24 or 25?

This past monday, July 23rd, was perhaps one of the best days of the year. Not just this year, but every year since 1988. You see a wonderful thing happened on July 23rd, 1988. I was born! Woohoo!!! So that said this past Monday was obviously my birthday. However....by simply counting the years I would have turned 24, correct? Well...maybe not.

Here in Korea, and in a few other asian cultures, it has been a forever long belief that when a child is born they are already 1 year old. It is understood within the culture that the time spent in mother's womb justifies a baby as being 1 years old on the day birth. Makes sense right? Not really when taking into consideration that babies only spend 9 months (some less) in the womb. And to add to this on New Years eve, EVERYONE regardless of their birthdate automatically adds 1/2 a year onto their lives. I'm not a creditable source as to why this belief was formed, but a good Korean friend of mine told me that it is because until around the 1990's most Korean people were lucky to make past the age of 70 and people often wanted to count as much of their time spent on earth to add to their "numerical age".
 However, times have changed and now the Korean culture is one of the longest living groups of people, many working into their 80's and then living in fully functional and in mostly healthy conditions into the ripe old ages the 90's and early 100's. If you ask me...they actually have the right point of view on age though. Instead of them lying and saying they are younger, they value age and wisdom and wish to aspire to live longer, experience life, and learn more about themselves and their world. They have a pretty rockin' view on old age...much different than the western society.

Anyways if your truly curious about the Korean aging traditions you should Google because I just experienced my first birthday in Korea :)

Due to my birthday falling on a Monday, I made arrangements for the weekend prior to the most wonderful day of the year. On Saturday the 21st, I spent the whole morning basking in the glorious sun. It has been raining here about every other day and when it rains, it POURS. So instead of taking a lie in and getting a late start to my day, I took the opportunity to rise bright and early and have some me time by the Gwangchedong river (the river that runs through my suburb of Bundang). It is a fairly large, beautiful, clean, and naturally flowing river that is ornated with and abundance of stone sculptures, countless flower beds, and not to mention that one entire side of it is butted against the mountain side. It also has a bike path that runs for literally forever as the river stretches an hour north to the center of Seoul and who knows how far south. Anyways, after studying my Hangul (korean language) and writing postcards to my friends and family back home, I was off to Kangnam (a very popular shopping district of Seoul) to meet with a good friend and previous boss at my beloved Cafe Paradiso. He and his wife live in the States but they are currently in Korea visiting his family. We met up for Coffee and chatted for a couple of hours. It was a very nice visit and great to see familiar faces who were equally as excited to see me. 

After my meet up with him, it was back to my apartment for a quick shower and a nap before my night out of DANCING in Itaewon with good friendS!!!! Nights out in Seoul are so much different than my time spent in Illinois. Nicola, Alex, Harriet, James and I arrived in Itaewon at about 10 pm and first hit a few casual roof top bars. We spent a couple hours sipping on wine, long island iced teas, and memosas. After a nice casual start to the night, it was time for the real party to begin. I, who remained sober-ish, really love to dance and immediatey suggested that we hit up "the hills". There are 2 literal hills in Itaewon- one called Hooker Hill and the other called Homo Hill. Take those names as a hint as to what type of clubs they are. But hey...where else can you find better club music and good looking people ready to dance? :)

After dancing for a few hours at my favorite club in Seoul called "Why Not" My good friends and I stopped at a nice Turkish Kabob vendor who has the BEST wraps I have ever ever tasted and caught a cab back to Bundang where I went to bed tired yet very happy with my night out.

