On the actual day of my birthday, I could not have asked for it to go better. For the first time ever, I was at school on my birthday! Call me weird, but I always wanted that growing up. Everybody would get to feel special with the maximum number of people around and even their enemies had to be relatively kind. Because of my excitement, I talked about my birthday for weeks before it was really my birthday. When I gave my students a test, I gave them extra credit questions related directly to my birthday, when it was and how old I would be. I really milked the thing this year.
Anyway, I could not have been more surprised by the outpouring of generosity on behalf of my students. The day before my birthday, one student in my PK1 class, Tom, brought me a giant chocolate cake. We wasted probably 20 minutes of class laughing and eating together. It was so much fun and so incredibly sweet.
When I told my IE2C class, the girls took the last five minutes of class to make me a card from one of the pages in their textbooks and another one gave me a back rub. She said "This is good because I am strong." It was SO cute.
On the day of my birthday, my kindergarten students brought not one, but TWO cakes. In fact, I had to trash some of the second cake because I was SO SICK OF CAKE by then. They also wrote these stinkin' adorable cards that you would just not believe the cuteness of.
Finally, in my PK4b, one of my students gave me a whole box of chocolate cookies.
I am still blown away by their kindness.
And then, of course, none of my Korean superiors even bothered to notice. Ha! I just have to laugh because it's so typical. Whatever.
After work, the boyf came over and took me to dinner. Sushi! It was real sushi too! Actually edible. And he revealed his surprise present to me--a massage! My first ever!
Wow, I was really spoiled this year. I couldn't have asked for more, except maybe to share it with my family and friends back home!
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
The Process of Turning 24: Part 3
Sunday morning we awoke bright and early to see my coworkers looking preeeeetty tore up. The Canadian 2.0 started the morning off by shaking out her purse that had been temporarily adopted by the ocean in a shower of seashells and sand. The Hunters people put on an awesome breakfast (with onions in the scrambled eggs! Why did I never think of this before???)
Then we gathered up all of our stuff and headed back out to the ocean. We swam, we played in the mud, and then the boyf and I went on a super ridiculous journey to find kimbap. Now back in Seoul, you can get kimbap anywhere. But noooooo. Boryeong, apparently is The Land Without Kimbap. So that was an hour wasted. We returned to the beach to see the waves licking our bags! That tide really does come in fast...
Finally, we all met up as a group to get on the bus to go back home. The boyf arranged it for us to get on the "quiet bus" and we ditched my coworkers. They were late for everything all weekend and almost missed the bus home! If I sound frustrated, it's because it's still frustrating to think about it... Anyway, it was a good thing especially because the Loud American ended up letting his shorts mold over the weekend, but with all his clothes making a seaward voyage, he had to wear them as is. And they were SO smelly. Couldn't hardly stand to be near him on the subway ride home. Although it was hilarious to see people's faces when he would come near them and they'd catch a whiff.
Because we were getting dropped off in Gangnam, we just haaaaaaad to go to Tomatillo Grill, one of the better Mexican joints (get the California Burrito, I promise you'll die and go to heaven). And who would show up while we are enjoying our meal, but the trip leaders! And they brought us free Hunters. What a plus. What a guy!
All in all, what a fabulous weekend to celebrate my birthday. I'll write about the final installment of my birthday celebrations next!
Then we gathered up all of our stuff and headed back out to the ocean. We swam, we played in the mud, and then the boyf and I went on a super ridiculous journey to find kimbap. Now back in Seoul, you can get kimbap anywhere. But noooooo. Boryeong, apparently is The Land Without Kimbap. So that was an hour wasted. We returned to the beach to see the waves licking our bags! That tide really does come in fast...
Finally, we all met up as a group to get on the bus to go back home. The boyf arranged it for us to get on the "quiet bus" and we ditched my coworkers. They were late for everything all weekend and almost missed the bus home! If I sound frustrated, it's because it's still frustrating to think about it... Anyway, it was a good thing especially because the Loud American ended up letting his shorts mold over the weekend, but with all his clothes making a seaward voyage, he had to wear them as is. And they were SO smelly. Couldn't hardly stand to be near him on the subway ride home. Although it was hilarious to see people's faces when he would come near them and they'd catch a whiff.
Because we were getting dropped off in Gangnam, we just haaaaaaad to go to Tomatillo Grill, one of the better Mexican joints (get the California Burrito, I promise you'll die and go to heaven). And who would show up while we are enjoying our meal, but the trip leaders! And they brought us free Hunters. What a plus. What a guy!
