boramae Park,
by: i_like_mashimaro
May 26, 2008 7:06am
Happy B-lated Birthday Ginger!
Wow, their events are the bomb. I honestly think that living in Seoul is the "high-life". It's safe, beautiful, very festive, exciting, and you save a lot of money! :]
I love the video! It made me very anxious to go to Korea and teach already! But I have to wait another 4-5 years..>:[
by: KTZ811
May 17, 2008 12:48am
woah happy bday ginger!
woah happy bday ginger! hope you had a good one
that vid was awesome
your kids are lucky to have ya :]
hope you have a great time with the parents as well
by: pdurrr
May 17, 2008 12:45am
vana117724: Yeah, it's a
vana117724: Yeah, it's a great idea! The kids used to all bring teachers gifts, but lately (at the public schools), the public school system has frowned upon it (causes social problems in the office and is viewed by some as borderline bribery). The cards I got were super cute, though.
Cooler als Penn...: Unfortunately, those aren't my sunglasses. I yanked them from my friend. All the sunglasses I own I destroy within a month or so. :(
koncettina: Huzzah for relatives visiting! I SHOULD be cleaning my room right now but...I'm on soompi instead.
julanrouge: Gracias, miss thang.
barbiegrace: Thanks for commenting! I *still* don't feel like a teacher, though. I'm going to look back on this part of my life and find it so strange.
_stacy_: It's definitely hard at times being far away from my family/friends, but then again, in college, I didn't get to see my family very often. Thanks for commenting!
by: the real ginger
May 16, 2008 5:30pm
First of all, happy belated
First of all, happy belated birthday! Japan and Korea certainly have an occasion for everything imaginable but I guess it works in your favor. What I nice way to spend the day in a park munching on kimbap and it's awesome that your parents are flying in; I can't imagine myself ever being far from mine lol. Thanks for the video and eye candy. The picture of you and the lanterns, is my favorite.
by: _stacy_
May 16, 2008 3:58pm
happy happy birthday!
Belated happy happy birthday! Wish you good health and more blessings inlife! Continue to write more beautiful and inspirational blogs!
Teaching is one of the most noble profession I know! It plays a great role in molding better individuals! Teachers day is one day to say thank yo to you guys!
Enjoy and have fun with your parents! The photos are great as usual! You look very pretty! :)
by: barbiegrace
May 16, 2008 6:48am
happy birthday and happy teachers day!
hope you are having a great time still - your kids are lucky to have you as a teacher:) have a great time with your parents in seoul!!!!
by: julanrouge
May 15, 2008 9:56pm
mmmbop
I've been waiting for you to blog! This was one was interesting. I love how everything is a celebration there and there's no judging of others. Just a great big party! I'm glad you had fun and got to eat great food! Oh and....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I can't believe it was two days ago....of course I didn't know but I still feel bad! :D
by: koncettina
May 15, 2008 4:38pm
Spain would be quite
Spain would be quite awesome ^^ I'm hoping to stop by Spain once or twice while I'm in Europe. I've always wanted to watch the running of the bulls event!
The picture of you and Dean with the sunglasses is pure genius. I want to sport my own aviators soon :)
by: Cooler als Penn...
May 15, 2008 3:39pm
OMG SO HUNGRY NOW
YAY I am glad they have teacher appreciation day you DOn't see that much over here
which is sad. and YOu made me so hungry when you mentioned Dukbukki omg I love that and Kim bap too.
I can eat them forever!
and the pictures are beautiful
by: vana117724
May 15, 2008 6:25am