On Sunday, the 22nd.....it rained. Surprise Surprise. I took advantage of this day tho. I hit up a few of my favorite shopping areas in Bundang as well as within the south eastern portion of Seoul. I didn't buy anything other than a box of Jeju island chocolates (Korean most famous chocolate variety made in Jeju island, SK). Later that night tho, it was back to the area of Kangnam for another meet up. This time it was with my friend here named Ray. His birthday is actually the following day as mine and we took Sunday evening to have our own birthday dinner at a Chinese Bento restaurant called "Miao". We are convinced they just didn't know how to spell "meow" 

Ray is a great friend. He has proven time and time again to be a really nice and genuine fellow. He is from California and is actually leaving Korea in November as his work is transferring him. that is kind of a bummer, but I also have some great friends who will still be here. The good thing is tho that he hasn't seen any of his family in 3 years, so it's nice he was able to get a position back in his home state. 

So on Monday, my actual birthday, I obviously had to work. I was in a really great mood tho, filled with tons of energy which really helped my workday go smoothly. Instead of teaching phonics to my Kindergartners, I spent my first class period talking to them about how I am 24 in America but 25 in Korea. By the end of the class they all knew that in America they are only 5, but in Korea they are 6. This actually reminded me of my nephews back home who are around that age and truly made my day better just thinking about how bubbly and happy my "boys back home" are! =D

The rest of the workday went well, it was filled with lots of happy kids. Not a single one gave me issues- even my elementary students in the afternoon were really generous and sweet! It was very pleasant. However, just as I thought that the day was going to just another normal day at work, I was hit with a big surprise. 

It was in the afternoon, about 2:00 and it is normally my only 30 minute break time. I was just about to head out the door for a nice walk in the sun when my boss said he needed me upstairs. Without going into detail of the reasons why...I always protest when my boss asks more from me. I said "no....its my break" He then insisted...I said "what is so important". He then grinned and told me that I want to go upstairs. I followed him upstairs and the classroom up there with a big glass wall I could see was dark...and there was candles. I opened the door and the lights came on. All the morning kids (which should have left) and the afternoon kids (which had just arrived) where all there singing happy birthday too me. My coworkers were there as well...which Nicola as you know is a very good friend of mine here in Korea. My boss had gotten me a triple chocolate moose cake from Paris Baguette. It was super delicious and I soon regretted giving such generous portions to the kids :)

My home room kindergarten class and also another Kindergarten class that I teach one class during the day to had made me the CUTEST hand made cards..which are shown here to you. So not only do I have the great memories of time spent with friends from home and here in Korea, but I also have the children's crafts to remember first birthday in Korea :)

At the end of the day, while I opened my families birthday cards  sent to me from the states, I realized how nice of a birthday I had had. It was for sure my first in Korea..possibly not the last. Altho I would have liked to SEE my family at some point during this week, I'm honestly not bothered by it. I know they love me, and I can feel them here with me. I sometimes miss them, but mainly I just want to say "hi" to them and chat for a little while because I'm living my life to it's fullest in Korea...and it's where I'm gonna stay for a lil while longer!

Happy Independence Day!!

Ahhh, July 4th, my absolute favorite holiday. The day is spent watching parades, catching candy, playing water games, grilling burgers and hot dogs, taking it easy with friends and family, and of course FIREWORKS!!! Every year for my entire life I have partaken in these activities, even on the years when I was working on the 4th of July. However, this year, my celebration of American Independence Day was slightly different.

Since moving to Korea, I have actually gained a new found sense of patriotism. No, this doesn't mean I go around thinking that America is THE BEST AND BADDEST NATION in the world. Nor do I find it necessary to bias compare the way Koreans live
to Americans and think that America is right. In fact, just by being a patriot I have not changed anything about me except I have enhanced another aspect of my identity. Often when I meet new people, foreign and Korean, the fact that I am American usually comes up within the first couple of minutes. Also, not only do I claim my American Identity more often now, but I have realized that America really does have many things that I truly love (and miss) that Korea just does not have. Example: common laws regarding work/wage compensations (don't get me started...)

Altho I have become more patriotic and proud to be an American, there is still plenty of things about America and it's culture that I do not like and don't miss at all. But the beauty of America is that for every thing I don't like about it, I can always find my place within another group of people, region, or choice that can be found within such a great nation. That really is that way most of the world is, but I do know that America is fortunate enough to accept and embrace all of us who differ from certain views and attitudes.

