Kimchi What Now?

 

 Hey everyone!!! For this blog entry I think it is about time I spoke about something that symbolizes Korea and is a true "only Korea" aspect- Kimchi.

I have always had an adventurous palate and have never been one to shy away from sampling foods that are new, foreign, multicultural, and even bizarre. Before moving to Korea, I had had some experience with Korean cuisine via some of my close friends that I had in America. Not only were some of my close friends Korean-American, but also my boss of Korean decent. In relation to this and because of my yearn for new experiences, I had long ago sampled the Korean staple food- Kimchi. Kimchi is pickled cabbage covered with hot pepper sauce and it is the most popular dish in Korea. Health Magazine named it one of the 5 healthiest foods in the world, and also claim that the average Korean eats 40 pounds a year of it. How is it possible to eat 40 pounds of cabbage a year? Well, many people Koreans eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner as it is seen as a staple side dish.

Kimchi is high in fiber, low in fat, and packed with vitamins that kill bacteria. Koreans are very prideful about the health impacts of kimchi
There's nearly 200 types of kimchi, but the basic ingredients are cabbage, salt and hot pepper sauce. You can also make it with onions, spices, etc. I have actually always enjoyed it and eat it at least 5 days a week as part of my school's lunch, and often at least once on the weekend either at home or at a restaurant.
 

Not only is it served as a side dish, but it is also incorporated into main dishes such as soups, pajeons (veggie pancakes), and many types of stir fries. I personally LOVE my kimchi hot and my favorite kimchi dish is Soondubu Chigae (soft tofu and kimchi stew)

Soondubu Chigae, my favorite!

Miyeon and I, making our kimchi ^_^

Kimchi has been around for nearly 3,000 years, so it’s a strong element of their culture. People even say "kimchi" when taking a picture, not "cheese." Most importantly, the process of making kimchi is an annual event in which the entire family participates in making kimchi before the winter comes and a lot of the cabbage crops go bad. This happens around early November. A few weekends ago, my good friend Miyeon and I took part in a Kimchi making event. IT was quite fun! Although it wasn't traditional family style, it was still a god experience. And I got to take      home 5 KG of free kimchi! Huzzah!!!

In times past, kimchi used to be stored in stone pots underground, after making our kimchi we were able to see the process in which the pots are made. This is after the molding but before they are fire baked and glazed.

And this is after they are baked and glazed.

 

추수 감사절 !! (Happy Thanksgiving!!!)

Wow, is it already December? And is Christmas only 23 days away? It certainly is, but you know what American Holiday just happened? Thanks-to-the-giving!!So as my fellow American readers will know, I traditionally celebrated Thanksgiving with my family, close relatives, and maybe some friends or two enjoying the historical important day of Thanksgiving having a large feast with Stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and not to forget the pumpkin pie!

 But ya know, each culter has their own version of Thanksgiving. As this being my second “American Thanksgiving” in Korea, I have grown accustom to celebrating holidays with my newly found family in Korea. However, I also have come to celebrate Korean holidays as well. If you have followed my blog, you would know by now that there is also a Korean Thanksgiving known as Chuseok (추석)

Over the years, I have observed both Chuseok and American Thanksgiving, and here are my most noticeable differences/similarities between the two:

There are many differences and similarities between Thanksgiving Day and Chuseok. First, People eat a lot of food during both holidays.
*On Chuseok, Koreans eat Songpyon, which is rice cake steamed on a layer of pine needles. Also, eat various pan-fried dishes and newly harvested fruits and rice.

* On Thanksgiving Day, Americans eat turkey, mashed potato, pumpkin pie, and many
other dishes.
* On Chuseok, Koreans gather, and do marry-go-round circling together with the friends and family.
* On Thanksgiving Day in New York, there is a big parade with over-done floats and famous people. 

* Common thing about Chuseok and Thanksgiving Day is that (some) both thank God for giving well harvested food. If farmers didn’t work hard, we wouldn’t have much food.
* Speaking of food, both Korean and American Thanksgiving center mainly around food these days. Whether it be Songpyeon (rice cake with pine needles) for Koreans, or Turkey, potatoes, and pie (for Americans) almost al families and friends gather around the table for good times and good food!

