June 14-20, 2010
Well this week started out with a quick dash to get moved out of my apartment Monday morning, but rounded out quite nicely by the end. Luckily Emily, though hating me, still had it in her heart to let me keep my things at her place, so first thing Monday I moved my two suitcases, backpack, and a couple boxes of my things to her place. After that, I brought my cat and a few things to stay at Blake's. Even though I technically had until Tuesday to be out, as per my agreement with DYB, I thought it would be best to get out before they had to push me out. As it was, they never got my email message from Melanie that I was going to be out, and asked when I would be out on Wednesday.
Now that I was moved out and living on Blake's couch, I had lots of time during the day to kill, since my new job doesn't begin until July. However, not knowing when I would get the call to move into my new apartment kept me from getting too far on most days; which turned out to be a mistake, because in the end I didn't get my apartment this week.
The annual celebration of my birth came on Tuesday, so after Blake and his crew got finished work, we went out for some dinner and drinks. Danielle, Blake and I went to Dos Tacos, then were joined by SoHyun, Nathan, and June in Kyodae fora few drinks. We were having some cake that Nathan brought, when the bar staff came over and gave me a Budweiser World Cup 2010 gift pack containing a hat, scarf, and backpack. So being a good sport, I tried it all on and had a few good laughs. Then we called it a night around 130 and walked back to Blake's.
On Wednesday I spent most of the day chilling at Blake's and even cleaned his bathroom and floors. It was the least I could do for him letting me stay here, plus, his place was a bit of a mess. Then Nathan invited Blake and I over for dinner after work, which we attended and had Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches and salad, with some beers, and topped it all off with vanilla milkshakes. Around 11pm I got a confirmation message from Emily, that I could come down to her place to get some clean clothes, and crash on her couch. I headed to her place on one of the last subways, and crashed as soon as I got there so that I cold get up and make the most of Thursday.
Make the most of Thursday I did. I got up and grabbed some clean clothes and my passport, then came back to Blake's to grab my bankbook and get cracking. I started by getting some money out of the bank, then heading to Itaewon to sneakily exchange my screenless phone for a new one. I am very rarely the kind of guy who will dupe somebody out of something, and it made me feel better when the guy at the shop charged me a little extra for my new phone and reconnection fee. After getting my new phone I walked the streets of Itaewon to find a replacement Korea soccer shirt to wear during their games, before coming back to Blake's and reprogramming my new phone with all my phone numbers. Once Blake and crew were off work, we headed down to the Han River to watch Korea's second game against Argentina, on the outdoor screens, with a ton of Korean supporters. Unfortunately the game ended in a loss, but we had a good time and then stuck around afterward for a few beers by the river. Eventually we got tired of sitting outside and retired back to Blake's around 1am.
Friday was a do nothing day. I hung out at Blake's and walked around his area, but it was a pretty hot day, so being inside seemed like a good idea. Blake and Nathan had a double date after work, so I grabbed a pizza and kept it pretty low key, until they both came back to Blake's between 1 and 130am complaining about how crazy their dates had been, and about how they don't know if they want to go on future dates with them that they had already agreed to. I had a good laugh about it, before passing out to get some rest for Saturday.
After the boys and their complaining subsided, I got some sleep for Saturday's trip to Caribbean Bay with several other friends. We had been talking about it amongst a bunch of us for the past couple weeks, and decided to go for it on Saturday. Caribbean Bay is a water park just outside of Seoul, and turned out to be a pretty cool place. So at 8am I met Jen and Matei, and Doug and Rachel, and headed out from Jamsil on the bus to the park. Once we got there we met with Dave and Kate, who live closer, and got some tickets. I thought I could get a discount with Blake's KB Bank card, but it had expired so I had to pay full price. We had a pretty good time, considering it was a little overcast, and the lines were long for every good slide. Once we were finished at the park, Doug, Rachel, and I all went down to Dave and Kate's neighbourhood for dinner and drinks, and to watch the Netherlands vs. Japan soccer game.
Seeing as we missed the last subway, we all crashed at Dave and Kate's. On Sunday, we got up and went to Gekko's for some brunch, and then I came back in to Seoul to catch up with Blake and go to a Baseball game. We went to watch the 5pm game between the LG Twins and Lotte Giants. Then after the game we met with Dave and Kate, who were shopping in the city, for some dinner in my old neighbourhood before calling it a night and catching the subway back to Blake's.
Well another week down, another year older, and still living life like a vagrant.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
A Job and Birthday Celebration All in One Week
June 7-13, 2010
Well this week started better than last. On Monday morning, I got a phone call from one of my new recruiters about an interview that afternoon with a school in Beongchon. Beongchon is a subway stop in the city, in a much closer area to where Blake lives now and where he lived his first year, and to where a good percentage of my other friends live. I had my interview at 2pm, and things at this school seemed to be better on first impression, and I agreed to let them know by Thursday since I did have a couple other scheduled interviews.
As it turned out, those interviews didn't happen. One was because the school was looking for a female teacher, and another was just slow processing by the recruiter. So on Thursday I notified the first school that I was interested, and signed a contract that afternoon. My new school is JLS, which also employs a few friends of mine from last year, who I talked with and got some good reviews.