All in all, what a fabulous weekend to celebrate my birthday. I'll write about the final installment of my birthday celebrations next!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
The Process of Turning 24: Part Two
After meeting up with the Hunters group, we boarded our bus to pick up another group in Suwon, a city about an hour away from Seoul. The group consisted mainly of fuelers in the U.S. Air Force. Let's just say they had definitely been breathing in fuel fumes. They boarded the bus shotgunning beers and the insanity continued the entire way there, including dancing in the aisles, karaoke, and Harlem Shaking dangling from the storage racks above our seats. The boyf was beside himself--being from South Africa, he was not accustomed to American displays of stupidity.
After the absolutely insanity of the bus ride, we arrived in Boryeong to find our pension (think hotel, no beds) and that because the boyf is South African and we went with a South African group, the trip leader basically hooked us up with a small room NOT crowded with 45 people like some unlucky folks. After a quick change into our swim suits, it was time to get muddy!
And then the Canadian 2.0 and I promptly lost everyone else.
Like, immediately. We lost them en route to the beach! And with the crazy huge crowds, we basically decided we would just never see anyone ever again so we would celebrate by going into Mudfest. Except they said it was closed because it was too full. Major sad face.
So we went and jumped in the ocean, instead. The water was awesomely warm, except everywhere you looked, there were people. It was like taking a bath with 30,000 of you best friends who were all wearing regular clothes because they have a weird aversion to swimsuits.
We caught a beachside concert, later, and messaged the lads to find where they were and later connected. Once reunited, we decided to try going into Mudfest again. Literally, two minutes later, the Canadian 2.0 and I lost everyone again. However, we did meet some really nice people. We actually got to go into the fest at this point, where we promptly cut every line to do anything.
Mud prison? Cut the line and ate a lot of mud by accident.
Mud obstacle course? Cut the line and lost to the Canadian 2.0 because some girl in a saggy swimsuit was stuck in front of me.
Mud slide? Cut the line and then accidentally slid our way out of Mudfest.
Back into the ocean we went. Eventually and completely randomly, we met up with the Loud American, who was off by himself all day and completely lost. When he saw us, he dropped everything and looked like he was going to cry. He said "I lost everyone. I don't know where I live!"
Later that evening, we returned to our pension and played yahtzee while the Quiet American passed out on the floor all over some stranger's stuff. Then there was a braai! A real South African braai! And it was awesome! The braai gave way to a dance party and the dance party gave way to all of my coworkers (not me, Mom) going skinny-dipping in the ocean. And almost getting arrested. And all of their clothes and belongings washing out to sea in the fast-approaching tide. Seriously. None of them have phones anymore.
The night ended with fabulous fireworks and a nighttime stroll on the beach. What a perfect night!
After the absolutely insanity of the bus ride, we arrived in Boryeong to find our pension (think hotel, no beds) and that because the boyf is South African and we went with a South African group, the trip leader basically hooked us up with a small room NOT crowded with 45 people like some unlucky folks. After a quick change into our swim suits, it was time to get muddy!
And then the Canadian 2.0 and I promptly lost everyone else.
Like, immediately. We lost them en route to the beach! And with the crazy huge crowds, we basically decided we would just never see anyone ever again so we would celebrate by going into Mudfest. Except they said it was closed because it was too full. Major sad face.
So we went and jumped in the ocean, instead. The water was awesomely warm, except everywhere you looked, there were people. It was like taking a bath with 30,000 of you best friends who were all wearing regular clothes because they have a weird aversion to swimsuits.
We caught a beachside concert, later, and messaged the lads to find where they were and later connected. Once reunited, we decided to try going into Mudfest again. Literally, two minutes later, the Canadian 2.0 and I lost everyone again. However, we did meet some really nice people. We actually got to go into the fest at this point, where we promptly cut every line to do anything.
Mud prison? Cut the line and ate a lot of mud by accident.
Mud obstacle course? Cut the line and lost to the Canadian 2.0 because some girl in a saggy swimsuit was stuck in front of me.
Mud slide? Cut the line and then accidentally slid our way out of Mudfest.
Back into the ocean we went. Eventually and completely randomly, we met up with the Loud American, who was off by himself all day and completely lost. When he saw us, he dropped everything and looked like he was going to cry. He said "I lost everyone. I don't know where I live!"