* On both holidays many people visit their ancestor’s and remember those who are no longer with us. 
I’m sure there are MANY MORE differences/similarities, but this is a Reader’s Digest version :)

Traditional American Feast

Traditional Korean Feaat.

So, how did I spend my “American Thanksgiving? Well, for the past two years, whilst living abroad in Korea, I have celebrated Thanksgiving with a new tradition- that being with my ‘family’ of fellow expats (and friends) here in Korea.

This year, I celebrated with 3 of my close American friends as well as my (BEST KOREAN FRIEND). I hosted a potluck pastry at my apartment for all of us to bring on r of our favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes. I brought to the table sauteed veggies and salad while my friends provided a cheese and fruit appetizer plate, mashed potatoes ( my favorite), gravy, sautéed chicken (for the meat eaters) and of course Apple pie and don’t forget the wine! :)



Everyone chipped in, made their dishes at home from their own recipes, and it was a very nice, long, and relaxing afternoon enjoying each other’s company and great spirits. 
Although it wasn’t the Thanksgiving I grew up with as a child and young adult, it was certainly enjoyable and one for the memories! 




Our yummy sides, Salad, Potatoes, Chees$Fruit, and Turkish Pastries.

The best Korean Chingu I have made in my years here, Miyeon <3

Sarah and will preparing their potaoes and fruit plate! :)

행복 빼빼로 데이!!! (Happy Pepero Day!)

Hey Everybody! I apologize for my month long Hiatus from blogging, but I found that I was starting to view my blog more as a chore and something that I MUST do. I noticed this after about 3 entries into my switch from written entries to the video entries. Why? Well the answer is simple- I wanted my videos to be as perfect and artistically pleasing as well as informing which required me to do a lot of editing, photo hunting, and sometimes having to scratch an entire nights worth of work because I either A- forgot to mention something really important to me while speaking thus having to RE-DO the entire project, or B- I just plain didn't like it once I was finished. But I'm actually taking an initiative to start blogging more frequently. However, for those of you that have grown accustom to my lovely face and poetic speaking voice...that will only be for special entries or when I am feeling especially creative. From now on, to assure more up-to-date entries I will be doing more written blogging. I hope you all can take the time to read!!!!! ^_^

Anyways, today is November 11th. Any normal Autumn day back in North/South America, Europe, and most of Asia.  However, here in Korea it can only mean one thing- PEPERO DAY!!!!


Pepero day 빼빼로데이 is a holiday made up by the entertainment company, Lotte, in 1994 and is a day for giving pepero snacks to good friends, lovers, family, and of course Teachers! It is on 11/11 every year because it resembles the stick cookie-like treat! The Pepero snack come in 6 flavors- Chocolate, White Chocolate, Strawberry, Melon, Almond, and Nude (plain). Taste-wise I think it is pretty good and is a nice go to cookie snack. My personal favorite is a toss up between Almond and White Choco! 



  One reason why Pepero Day became so popular is because of how cheap and fun it is. Pepero can be bought in a single box and split it up into several smaller packets for mini gifts. Because it is so popular every supermarket, small grocer, and literally EVERY convenience store creates huge displays of boxes to give as gifts all over the shops!  They have many designs~ hearts, flowers, houses, boxes that can contain another gift inside, boxes spelling out L-O-V-E, and other "cute" stuff.


Anyways, this being my second year in Korea I was well prepared for Pepero madness and went to school with my stock of Pepero for my kiddies. And of course, the favor was returned all day receiving boxes and packages of the sweet and simple treat. HAPPY PEPERO DAY!!!!

행복한 추석 (Happy Chuseok) 2013

Hey everyone! So as you may have noticed, it had been about a month since my last entry.... me so sorry. But what can I say? As I have stated in my previous blog entries life in Korea is so ordinary. I eat, sleep, work, socialize, and everything else that involves normal day living. It isn't so much about exploring and getting "oo'd and aa'd anymore...because everything  that once was noteworthy is now my daily life! ^_^

Anyways though, something that I wrote about last year at this time was the annual Korean holiday of Chuseok!