Outside of my interviews, I spent a good part of the week just killing time in my apartment, packing my things and staying out of the heat. On Friday, I came into town to have some dinner with Blake and Danielle in Gangnam, then we went to a pub called The King's Tap to watch the opening games of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I took off at midnight to catch the last subway home, and get some rest for Korea's first game and subsequent party on Saturday.
The entire city was in party mode, and large screens were set up in all the major outdoor city areas so that everyone could gather to watch the games together. However, it decided to rain on Saturday, forcing most of the crowds indoors. This created a huge dilemma trying to find a place to watch the game, and in the end we ended up in Gangnam at King's Tap, in a corner where they were able to fit in a single table that hadn't yet been reserved. Blake, Nathan, Danielle, Emily and I all squeezed in and watch the Korea vs. Greece game with a ton of Koreans, and other foreigners. Luckily, Korea won and the party was on. Rain or not, the party spilled out into the streets, and we headed to Gold Bar.
At Gold Bar, it was the regulars bringing the regular party. Then, since it was going to be my birthday on the coming Tuesday, Emily and Danielle decided to buy me a birthday cake. This was a super nice thing to do, but at the same time it was a recipe for disaster, because at Gold Bar when it is your birthday, they let the drinks flow freely. The girls brought over my cake while Blake, Dave, and Nathan distracted me by dancing to block my view. The cake was a delicious chocolate mouse cake, and we all enjoyed some of it before I started taking it around the bar, feeding it to our friends. Eventually, some Koreans started asking for some, and when I obliged, they payed back the good nature with shots. It was bad enough that the bar was giving me shots, as well as my friends, but now my new random friends were giving me shots, which lead to a blackout night. From the photos and peoples reports, I became a party animal, dancing and having a great time, and unfortunately going shirts off and falling over a table. In the end, Blake and I ended up at his house, where he punched his mailbox because he thought he had lost his camera, and therefore needed ice to put on it. We don't remember much, but we apparently got some ice from the store, and when we were finished with it, left the bag on the floor to melt all over my camera.
Waking up Sunday, our lives in shambles, we started piecing together our night and trying to dry out my phone, whose screen no longer worked. We had a good laugh and I headed home to get some more rest. I spent most of the day in bed watching T.V. and trying to further dry out my phone, and feeling bad about Emily being angry at me because I had been mean to her while I was drunk. I have a feeling it will pass, besides it was my birthday.
Anyways, things look to be on the up and up again. I will keep you posted.
Well this week started better than last. On Monday morning, I got a phone call from one of my new recruiters about an interview that afternoon with a school in Beongchon. Beongchon is a subway stop in the city, in a much closer area to where Blake lives now and where he lived his first year, and to where a good percentage of my other friends live. I had my interview at 2pm, and things at this school seemed to be better on first impression, and I agreed to let them know by Thursday since I did have a couple other scheduled interviews.
As it turned out, those interviews didn't happen. One was because the school was looking for a female teacher, and another was just slow processing by the recruiter. So on Thursday I notified the first school that I was interested, and signed a contract that afternoon. My new school is JLS, which also employs a few friends of mine from last year, who I talked with and got some good reviews.
Outside of my interviews, I spent a good part of the week just killing time in my apartment, packing my things and staying out of the heat. On Friday, I came into town to have some dinner with Blake and Danielle in Gangnam, then we went to a pub called The King's Tap to watch the opening games of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I took off at midnight to catch the last subway home, and get some rest for Korea's first game and subsequent party on Saturday.
The entire city was in party mode, and large screens were set up in all the major outdoor city areas so that everyone could gather to watch the games together. However, it decided to rain on Saturday, forcing most of the crowds indoors. This created a huge dilemma trying to find a place to watch the game, and in the end we ended up in Gangnam at King's Tap, in a corner where they were able to fit in a single table that hadn't yet been reserved. Blake, Nathan, Danielle, Emily and I all squeezed in and watch the Korea vs. Greece game with a ton of Koreans, and other foreigners. Luckily, Korea won and the party was on. Rain or not, the party spilled out into the streets, and we headed to Gold Bar.
At Gold Bar, it was the regulars bringing the regular party. Then, since it was going to be my birthday on the coming Tuesday, Emily and Danielle decided to buy me a birthday cake. This was a super nice thing to do, but at the same time it was a recipe for disaster, because at Gold Bar when it is your birthday, they let the drinks flow freely. The girls brought over my cake while Blake, Dave, and Nathan distracted me by dancing to block my view. The cake was a delicious chocolate mouse cake, and we all enjoyed some of it before I started taking it around the bar, feeding it to our friends. Eventually, some Koreans started asking for some, and when I obliged, they payed back the good nature with shots. It was bad enough that the bar was giving me shots, as well as my friends, but now my new random friends were giving me shots, which lead to a blackout night. From the photos and peoples reports, I became a party animal, dancing and having a great time, and unfortunately going shirts off and falling over a table. In the end, Blake and I ended up at his house, where he punched his mailbox because he thought he had lost his camera, and therefore needed ice to put on it. We don't remember much, but we apparently got some ice from the store, and when we were finished with it, left the bag on the floor to melt all over my camera.