With that said, while in Korea I know it doesn't really matter because I will most likely only be a "visitor" here for 2 years or so....I still feel it necessary to embrace my patriotism and my rights to be who I am....especially today- The 4th of July

Waking up on this past Monday knowing that the 4th of July was happening this week, I made it a deliberate effort to wear either red, white, or blue each day to work. However, today I wore a bright red polo with white writing, blue capri pants, and white socks! It was rather gaudy by my standards but totally worth the effort. Once at my kindergarten, I instructed my first few lessons as normal. However, the class just before lunch I dedicated to informing my 6 cute little korean "tigers" (the name and mascot of my classroom) all about what July 4th meant to me. This 40 minute all about America lesson began like this...

Me: Class do know what today is? (points to the date on the board)
Students: July 4th, Wednesday, Sunny, Hot

Me: Yes it is July 4th. And do you know what July 4th is?
Students: Today, Wednesday

Me: Yes. But it is also American Independence Day. An important Holiday to Patrick Teacher because I am from America. Do you know what Independence means? (I write Independence Day on the board)
Students: .......

I then continued to explain over and over and over that Independence was when America became it's own country and gained their freedom. I then had to explain what freedom is...which in a nutshell turned out that my 6 year old will understand freedom as 'having fun and partying!" Yeahh freedom!

After practicing with them the words Independence Day, Freedom is fun, Looking at America and my home state of Illinois on a map I taught them all about the American Flag through a coloring activity. I handed out printed paper American flags and then showed them a big image of the real flag on the computer. By teaching them how to count to 50, I showed the class how each of the 50 stars was for each of the states. I did not bother to explain the 13 stripes...because the word Independence was already enough of a challenge!

Everyday I have an assignment of telling their Ommas (mothers) a message. To wrap up the class, I taught them Todays Message is " Happy Independence Day"...which 4 of them could accurately say. As for the other it was more like "Happy Indeenpensss Day"

So altho I did not see any fireworks this year, eat an burgers, or catch any candy...I still feel like I had a really good 4th of July. This weekend I am planning on hitting up some swimming pools in Seoul with a few friends (from the UK and Australia) and have a lazy saturday soaking up the sun rays. I may also hit up Itaewon- the foreigner district in Seoul, and see if there are any happenings going on for the night. I feel as if altho this weekend will be more of my leisurely 4th of July activities and festivities and will satisfy my summer holiday. However,  altho this particular 4th was different than any other, I know for sure that today will will always remain a great memory of my first (but maybe not last) 4th of July in Korea :)

As some of kindergartners would say to you all "Happy Indeenpensss Day!!"

Foreign or Familiar?

First and foremost to start off this blog I have a small but necessary confession. Before moving to Korea I had intended on keeping up a very up-to-date blog informing people of my new life in SK. However...I suck at writing a blog apparently! Which is odd because I actually do LOVE to speak and LOVE to write. 
I think tho that the main reason why I have not been documenting my life here is because I  see my time here as just another chapter in my life. Altho I have seen and continue to see new sights and experiences every week, I also don't have noteworthy events happening 24/7. During the weeks I work 9-6 everyday and then may go out for a drink one night a week and spend the other nights relaxing at home. Then on the weekends if I am not on a travel type adventure I usually spend at least one night out in Seoul in either Hongdae or Itaewon (the two most hip places in Seoul), a day just hopping on the subway with a  friend and venturing to new spot in the city, Hiking a new mountain peak with a group, or having a nice me day which I need every now and then. So basically, I feel as if I am just LIVING a normal life here..which is why I find it less appealing to write so often. But, I do plan on starting at LEAST 2 posts a month :) 