추석 (Chuseok) is a major holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Similar to the American Thanksgiving, it is a harvest festival held around the Autumn Equinox. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon and rice wines such as sindoju and dongdongju.  Although Chuseok itself is a single day, the holiday period includes the day before and after, involving an array of traditional activities. Early on Chuseok morning, the family gathers together to perform traditional ancestral rites. A feast of traditional Korean foods is prepared for the memorial service, after which everyone enjoys the festive meal and exchanges gifts.

Super delicious Songpyeon (sweet steemed rice cakes) I learned how to make this as part of my cooking class with my kindergartners ^_^

A typical feast for Chuseok. I enjoyed similar food, but without a korean family but rather with my expat family.

During Chuseok, nearly all (young) Korean people leave the city in order to return back to their family's hometown for the holiday.  While families enjoy festive meals, cultural activities, giving one another gifts, playing games, drinking ^_^, and other memorable moments. The non koreans living here enjoy their 5 day weekend (since Chuseok is celebrated over the course of 3 days followed by Saturday and Sunday)
So how did I enjoy my second 5 day Chuseok Thanksgiving? Oh just with a trip down to my most favorite city in Korea, Busan. I actually visited Busan last Chuseok as well. Each trip was different and had it's own high points. This....is my Chuseok 2013 experience. Enjoy!

The Philippines- El Nido!

Hey everyone!!! Well it's a bout 2 weeks overdue, but I got back from my vacation to the Philippines! Wow Oh my gas range was it ever amazing! 

Like I stated in my post before my vacation, my friend and I went to El Nido and Puerto Princessa, smaller (but still popular) beach towns on the western Filipino island of Palawan. We began our vacation with one night and a 1/2 day in Puerto Princessa. It rained the first two days...but that didn't deeter our moods and stop us from having a good time. On the afternoon of the 1/2 day we caught a van to El Nido- the true paradise of Palawan. Once we arrived there after a 5 hour rainy journey through the mountains in a hot stuffy van...we were NOT DISAPPOINTED! ^_^

The water was so crystal clear blue/aqua green, The beaches long and white,and the inland was so tropical and lush. I spent the 5 days there with my friend (and fellow young travelers we met there). The other travelers were from thailand, a Filipino couple on their Honeymoon, and actually 2 Native Korean girls and 2 fellow English teachers working in Korea. None of us knew each other but when we all met we clicked very nicely :) 

We all spent 3 of my 5 days in El Nido together swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, beach time, exploring the inland via scooters, and of course fun nights out. Seeing both the smaller islands, corals and tropical fish, and also the inland were each uniquely beautiful. It was so amazing to be able to experience such natural beauty. And the native people there were so genuinely kind and open. Surprisingly they spoke good english and I got to chat with a lot of them and hear their stories/share mine. Exploring the quiet and quaint streets, restaurants, and cheap massage parlors was so nice when getting such hospitable and kind service. Good and cheap food eaten- Veggie Banana Curry, Avocado Tuna Salad, THE BEST Calamari and grilled Squid, and the list could go on Also, my friend and I went to the market every day bought loads of whole pineapples, mangos, bananas, dragon fruit, and avocados which we snacked on during our trip. So juicy and good! OMG!!!

Banana Curry

Not only did I spend time enjoying the adventure, cuisine, and nature...but also had some good reflecting time. Ya know, the people there have so little...yet they are so happy. They live simple honest hard working lives and slowly take every moment of the day in and appreciate their world.. It was a gift to see how truly simple their lives are...and what I am going to strive to start doing- cut down my consumption of goods, and see everyday as a gift thus enjoying it as much as able.

I highly recommend every spirited traveler to visit El Nido to experience the tranquility and peacefulness of it's beaches and the people who call it home.

As always, Peace and Love.

Summer Break Time!!!

Hey all! So it is nearing the end of July, and for those of you viewing in either North America or Europe, that probably means that your summer breaks are coming to a closure. Westernized summer breaks usually run from June-August and is seen as a time for kids to be kids, teenagers to cause trouble, and parents to work shorter hours and enjoy the more casual side of life. However, for schools in most Asian countries (and for private schools in western countries) summer break is not seen as a 2 month long holiday filled with swimming, lots of play time, relaxation, and family vacations. Education is extremely important in Asian nations and man countries, including my very own South Korea, have a 1-2 week break for summer rather than a lengthy time off from school. While this seems very short, keep in mind that there are many shorter breaks throughout the year for schools and children VS. in the western world there is one looonnnngggg break in the summer and a short break in the winter. (I go into more detail about this in the video.