Waking up Sunday, our lives in shambles, we started piecing together our night and trying to dry out my phone, whose screen no longer worked. We had a good laugh and I headed home to get some more rest. I spent most of the day in bed watching T.V. and trying to further dry out my phone, and feeling bad about Emily being angry at me because I had been mean to her while I was drunk. I have a feeling it will pass, besides it was my birthday.
Anyways, things look to be on the up and up again. I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Didn't have enough company spirit to keep around.
May 31 - June 6, 2010
Well this week was a short one at work. On Thursday last week, I was asked to come to the head office on Tuesday but not told why. As it turned out, it was to let me go. I got there and walked into a meeting with a couple of the top foreigners, and the lead Korean recruiter; and Mel (the girl who recruited me) proceeded to tell me how they didn't think my attitude was on the same track as what the company was looking for. So, in a nut shell, I didn't kiss the boss's ass enough when we were at our activity day. I know this because it was the only example they could give me regarding my lack of company spirit, and because they told me that my teaching had been exemplary and that the students loved me. After telling me they were going to terminate my contract, they proceeded to tel me that they would let me keep my place for the next two weeks if I chose to look for another job.
Then it was my turn to talk, and they had me in a tight spot. I couldn't just go off and tell them how I really felt and how fucked up the company ass kissing expectations are; so instead i used nicer words, like 'bummer' and 'bogus', to let them know that what they were doing wasn't very impressive. Then when I asked them why nothing was ever brought to my attention, they replied with, "we just don't feel attitude can be changed", and "that they know it's hard to come in to new things, but they need someone who can do what they say". To all of this I simply replied by telling them how much easier it would have been if I had a team leader (who was in the room) who could communicate, which took some heat off me and onto him.
When it was all done, I ended up not having to teach for the rest of the week, or following, while I tried to find a job. So I left, feeling a little relieved that I wouldn't have to be a corporate monkey anymore, and went straight home to let friends know, and get on the line with some recruiters.
Thankfully I have some great friends here, and within a couple hours I was lined up with several recruiters, and could relax and have a few 'I just got fired beers'. By Thursday things were already coming together, and I had some job prospects, with interviews lined up for the next week.
The rest of the week passed by with me hanging out at home mostly so that I didn't miss any emails or phone calls during the day, in case the recruiters wanted paperwork emailed to them. Then Saturday came around, and the fact that I didn't have to work Saturdays anymore really sunk in. It would have been an early Saturday shift, and Emily and I had asked a bunch of our friends from in the city to come down for a rooftop bbq/party. Since I didn't have to work, I got to be productive for the gathering, instead of expecting Emily to do a lot of things while I was at work. I made it to Itaewon to get a phone in the morning, then came home and went to the store to buy lots of paper plates, fruit, and salad for everyone to have. The party got going around 4pm when the first group of people showed up (Blake, Nate, Garrett) and we sat outside eating fruit and salad until the rest of the people showed up around 530 (Brady, Frank, Alex, Louise, Danielle). Once everyone was here we got out the grills and started barbecuing meat that everyone had brought, including steaks, hamburgers, chicken wings and pork galbi. The party went on (Doug, Rachele, SoHyun, Junk showed up later) until just after midnight, when everyone started to clean up so they could head back to town and go out.
Emily and I stayed behind and since here apartment is closer to the roof, most of the mess ended up back at her place, so I went to clean up. I washed up the dishes and things, while she dealt with the garbage and leftovers, and by about 2am we had it all taken care of. It was a good thing I didn't go out, because on Sunday I went with Blake and Danielle to the FC Seoul vs. Jeju soccer game at the World Cup Soccer Stadium. We sat in the FC Seoul cheering section, which was really fun, and when the game was over we went to hang out in Blake's old area, Sillim for dinner. Eventually the three of us met up with Emily, who was at another forced work gathering, for some ice cream, before calling it a week and going home.
Well another week down, but this one definitely put a spin on life I wasn't expecting.
Well this week was a short one at work. On Thursday last week, I was asked to come to the head office on Tuesday but not told why. As it turned out, it was to let me go. I got there and walked into a meeting with a couple of the top foreigners, and the lead Korean recruiter; and Mel (the girl who recruited me) proceeded to tell me how they didn't think my attitude was on the same track as what the company was looking for. So, in a nut shell, I didn't kiss the boss's ass enough when we were at our activity day. I know this because it was the only example they could give me regarding my lack of company spirit, and because they told me that my teaching had been exemplary and that the students loved me. After telling me they were going to terminate my contract, they proceeded to tel me that they would let me keep my place for the next two weeks if I chose to look for another job.
Then it was my turn to talk, and they had me in a tight spot. I couldn't just go off and tell them how I really felt and how fucked up the company ass kissing expectations are; so instead i used nicer words, like 'bummer' and 'bogus', to let them know that what they were doing wasn't very impressive. Then when I asked them why nothing was ever brought to my attention, they replied with, "we just don't feel attitude can be changed", and "that they know it's hard to come in to new things, but they need someone who can do what they say". To all of this I simply replied by telling them how much easier it would have been if I had a team leader (who was in the room) who could communicate, which took some heat off me and onto him.