Well, springing off my last thought of 'living a normal life', I realize now that I have reached my 4 month point here in Korea. Time really has flown by and I feel as if I haven't even experienced half of what Korea can offer. Throughout my weekend getaways, day/nights exploring Seoul, cultural festivals, teaching experiences, and days spent lounging around my suburb I have come to realize how incredibly different yet how familiar my new home is. So I have decided to make this a short list of similarities and differences between my home in the states and my home in South Korea. 
Now keeping in mind that I grew up on a farm in the midwest....this mega metropolis city of Seoul and the suburban life  was initially VERY different. however, from what I have experienced in US cities and come to know from friends of mine, this is what I have gathered thus far....or what I can think of off the top of my head :) 

* Public Transportation – Maybe it is because I grew up with NO NEED for public transport, but the Seoul metro and bus system rocks! I have one card called a T Money Card and it is super convenient. It works for all trains, buses, taxis, and even can be used at convenient shops for small purchases. It is reload-able and works like a debit card. I put about $50 on it a month and I can travel anywhere and everywhere I like!

* Cheap Dining – Dining out in Korea is super affordable.  Of course there are cheap restaurants and splurge restaurants, but as a whole, Korea is cheaper.  Tax is included in the  price of items and their is no tipping. I personally only eat out at actual sit down restaurants when I am with friends and cook at home on weeknights, but when I do go out for dinner I never think twice about my funds. Whether it is traditional korean dining or foreign food such as Italian, American, Pizza, or Indian it is always fairly priced.  

* Individuality – Compared to the US where everyone wants to be an individual and unique, Korea’s group culture can be a bit of a shock. In Korea everyone conforms and sticks together. Most people from the same generations will listen to the same type of music, dress alike, use the same slang/vocabulary, and take part in the same activities. Yes this can be said about the US....but not so easily. In the US generations do have the same experiences which shape their views, but they also may have very different takes on music, movies, sports, and fashion. In Korea...literally everyone within one generation LOOKS, ACTS, and INTERESTS are the same. Maybe this is due to the lower level of outside influences on Korea...or maybe it is because they are a small country so it is hard to differentiate. I do know one thing tho...I miss the variety of people that I would come across in the US and I often wonder if these Korean teens who all look the same really 'want' the be the same, or if they are just succumbing to the norm. 

* Crime Rates – Crime rate here seems to be significantly lower than in USA. I follow both the US news and the Korean news and it is amazing how much more small, average, and vicous crimes are reported in just one day on CNN. In comparison, when I read the Korean news they all speak about new parks being built, the school systems, and community festivals. I have come to understand how much the Korean culture values family and their family name, which is why I believe people here are more honest, kind, and less tempted to commit a crime. they are raised to act more appropriately and respectfully towards others and all in all most Koreans I have become friends with have very good morals and family values.  Crime certainly exists here, but I feel quite a bit more comfortable leaving my bicycle outside unattended while I go into a convenience store than I would in USA.  In fact, I have a friend here who lost her purse, cell phone, and wallet in a bar only to have returned by a total stranger a week later :)

 * Scenery – Coming from the Midwest, mountain are a rare thing to see.  In Korea, everything is a mountain!  As soon as I step outside my apartment building I see rolling hills everywhere.  There are some really beautiful areas of Korea and I’ve enjoyed the mountainous terrain. 

* More real life – One of the things that bugged the hell out of me in USA is the constant barraging of celebrity gossip, political atrocities, and annoying advertisements.  Sure it is entertaining, but really? Maybe it is just because I am still learning the Korean language and I don't fully understand every story I watch/read but so far their OBSESSION with celebrities is far lower than in the US.

*Old School Markets – You know, big year round markets filed with fresh fish, meats, veggies, fruits, and all sorts of hand made crafts, furniture, and clothing. At the traditional markets you can get double the amount of fresher produce than you would in the store and for about 1/2 the price you would in the Superstores. think these still exist in the bigger cities of the US, but where I grew up they were known as Farmers Markets and usually are small and only 1 day a week for about 3 months of the year. 