So, even though I only have 10 days for a summer holiday I still plan on going on a lil getaway. Last summer I visited for Beijing in the summer and Taiwan in the winter7 . This year, a friend and I put our heads together and planned a very relaxing vacation to the beaches of Palawan in the Philippines!! The Philippines is supposedly absolutely gorgeous, and we chose one of the main islands for long white beaches with loads of activities but with the lowest amount of tourist. That means not only will we get to relax on the beach for 7 days, but we will also be in one of the quietest places with the most desirable natural and modern attractions. Sea kayaking, Snorkeling, island hopping, shopping, and tanning- here we come!!!

I'll fill ya all in about in my next entry...until then,
Peace and Love!

_Patrick

I see trees of green....

Yo everybody! Just last weekend I embarked on a personal endeavor of mine. I medically tackled a problem that I have been battling since about the time I was 5 years old- My ridiculously shit poor eye sight.

I have had glasses and/or contacts since I was 5 or 6 years old and also have 2 bad astigmatisms. I have always considered Lasek/Lasik...but the cost was so much in the states, and even a lot of money to spend all at once here in Korea. However, learning how inexpensive corrective eye surgery was here in Korea, I  booked my appointment for a free eye exam and qualified for Lasik. The eye exam was very thurough and well conducted. The clinic was very clean, up to date, and filled with a knowledgeable staff. To my amazement.I was able to book an appointment that SAME AFTERNOON to have surgery. I consulted with the surgeon and he fully explained the process of Lasik. Within 15 mintues the surgery was complete and I was free to go after 45 minute waiting period/check up. I opened my eyes just moments after surgery, and for the first time in my life could see clearly! It was an 'aww and shock moment' 

The following day, I returned to the clinic for my required check up and also have 2 more follow up exams free of charge in the future. Over the past week my vision was improved even more. I have NEVER seen this clear, brightly, and more 'perfectly' in my life. As cliche as it sounds...I am 'seeing a new world'. 
I've always felt that if I were to loose any of my senses...I would be most devestated by the loss of sight.....the world is just too beautiful of a place to miss it's true shapes and colors. Now, and forever, I will be able to see even more of what the world has to offer in al aspect of life <3


Much peace and love, always.

-P

Here is a video that explains the process of Lasik. Keep in mind I was awae during this...but I really didn't feel a thing! Amazing right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoH0VHrOM9A

Questions, Anyone?

Hey all! So for those of you that know me well personally or have been following my blog, you will also know that I have lived overseas in Korea now for nearly 17 months. When first moving to Korea way back in February 2012, It was totally an epic adventure of my life- heck it was the most exciting thing I had ever dreamt of doing. I took every opportune moment to try new foods, go new places, meet new people, and really submerged myself into the korean culture.

Of course, as time has developed and I become more at home here, more acclimated to my surroundings, realizing that aside from food and behaviors Korean culture isn't TOO much different than mine at home- I began to call Seoul my new home (for the time being) Also, it has become part of my life so much that I have even planted my own 'roots' and feel as if I am going through lifes motions and truly feel comfortable.

So this is the beginning of a new phase for my blog. Because I am no longer in the 'adventure' mode and more so in the 'living' mode, I don't feel the need to blog about Korea as much anymore as it is now just my daily life.
So I am asking you- my family, friends, and viewers to submit your questions to me via e-mail or FB message. Your questions can relate to Korean culture, food, weather, climate, society, or anything else you may be curious about pertaining to Korea. OR you may feel free to ask random questions about myself, my past/future travels, world issues, or about my role as an English teacher in a foreign country.

Your questions may inspire me to go do something new in Korea or get back in touch with some long last thoughts I once had. So go ahead, ask away....the questions are yours and I'm sure they are endless!!
e-mail: pecann88@gmail.com
FB Messages: http://www.facebook.com/patrick.conn.9

As always, Peace and Love!