When it was all done, I ended up not having to teach for the rest of the week, or following, while I tried to find a job. So I left, feeling a little relieved that I wouldn't have to be a corporate monkey anymore, and went straight home to let friends know, and get on the line with some recruiters.
Thankfully I have some great friends here, and within a couple hours I was lined up with several recruiters, and could relax and have a few 'I just got fired beers'. By Thursday things were already coming together, and I had some job prospects, with interviews lined up for the next week.
The rest of the week passed by with me hanging out at home mostly so that I didn't miss any emails or phone calls during the day, in case the recruiters wanted paperwork emailed to them. Then Saturday came around, and the fact that I didn't have to work Saturdays anymore really sunk in. It would have been an early Saturday shift, and Emily and I had asked a bunch of our friends from in the city to come down for a rooftop bbq/party. Since I didn't have to work, I got to be productive for the gathering, instead of expecting Emily to do a lot of things while I was at work. I made it to Itaewon to get a phone in the morning, then came home and went to the store to buy lots of paper plates, fruit, and salad for everyone to have. The party got going around 4pm when the first group of people showed up (Blake, Nate, Garrett) and we sat outside eating fruit and salad until the rest of the people showed up around 530 (Brady, Frank, Alex, Louise, Danielle). Once everyone was here we got out the grills and started barbecuing meat that everyone had brought, including steaks, hamburgers, chicken wings and pork galbi. The party went on (Doug, Rachele, SoHyun, Junk showed up later) until just after midnight, when everyone started to clean up so they could head back to town and go out.
Emily and I stayed behind and since here apartment is closer to the roof, most of the mess ended up back at her place, so I went to clean up. I washed up the dishes and things, while she dealt with the garbage and leftovers, and by about 2am we had it all taken care of. It was a good thing I didn't go out, because on Sunday I went with Blake and Danielle to the FC Seoul vs. Jeju soccer game at the World Cup Soccer Stadium. We sat in the FC Seoul cheering section, which was really fun, and when the game was over we went to hang out in Blake's old area, Sillim for dinner. Eventually the three of us met up with Emily, who was at another forced work gathering, for some ice cream, before calling it a week and going home.
Well another week down, but this one definitely put a spin on life I wasn't expecting.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Again with the new classes
May 24-30, 2010
After having my classes switched last week, i started this week in the dark again, trying to learn new names and class skill levels. My new kids were older than my first group, and for the most part seemed willing and eager to hear what I had to say to them. It was still a fairly repetitive week, given I had to teach the same level, therefore the same class, 16 times; but by the end I was pretty good at it.
For most of the week I didn't do to much out side of work. On Thursday we had a workshop at our head office, for new comers and elementary teachers. It was a pretty big waste of time, since all we really did was see a few co-teaching examples then had to talk about the positive aspects of co-teaching. Then when we were given time to talk about the material, the man in charge of it refused to listen to any criticism, which I later learned is how this company works.
Soon enough the weekend came and I worked my late Saturday shift. After work was finished for the week, I went into Seoul to catch up with Blake and a couple Korean friends of his around 10pm in Kondae. The Koreans stayed until midnight, and as we were walking them to the subway station we ran into Alex and Louise at a galbi place, so we went back and hung out with them until 3am before heading to Blake's. Once we were at Blake's, we were just drunk enough to think it was a good idea to get out my suit and iron it, because I had a wedding to go to on Sunday. Having ironed and hung it up, we passed out around 4, simply to get up at 1030 so I could shower and head to the wedding.
The wedding was for one of my coworkers, in fact it was for the guy I had replaced, who had moved to head office. I showed up at 12 for the 1230 wedding and sat around waiting for some other foreigners to show up so I would be alone. Lots of people I knew showed up and we sat together for Brien and Grace's wedding ceremony, then moved to the dinning hall for the buffet lunch. Afterward, we were close to Apgujong and Brien had reserved some space at his favorite place there for a western style reception, so we moved there and had a bit of a party for him. It lasted until around 9pm, when they decided to change locations and that was mine, Emily's, and Jacky's cue to head home. I stopped at Blake's on my way, to get my bag and made it home by 10pm. Since it was sill early, I called home then went to Emily's to watch some T.V.
Another week down, with so many more to come.
After having my classes switched last week, i started this week in the dark again, trying to learn new names and class skill levels. My new kids were older than my first group, and for the most part seemed willing and eager to hear what I had to say to them. It was still a fairly repetitive week, given I had to teach the same level, therefore the same class, 16 times; but by the end I was pretty good at it.
For most of the week I didn't do to much out side of work. On Thursday we had a workshop at our head office, for new comers and elementary teachers. It was a pretty big waste of time, since all we really did was see a few co-teaching examples then had to talk about the positive aspects of co-teaching. Then when we were given time to talk about the material, the man in charge of it refused to listen to any criticism, which I later learned is how this company works.