*Grocery Stores - Speaking of Markets, Grocery shopping here is very similar and also different. I can get on a bus and go about 20 minutes away to either and E-Mart or HomePlus store (the Korean versions of Walmart and Target). At these stores you can find all your dried foods, cooking ingredients, meats, seafoods, produce, ect....every food item you would at a Walmart. You also will find all your housewares, leisure stuff, car stuff...again everything Walmart offers. However, I still am having trouble adjusting the the prices. Foods that I was use to being cheap/fairly priced in the states are ridiculously expensive here. For instance, apples which are always cheap in the states usually cost more than 1 dollar per apple here. And that is cheap compared to most fruits. Grapes, about $9 (9,000 Korean Won) for a bag. Keeping in mind the price differences here are skewed due to me making about 2 million Korean Won a month. So even tho prices seem high...when I spend 80,000 Won every week at the grocery store...it really isn't that expensive in relation to how much I am making.

Side note tho- what you ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT FIND is over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Cold Medicines, Ache and Pain medications, or even insect repellents and contact solutions. For this you have to to go a pharmacy. This is incredibly annoying and perhaps the ONE thing I truly do not like about living in Korea. 

* Consciousness of Self Image – This is a blessing and a curse. It’s wonderful at times being in a country where almost everyone is conscious about their image.  When I have a night out in Itaewon or Hongdae, I look and feel as if I am very attractive and well groomed. Often many other foreigners I am with compliment my attire. However, once amongst Koreans I feel as if I look sub-par. It is as if everyone is on Hollywood Blvd and ready for a GQ shoot.  Being fat here is pretty shameful and I often feel bad for overweight Koreans who get stared and laughed at CONSTANTLY.  Go into a subway platform and you’ll see large mirrors on each wall with people ranging from an elementary school girl to an elderly man making sure their hair is fixed and their clothes are straight. In the US half the people are usually wearing sweats and their hair is in a messy bun/ the really need to shave. I feel as if it is nice that Koreans care so much about appearance...but also leaves me to wonder about future problems that may arise due to the obsession with self image. 

* Lastly for now, Being a Foreigner – This is a huge blessing and curse! It is the  beauty and bane of my existence.  I am praised as a genius for speaking elementary Korean.  People often tell me I’m handsome, my eyes are beautiful, I’m so tan, I'm really fit, etc.  Korean waiters have given me free drinks at restaurants and often like to sit down during their shift and speak with me.  Almost everyday people approach me and start random conversations about where I’m from, what I do, what Korean foods I like. etc.  People help me if I need it. I can get away with small mistakes because I’m a “foreigner” and am part of a population that represents the education and skill levels of their children's future.  It’s too easy to make friends with the Korean families considering that strangers and kids/teens smile and yell “Hello!” on the street.  

Sounds perfect right? Not all the time....

I am praised for my Korean skills, but can’t have a truly meaningful conversation with a Korean stranger. With my Korean friends yes, but not with a random person. I’m exotic and handsome yes, but I’ll always be different looking.  Everywhere I go people stare at me.  That’s interesting for the first week or two.  Yes, 99% of the time it’s harmless and curiosity-driven, but when I’m in a bad mood, I just want to be left alone.  There are days where I wish I could just be one of the masses, just an average Joe. The nice gestures and conversations Koreans start with me are nice but I often wonder " are they speaking to me because they are genuinely curious or because I’m  walking-talking free English conversation practice station?  

I obviously love Korea and Korean people, so don’t that paragraph as a slight.  I just want to show that being “special” isn’t always paradise.  Some days it’s Brad Pitt, other days it’s Outsider.   

So altho this blog was about similarities and differences,,,I feel as if as of right now one thing I’ve learned while living in South Korea is that people are just people and things are just things. Altho every single person we meet and experience we have are something 100% new to our lives, they are also incredibly familiar to a previous encounter we have had.