Later that evening, we returned to our pension and played yahtzee while the Quiet American passed out on the floor all over some stranger's stuff. Then there was a braai! A real South African braai! And it was awesome! The braai gave way to a dance party and the dance party gave way to all of my coworkers (not me, Mom) going skinny-dipping in the ocean. And almost getting arrested. And all of their clothes and belongings washing out to sea in the fast-approaching tide. Seriously. None of them have phones anymore.
The night ended with fabulous fireworks and a nighttime stroll on the beach. What a perfect night!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Process of Turning 24: Part One
Although this is somewhat belated, it is in no way a reflection of my enthusiasm for my birthday. Simply put, it was awesome! For my birthday, my friends, boyfriend and I went to Mudfest! If you don't already know, Mudfest is a giant festival held in Boryeong, a small city on the western coast of Korea, about 2.5 hours from Seoul. This festival draws in tons of people from all over the country and is a magnet for foreigners.
Although there were two weekends of the festival and one was being held the actual weekend of my birthday, my coworkers were going to Thailand that weekend, so we did it the weekend before. We went with Hunters, a social group that promotes Hunters, a South African cider. They are a new group, but I can't recommend them enough.
Our journey started on Friday night, trying to stay at a jimjilbang close to the pick-up point for the group we went with, but it turns out the one near Express Bus Terminal that Google Maps pointed me toward closed multiple years ago. Luckily, a kindly Marriott employee directed toward a different one nearby. This is where my coworkers and I went our separate ways because they wanted to go to a casino. So I went inside, changed into my jimjilbang uniform (must all jimjilbangs use the exact same pepto-pink uniforms for girls?) and met the boyf in the common room. We stayed up talking and eventually crawled into our own caves (cut outs in the walls) and attempted sleep.
But here's the thing--sure there are thin mats (and I stole two *gasp* going against the grain), but it's an entire room filled with people, some of whom are talking, some are snoring, and several lights on. So it's not for light sleepers. On top of that, time in the caves slows down and we had a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call, with no real alarm. So needless to say, it wasn't the best sleep of my life. And with my contacts out, I was left in the hilarious position of having to get within inches of the wall clock by carefully stepping over strangers asleep on the floor to decipher the time in the wee hours of the morn.
Luckily, we got up at the right time and awoke to messages from my coworkers, who apparently slept outside the jimjilbang on the rocks. So at least I had a better night than they did? The Loud American was still incredibly inebriated and ecstatic about the $70 he won at the casino, so he smelled like a liquor store and insisted on counting out his cash on the sidewalk. Everyone else looked exhausted, but no worse for wear, so we trekked over to the pick-up point at Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam.
And then the real fun began!
Although there were two weekends of the festival and one was being held the actual weekend of my birthday, my coworkers were going to Thailand that weekend, so we did it the weekend before. We went with Hunters, a social group that promotes Hunters, a South African cider. They are a new group, but I can't recommend them enough.
Our journey started on Friday night, trying to stay at a jimjilbang close to the pick-up point for the group we went with, but it turns out the one near Express Bus Terminal that Google Maps pointed me toward closed multiple years ago. Luckily, a kindly Marriott employee directed toward a different one nearby. This is where my coworkers and I went our separate ways because they wanted to go to a casino. So I went inside, changed into my jimjilbang uniform (must all jimjilbangs use the exact same pepto-pink uniforms for girls?) and met the boyf in the common room. We stayed up talking and eventually crawled into our own caves (cut outs in the walls) and attempted sleep.
But here's the thing--sure there are thin mats (and I stole two *gasp* going against the grain), but it's an entire room filled with people, some of whom are talking, some are snoring, and several lights on. So it's not for light sleepers. On top of that, time in the caves slows down and we had a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call, with no real alarm. So needless to say, it wasn't the best sleep of my life. And with my contacts out, I was left in the hilarious position of having to get within inches of the wall clock by carefully stepping over strangers asleep on the floor to decipher the time in the wee hours of the morn.
Luckily, we got up at the right time and awoke to messages from my coworkers, who apparently slept outside the jimjilbang on the rocks. So at least I had a better night than they did? The Loud American was still incredibly inebriated and ecstatic about the $70 he won at the casino, so he smelled like a liquor store and insisted on counting out his cash on the sidewalk. Everyone else looked exhausted, but no worse for wear, so we trekked over to the pick-up point at Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam.
And then the real fun began!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Cinco de Mayo
How did I celebrate my Cinco de Mayo, a holiday as close to my heart as Mexican food is to my food cravings? By making my first truly-from-scratch Mexican meal. Can you believe it?