Soon enough the weekend came and I worked my late Saturday shift. After work was finished for the week, I went into Seoul to catch up with Blake and a couple Korean friends of his around 10pm in Kondae. The Koreans stayed until midnight, and as we were walking them to the subway station we ran into Alex and Louise at a galbi place, so we went back and hung out with them until 3am before heading to Blake's. Once we were at Blake's, we were just drunk enough to think it was a good idea to get out my suit and iron it, because I had a wedding to go to on Sunday. Having ironed and hung it up, we passed out around 4, simply to get up at 1030 so I could shower and head to the wedding.
The wedding was for one of my coworkers, in fact it was for the guy I had replaced, who had moved to head office. I showed up at 12 for the 1230 wedding and sat around waiting for some other foreigners to show up so I would be alone. Lots of people I knew showed up and we sat together for Brien and Grace's wedding ceremony, then moved to the dinning hall for the buffet lunch. Afterward, we were close to Apgujong and Brien had reserved some space at his favorite place there for a western style reception, so we moved there and had a bit of a party for him. It lasted until around 9pm, when they decided to change locations and that was mine, Emily's, and Jacky's cue to head home. I stopped at Blake's on my way, to get my bag and made it home by 10pm. Since it was sill early, I called home then went to Emily's to watch some T.V.
Another week down, with so many more to come.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Or Not, The Beginning of the End
May 17-23, 2010
Waking up at Blake's on the Monday to start this week was unexpected, but worth it for the weekend I had. I got up and off around 12, so that I could make it home and make some food before having to be at work myself. Goah was very happy, yet some what grouchy since I had been away all weekend. So between making food and getting ready for work, I flipped her frogs around and gave her a much needed brushing.
At work, the week started out normal. I was getting ready for classes and making small talk with some of my teachers. In general trying to get into my place at the school. Ten on Tuesday the downward spiral started. On Tuesday, the head foreign teacher told me that on Thursday we would be switching classes, but said nothing about it being permanent, and that we should get together before classes on Wednesday or Thursday to talk about each others classes. So as usual, I showed up to work at 330 on both days, while he never showed up until 430; leaving us with at the most 20 minutes to talk. He however had nothing to say and took none of what I had prepared for my classes. He simply told me the topic of the week for his classes and had things already prepared for my classes, because he was apparently in the know about the situation.
So as bad as Thursday was, it had nothing on Friday when he showed up again and failed to remind me that we had indeed changed classes for good. I was all ready for my regular classes when he got up and went to my room, and when I asked him what was happening, that's when he said it was a permanent thing. Needless to say I was pretty upset, but tried to make the best of it, and not rip his face off.
That weekend was a long weekend for most people, however our company goes around the years, every day except Sundays. So since I had to work Saturday, I felt solace in the fact that it was an early shift Saturday, and that I might head out of town after work for a couple nights. That was until the school decided to mention that we had a mandatory branch activity day on Saturday. Raising the rage-ahol level just a bit more, I put on a happy face and went to activity day. At said activity day, we were broken into teams and then competed against each other in games such as three legged races, hacky sack, arm wrestling, jump rope, and a company spirit dance show; after which we had an 1.5 hour lecture in Korean, followed by dinner, drinks, and Korean teacher suck up speeches to the owner. Now I can play games and act like I don't mind, but when I start having my freedom to make decisions and speak my mind (in a polite manner) taken away, I get pretty angry.
It started with the owner and his camera crew (which he always has around to feed his ego that everybody loves him) following us around and getting in our faces, when we had nothing to say. At one point they tried getting me to take my shirt off and wouldn't let up while I talked in circles about the company. Then when the boss had us gather around with the camera crew so he could graciously give us the illusion of having a choice to watch his 1.5 hour Korean lecture, or have his translator talk to us about it separately. We told him that having it done separately made more sense, he simply said, "But I think you should see it". So we had no choice but for the cameras he had to make it look good. Then during his lecture he called on me, probably since I wasn't paying attention, to read a blurb from the English booklet he gave everyone. I did so after telling him that I had no idea where we were, and he complimented me on doing it very well. I went back to drawing. Following the lecture, as luck would have it, I ran into him in the washroom, where he asked me if it was my first time in Korea and how I felt about his school. I told him it wasn't my first time and that his school was O.K., not that it was the greatest place I have ever been a part of like he always hears from everyone else. He was not happy about that and got away from me as fast as possible. Then during dinner, things seemed to be picking up with the food and drink, until the Korean teacher's speeches started. We had to sit for another hour, and at one point I was talking to Emily and Jacky in the back and was told to pay attention; to which I replied "Why? It's not like they are saying anything I understand. How would you like it if I got up there and spoke for an hour in French?" This was met with silence, but I couldn't have cared less, because I was tired of listening to everyone be little lap dogs to the owner.
After the activity day we came home and called it a night. On Sunday the weather was pretty cloudy, and I spent most of the day inside.
The storm's a brewin'.
Waking up at Blake's on the Monday to start this week was unexpected, but worth it for the weekend I had. I got up and off around 12, so that I could make it home and make some food before having to be at work myself. Goah was very happy, yet some what grouchy since I had been away all weekend. So between making food and getting ready for work, I flipped her frogs around and gave her a much needed brushing.