여름 사랑... Summer Love

여름 사랑 (yeoleum sarang) Literally translate to Summer Love ! And that is what this entry is all about, my love for the glorious season known as summer.

Ever since I was a child I remember enjoying summer more than any other time of the year. Not just because I wasn't in school, but spending long days outside in the wide open country with my brother scraping knees, getting dirty, playing with the farm animals in barn, and long bike rides made our school break so much fun. Also, I'll admit it, I'm truly a freak of nature. I honestly have no recollection of the last time I complained about it being hot outside...I truly do believe the hotter the weather the better I feel!(my kids are always complaining in school because I turn off my classroom's AC and open the windows!)

As I aged I still have enjoyed summer just as much taking full advantage of every opportunity to get outside, go swimming, meet up friends, and enjoy the more adult aspects of summer such as outdoor excersise (hiking, biking, yoga) and the better temperatures for late nights out :)

One of the many swimming pools in Seoul.

A quaint Rose garden tucked amongst the apartment buildings.

For this blog entry I am discussing just why I love summer so much, both in America as well as in my not-so-new home in Korea. I compare and contrast some of my most favorite aspects of summer in each country and also share some observations that I have observed within the Korean culture the past two years. Whether it be outdoor activities, summer time eats, or decadent treats....summer truly is my favorite time of year that bring out the best of me! What can I say...I like things 'hot and steamy' ^_^

Enjoy the video and until next time, Peace and Love!

The Days of May!

Yo everybody! So I have prolonged doing a recent blog entry for a few factors:
1: I have been busy (both socially and work related),
2: I have been lazy when not busy,
3: There are many happenings during the Month of May within the culture of Korea so I felt it necessary to do a blog entry AFTER they were all finished!

Anyways, like I just stated, this blog will be all about special days taken tribute to doing the Mont of may. What are these days you wonder? Well during the first week of May there is the National (and global) holiday "Children's Day". A day when kids can just be kids and be allowed to eat as much candy and cookies as they like! Also, parents tend to go over-the-top in indulging their precious ones in gifts and attention on this day. WEEEE!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwxxVG0MSng

The second week of May hold Parents day- A combination of Fathers day and Mothers day. I personally like and also dislike the idea of Parents Day, as I feel both (good) Mothers and (good) Fathers should receive individual recognition. But then again...it is an easy way out for both child and adult children!  Similiar traditions to the western world are practiced on Parents day here in Korea including children making handmade cards, the giving of carnation flowers, and adult children doing something a lil extra special for their parents.
http://www.theparentsday.com/around-the-world/south-korea.html

The third week of May is a day in honor of yours truly, Teachers Day. Teachers Day is also celebrated in the western world and is a day for students and their parents to thank their teachers. As for me, my first year in Korea I was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts and adornment I received. However, this being my second year in Korea I was like "Oh yea,,,,show the goods!!!" haha. Actually, I'm not that vain on Teachers Day. Despite the amount of gifts I get, I really do appreciate the generosity and kindness presented to me via conversations and hand notes from moms and dads.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teachers'_Day

Lastly, nearing the end of May is Buddhas Birthday. Korea is predominately Christian, but there still is a large Buddhist community. Buddhas birthday is a national holiday here with businesses closing and many festival/familial events taking place. I remember the beauty and awe from my first year in Korea, and my second year I was again amazed at how gorgeous and artistic the lantern displays were that honor Buddha on his big day. Man...how old is he now and how lucky he gets such a great party every year??
http://www.holidaysia.com/events/lotus-lantern-festival/

 

Well anyways, that is it for this entry- I didn't get too personal this time around...I'm saving that up for an entry all about ME! Enjoy the video, take care and as always -Peace and Love!

- Patrick

No place like home...

Hey Hey Hey, everyone!! 

For those of you that haven't kept up with my life and/or blog, I was just on a  vacation where I visited friends and family back in the good ol' USA! Leaving the last weekend in March, I took a 3 1/2 trip to my home town in Illinois where I was able to spend a lengthy time with my family, giving each member(s) a nice chunk of one-on-one time.  During my last stint at home I spent it based off my parents farm and  making sporadic trips to stay with some of my best friends back in my University town. My visit home was truly a whirlwind of positive emotions...the only let down was that I didn't get to see my VERY BEST friend, Christy. Love ya kiddo.