Green Chile Pork
Homemade Tortillas
Halfway Homemade Salsa
You would think that finding these things in Korea would be relatively difficult, but thanks to my family back home for their meal-saving shipment of green chile and jalapenos, it was almost a breeze!
To make Green Chile Pork:
Green Chile Pork
Homemade Tortillas
Halfway Homemade Salsa
You would think that finding these things in Korea would be relatively difficult, but thanks to my family back home for their meal-saving shipment of green chile and jalapenos, it was almost a breeze!
To make Green Chile Pork:
- Eight cans of roasted green chiles
- One can of jalapenos
- Four red/orange bell peppers (because Lotte Mart didn't have green peppers)
- Two small onions
- A guesstimated teaspoon of garlic
- Two cups of water
- Flour/milk mixture for thickening later
Monday, December 17, 2012
My Thanksgiving - Korea-Style
Better late than never, right?
My Thanksgiving this year was, of course, lacking in familial atmosphere, but was as close to home as Korea could make it. I kept as many of the traditions and foods alive as was humanly possible. I surrounded myself with good, caring people. I ate as much as my body could handle and peer-pressured non-Americans into eating more because "that's how we do it in America."
So check out the feast. There was a spit-roasted chicken and an epic salad that acted as the appetizer to our meal, but here is the bulk of it.
As you can see, no turkey. What a black day. As it turns out, it's basically impossible to find Turkey in this whole god-forsaken country. So chicken it was. And what a tasty chicken it was! I made stuffing and stuff the chicken with it and it was fabulous.
Pictured, starting from the turkey and moving clockwise, we have meatballs, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and mushroom gravy.
This year I learned a lot about Thanksgiving. I learned a lot about substituting ingredients when Korea gets in the way. I made my first successful roux, which I've only been screwing up every time ever for the last three years. I learned that yes, I can pull off a semi-major meal with only a toaster-oven. But even better, I learned more about enjoying the spirit of the holiday, as I celebrated with a majority of non-Americans. I had to keep explaining traditions and "the point" of having something a certain way. I imposed my family's tradition of going around and saying what you're thankful for pre-meal and I so enjoyed being able to share what I was grateful for because I have so, so much good in my life. I enjoyed sharing this American tradition with new friends and feel lucky to have had this experience.
Of course, next up is Christmas dinner. Now that one is going to be a bit more difficult. The plan is all-you-can-eat sushi. I'll try to keep my tears out of the wasabi.
My Thanksgiving this year was, of course, lacking in familial atmosphere, but was as close to home as Korea could make it. I kept as many of the traditions and foods alive as was humanly possible. I surrounded myself with good, caring people. I ate as much as my body could handle and peer-pressured non-Americans into eating more because "that's how we do it in America."
As you can see, no turkey. What a black day. As it turns out, it's basically impossible to find Turkey in this whole god-forsaken country. So chicken it was. And what a tasty chicken it was! I made stuffing and stuff the chicken with it and it was fabulous.
Pictured, starting from the turkey and moving clockwise, we have meatballs, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and mushroom gravy.
This year I learned a lot about Thanksgiving. I learned a lot about substituting ingredients when Korea gets in the way. I made my first successful roux, which I've only been screwing up every time ever for the last three years. I learned that yes, I can pull off a semi-major meal with only a toaster-oven. But even better, I learned more about enjoying the spirit of the holiday, as I celebrated with a majority of non-Americans. I had to keep explaining traditions and "the point" of having something a certain way. I imposed my family's tradition of going around and saying what you're thankful for pre-meal and I so enjoyed being able to share what I was grateful for because I have so, so much good in my life. I enjoyed sharing this American tradition with new friends and feel lucky to have had this experience.
Of course, next up is Christmas dinner. Now that one is going to be a bit more difficult. The plan is all-you-can-eat sushi. I'll try to keep my tears out of the wasabi.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Getting in the Holiday Spirit
I know it's been forever since I last updated, and for that I am truly, deeply, eternally sorry. I have so much to update on and I am hoping to catch up on all that in the coming weeks. Although, if I'm being honest, things really only get busier from here.
Anyways, I definitely wanted to show all of you in bloglines the adorable classroom decorations I made to celebrate Christmas! They're 100% recycled from my students old tests. Everyone here thinks I'm like, crazy creative or something. Isn't that a hoot?
Anyways, I definitely wanted to show all of you in bloglines the adorable classroom decorations I made to celebrate Christmas! They're 100% recycled from my students old tests. Everyone here thinks I'm like, crazy creative or something. Isn't that a hoot?
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