At work, the week started out normal. I was getting ready for classes and making small talk with some of my teachers. In general trying to get into my place at the school. Ten on Tuesday the downward spiral started. On Tuesday, the head foreign teacher told me that on Thursday we would be switching classes, but said nothing about it being permanent, and that we should get together before classes on Wednesday or Thursday to talk about each others classes. So as usual, I showed up to work at 330 on both days, while he never showed up until 430; leaving us with at the most 20 minutes to talk. He however had nothing to say and took none of what I had prepared for my classes. He simply told me the topic of the week for his classes and had things already prepared for my classes, because he was apparently in the know about the situation.
So as bad as Thursday was, it had nothing on Friday when he showed up again and failed to remind me that we had indeed changed classes for good. I was all ready for my regular classes when he got up and went to my room, and when I asked him what was happening, that's when he said it was a permanent thing. Needless to say I was pretty upset, but tried to make the best of it, and not rip his face off.
That weekend was a long weekend for most people, however our company goes around the years, every day except Sundays. So since I had to work Saturday, I felt solace in the fact that it was an early shift Saturday, and that I might head out of town after work for a couple nights. That was until the school decided to mention that we had a mandatory branch activity day on Saturday. Raising the rage-ahol level just a bit more, I put on a happy face and went to activity day. At said activity day, we were broken into teams and then competed against each other in games such as three legged races, hacky sack, arm wrestling, jump rope, and a company spirit dance show; after which we had an 1.5 hour lecture in Korean, followed by dinner, drinks, and Korean teacher suck up speeches to the owner. Now I can play games and act like I don't mind, but when I start having my freedom to make decisions and speak my mind (in a polite manner) taken away, I get pretty angry.
It started with the owner and his camera crew (which he always has around to feed his ego that everybody loves him) following us around and getting in our faces, when we had nothing to say. At one point they tried getting me to take my shirt off and wouldn't let up while I talked in circles about the company. Then when the boss had us gather around with the camera crew so he could graciously give us the illusion of having a choice to watch his 1.5 hour Korean lecture, or have his translator talk to us about it separately. We told him that having it done separately made more sense, he simply said, "But I think you should see it". So we had no choice but for the cameras he had to make it look good. Then during his lecture he called on me, probably since I wasn't paying attention, to read a blurb from the English booklet he gave everyone. I did so after telling him that I had no idea where we were, and he complimented me on doing it very well. I went back to drawing. Following the lecture, as luck would have it, I ran into him in the washroom, where he asked me if it was my first time in Korea and how I felt about his school. I told him it wasn't my first time and that his school was O.K., not that it was the greatest place I have ever been a part of like he always hears from everyone else. He was not happy about that and got away from me as fast as possible. Then during dinner, things seemed to be picking up with the food and drink, until the Korean teacher's speeches started. We had to sit for another hour, and at one point I was talking to Emily and Jacky in the back and was told to pay attention; to which I replied "Why? It's not like they are saying anything I understand. How would you like it if I got up there and spoke for an hour in French?" This was met with silence, but I couldn't have cared less, because I was tired of listening to everyone be little lap dogs to the owner.
After the activity day we came home and called it a night. On Sunday the weather was pretty cloudy, and I spent most of the day inside.
The storm's a brewin'.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Settling In?
May 10 - 16, 2010
Well another week, another go at learning the new kids names and new school systems. This week seemed to go over a lot smoother. I had my company ID, so I could get at the material; and I was starting to get a feel for my classes, and their abilities. There was still some confusion around what exactly I should be dong with the kids, but that sort of stuff comes in time. So ride it out and see what happens I figured. During the week there was a company gathering, to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the company. It was a large presentation of work history and other garbage to make you feel like you are a part of something special, but for the most part it was all in Korean, and made no sense to us. We did however get a free lunch out of it.
At the end of the week a bunch of us went out for one my new coworkers birthday, Riley, to Gangnam. It was a good time, and a great chance to sit down with new people and network. Unfortunately, I spent most of the night talking with only a couple guys because the rest of the party was up and moving around (in a sit down place). Not to mention, the weird conversations I had to have with people about both my dreads and pet Iguana (which came out in school material conversation), and how I do not keep them as a statement, but just as something I like. At the end of the night for me, most of the group was heading to Club Mass, but I called Blake to see if I could crash at his place. He was out, but said that Nathan was home, so I called and had a place to put my head down by 3 in the morning.
I got up at Nathan's, Saturday morning and made the trip back to Pyeongchon in time to grab some food and head to work for my afternoon Saturday shift. The rest of the Saturday workers who had been out, showed up after sleeping very little, and looking like zombies. The day was a tough go, but in the end when it was over, I came home for a quick nap to recharge before heading back into Seoul. I met up with Brady, Hayley and friend, SoHyun, and eventually Jen and Matei. We went to Kondae, to Music Bar for a few beers and shots before moving to a Hookah Bar to finish the night. Again we called it quits around 3am, and I went to stay at Brady's for the night.
When I got up on Sunday there was lots to do. I wanted to check out one of the electronic store districts to find a projector for school. I thought it would make my classes better. I never found one, but will keep looking. After that I met Blake and SaeJin in Jonggak to have a walk around at the Lotus Lantern Festival. Hayley was supposed to meet with us too, but my phone died and we had a hard time juggling the meeting times. In the end we did see her for a few minutes, but Blake and I were not sticking around for the parade as we had a soccer game to get to at World Cup Stadium.
We had gotten tickets for a friendly match between South Korea and Ecuador via Alex N, who is of Ecuadorian descent and really wanted to see the game. He set it all up over Face
book and through calls, so that he could buy tickets for whoever wanted to go. There was about a dozen of us sitting together, and we had great seats. The stadium was packed and all in red, the Korean colour, and cheering like crazy. The game went well, and Korea won 2-0.
After the game we all headed to Itaewan for some dinner and drinks, and again it got late so I crashed at Blake's until Monday morning.
Well another week down and still kicking.
Well another week, another go at learning the new kids names and new school systems. This week seemed to go over a lot smoother. I had my company ID, so I could get at the material; and I was starting to get a feel for my classes, and their abilities. There was still some confusion around what exactly I should be dong with the kids, but that sort of stuff comes in time. So ride it out and see what happens I figured. During the week there was a company gathering, to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the company. It was a large presentation of work history and other garbage to make you feel like you are a part of something special, but for the most part it was all in Korean, and made no sense to us. We did however get a free lunch out of it.
At the end of the week a bunch of us went out for one my new coworkers birthday, Riley, to Gangnam. It was a good time, and a great chance to sit down with new people and network. Unfortunately, I spent most of the night talking with only a couple guys because the rest of the party was up and moving around (in a sit down place). Not to mention, the weird conversations I had to have with people about both my dreads and pet Iguana (which came out in school material conversation), and how I do not keep them as a statement, but just as something I like. At the end of the night for me, most of the group was heading to Club Mass, but I called Blake to see if I could crash at his place. He was out, but said that Nathan was home, so I called and had a place to put my head down by 3 in the morning.
I got up at Nathan's, Saturday morning and made the trip back to Pyeongchon in time to grab some food and head to work for my afternoon Saturday shift. The rest of the Saturday workers who had been out, showed up after sleeping very little, and looking like zombies. The day was a tough go, but in the end when it was over, I came home for a quick nap to recharge before heading back into Seoul. I met up with Brady, Hayley and friend, SoHyun, and eventually Jen and Matei. We went to Kondae, to Music Bar for a few beers and shots before moving to a Hookah Bar to finish the night. Again we called it quits around 3am, and I went to stay at Brady's for the night.
When I got up on Sunday there was lots to do. I wanted to check out one of the electronic store districts to find a projector for school. I thought it would make my classes better. I never found one, but will keep looking. After that I met Blake and SaeJin in Jonggak to have a walk around at the Lotus Lantern Festival. Hayley was supposed to meet with us too, but my phone died and we had a hard time juggling the meeting times. In the end we did see her for a few minutes, but Blake and I were not sticking around for the parade as we had a soccer game to get to at World Cup Stadium.
We had gotten tickets for a friendly match between South Korea and Ecuador via Alex N, who is of Ecuadorian descent and really wanted to see the game. He set it all up over Face
book and through calls, so that he could buy tickets for whoever wanted to go. There was about a dozen of us sitting together, and we had great seats. The stadium was packed and all in red, the Korean colour, and cheering like crazy. The game went well, and Korea won 2-0.After the game we all headed to Itaewan for some dinner and drinks, and again it got late so I crashed at Blake's until Monday morning.
Well another week down and still kicking.
Friday, June 4, 2010
New Job, New Confusion
May 3 - 9, 2010
So this was my first official week at my new job, and as usual in Korea, it was chaotic. When I showed up on Monday, I was supposed to watch one teachers classes so that I could take them and he could take the ones of the teacher who was leaving. While I was looking over the material I would be watching, I was told at the last minute that in fact I would be teaching the classes of the departing teacher, as he was called away that morning (he was not leaving the company, just our branch). So in a panic, I tried to put my lessons together and get ready to teach.
The first day went by not too bad, but I knew I needed some time to get it all figured out, and I also knew that they were hoping I could do it immediately. Unfortunately, the so called head foreign teacher at this branch was terrible, and never sat me down to talk about anything, which made getting to know what was going on a little difficult. The week went on and I got to know my new coworkers. We even went out for a few drinks on the Thursday, with Emily and her brother who was visiting.
As the week drew to an end, I was figuring out my schedule, but still getting no help from my coworkers. As my contract was, I had to work Saturdays for my first 3 months. So I got up to go to the early Saturday shift for the week, but couldn't wait to get out of there. That afternoon i came home and had a quick nap before heading into Seoul for a baseball game with a bunch of friends. It was a great game between Kia and Samsung, with Kia coming out on top. Then after the game we headed to Gangnam for some beers and to meet with a few more friends. Blake and I sated until around 2 before walking back to his place to crash for the night.
Again on Sunday, we got up and had some lunch before I grabbed some more stuff I had left at his place and came home to Pyeongchon to spend some time with my cat.
Well another week down. Trying to keep it short, because there hasn't been a whole lot of excitement yet.
So this was my first official week at my new job, and as usual in Korea, it was chaotic. When I showed up on Monday, I was supposed to watch one teachers classes so that I could take them and he could take the ones of the teacher who was leaving. While I was looking over the material I would be watching, I was told at the last minute that in fact I would be teaching the classes of the departing teacher, as he was called away that morning (he was not leaving the company, just our branch). So in a panic, I tried to put my lessons together and get ready to teach.
The first day went by not too bad, but I knew I needed some time to get it all figured out, and I also knew that they were hoping I could do it immediately. Unfortunately, the so called head foreign teacher at this branch was terrible, and never sat me down to talk about anything, which made getting to know what was going on a little difficult. The week went on and I got to know my new coworkers. We even went out for a few drinks on the Thursday, with Emily and her brother who was visiting.
As the week drew to an end, I was figuring out my schedule, but still getting no help from my coworkers. As my contract was, I had to work Saturdays for my first 3 months. So I got up to go to the early Saturday shift for the week, but couldn't wait to get out of there. That afternoon i came home and had a quick nap before heading into Seoul for a baseball game with a bunch of friends. It was a great game between Kia and Samsung, with Kia coming out on top. Then after the game we headed to Gangnam for some beers and to meet with a few more friends. Blake and I sated until around 2 before walking back to his place to crash for the night.
Again on Sunday, we got up and had some lunch before I grabbed some more stuff I had left at his place and came home to Pyeongchon to spend some time with my cat.
Well another week down. Trying to keep it short, because there hasn't been a whole lot of excitement yet.
Korea Round 2 - The Beginning
April 27 - May 2, 2010
Well back in Korea as of 4pm on the 27th of April, it was up to me to find my way to my new office. Having lived here already, it was no problem to collect my bags and head out to get the bus to Daechi. When I finally arrived at my new companies head office, Melanie met me outside and took me in to meet some teachers and administration. I didn't hang out long at the school because the day was almost over and I was pretty tired from the flight.
I was taken to my temporary apartment, which I would stay at during my training week. The next morning, I got up and got ready for my first day of shadowing at the elementary school. The school was very nice and new, and the teachers there were all very nice. I almost wished to be staying there when my training was done. On Thursday I got up and went to play soccer with the other foreign teachers, and realized how out of shape I am, though I kept up for the most part. I had a chance to watch some more classes on Thursday, and even taught a few as warm up. Friday was more of the same, watching and teaching.
After work throughout the week I spent at home, resting and hanging out with Goah. When Saturday came around, it was time to move to my permanent place in Pyeongchon. So I packed up the few things I had gotten out and moved around lunch time. Saturday night, all of my friends from last year were getting together in Sincheon for David's birthday, which was a great time to get out and see everyone all in the same place. I showed up at Gold Bar III for the party and was welcomed by all my friends, which felt great, like I hadn't left. Most of the night was spent talking and catching up with everyone, and with a little drama caused by some Russian girls who were trying to steal some people's things. It all got sorted out in the end and we had a great night. We left around 3am, and I slept on Nathan's couch, because my new place is so far out of the city.
Sunday morning I got up and had some lunch with Blake and Nathan before grabbing a suitcase of things I had left at Blake's and heading home. Once home on Sunday, I unpacked my things and tried to get settled in.
Well back and in one piece. Just need to keep on top of these posts.
Well back in Korea as of 4pm on the 27th of April, it was up to me to find my way to my new office. Having lived here already, it was no problem to collect my bags and head out to get the bus to Daechi. When I finally arrived at my new companies head office, Melanie met me outside and took me in to meet some teachers and administration. I didn't hang out long at the school because the day was almost over and I was pretty tired from the flight.
I was taken to my temporary apartment, which I would stay at during my training week. The next morning, I got up and got ready for my first day of shadowing at the elementary school. The school was very nice and new, and the teachers there were all very nice. I almost wished to be staying there when my training was done. On Thursday I got up and went to play soccer with the other foreign teachers, and realized how out of shape I am, though I kept up for the most part. I had a chance to watch some more classes on Thursday, and even taught a few as warm up. Friday was more of the same, watching and teaching.
After work throughout the week I spent at home, resting and hanging out with Goah. When Saturday came around, it was time to move to my permanent place in Pyeongchon. So I packed up the few things I had gotten out and moved around lunch time. Saturday night, all of my friends from last year were getting together in Sincheon for David's birthday, which was a great time to get out and see everyone all in the same place. I showed up at Gold Bar III for the party and was welcomed by all my friends, which felt great, like I hadn't left. Most of the night was spent talking and catching up with everyone, and with a little drama caused by some Russian girls who were trying to steal some people's things. It all got sorted out in the end and we had a great night. We left around 3am, and I slept on Nathan's couch, because my new place is so far out of the city.
Sunday morning I got up and had some lunch with Blake and Nathan before grabbing a suitcase of things I had left at Blake's and heading home. Once home on Sunday, I unpacked my things and tried to get settled in.
Well back and in one piece. Just need to keep on top of these posts.
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