Reunited with my lovely Winnie

Spending 3 weeks with the family and best friends was just the pep up i needed. It was amazing how much had changed but also remained the same in my absence. It was a good refresher and went far too quickly. Although I was busy catching up with those closest to me, I also had a lot of self/life reflecting time. Going home made me realize just how important my family is to me. I realize now that I will always need my family- no matter where I go or what I do. Despite our MANY MANY differences, they mean the world to me and I see now that they are my rock and my true support. I also learned some valuable life lessons while reflecting on my own life...such as to appreciate who and what we have in our lives while we still have them.

But now I'm back and rolling in the land of korea...and equally loving it as much as i did last spring and summer! all the cheerry blossoms still have their blooms, the flowers are opening, and the warm sun is shining allllll day ^^ 

Thus far I have moved into my new apartment, settled into my new work schedule, and despite being thrown some unexpected/stressful work "surprises" my first wee back at my school has been nice.  My kids(and their mothers) all missed me like crazy and i got loads of handmade cards and warm welcomes.

And in my social life, everything is also going peachy keene! Just as my friends are important to me in the states, they are also a big part of my life here in Korea and so far these warm sunny spring days have been filled with joyous reunions, bbq's, dog walkings, and coffee breaks. Altho it was bitter sweet to leave my true home and family behind....it's also nice to know that Korea will forever be my second home. 

Till next time, peace out! Love ya!!

American Getaway

For those of you that have followed my blog since I first moved to Korea over 1 year ago, you would know that I have really come to call this new land of mine 'home'. I have developed good friendships, a passion for the art and culture scene, become obsessed with the spicy and savory flavors of korean dishes as well as korean fast-food, and have also fallen into place well at my workplace. Aside from learning about korean culture, experiences with friends, and also traveling to China and Taiwan in I have also learned a lot about myself. I have discovered more of my strengths and weaknesses and also have become closer to realizing what truly matters and what is important to me and my future.
As I embark on my second year living and teaching in Korea that I am well on my way to deepening and expanding my roots here- all while making new memories to carry on for a lifetime.

Even though I have come to call Korea my new home, I have to admit that I do long for family and friends back home in Central IL, USA. I grew up in a very close-knit family. Being the youngest of four, our parents raised my siblings and I to appreciate and value the simpler things in life and not take one another for granted. We always stood beside each other no matter what and as we have aged I feel as if we have become closer (despite being geographically far). I have become the proud uncle of 4 awesome nieces and nephews and have always tried to be a part in their lives. While living in Korea, I have missed some major family events but feel as if my heart and soul was there. And after all, it isn't being there for 'special days' that matters- it is being together in everyday life that is really more important to me, which that is what  I am about to get :)

As part of re-newing my contract with my current school, my boss allowed me to take the month of April to return home for a visit! I'm super excited to not only see my family, but a small hand full of near and dear friends as well. I'm really looking forward to catching up while spending a week with my sister and her family, 1/2 a week with my brothers and their families, and then 1 1/2 weeks broken up between staying with the folks and short visits with old friends. It shall definitely be a VERY NICE and MUCH DESIRED visit with everyone filled with laughs, stories, 'mommas cooking' and of course I'll get to see my beloved cat, Winnie ^_^

As I prepare to fly out of Korea tomorrow and spend a month home in April, I am feeling a bit saddened that I will be leaving my friends, kids, and new home here. But the same with my family- although I may miss an important event while away from Korea- I will be returning for the more important times of daily life and common chats :)
Although, I do know one thing that I will be missing and that is to FOOD!! I already plan on taking my mom to the korean grocery store back home and making my parents some Dok-Doki, Kimchi Chigae, Bibim Nameyoung, Dak-Galbi Tang, and maybe even a korean pastry Hot Tok...mmm...Hot Tok...

You may not here from me for a few weeks (maybe a month), but it will only be because my mind and time will be pre-occupied with a lot of TLC that can only be found from the comfort of family =)

Until next time, Peace and Love-
Patrick

The sweetie-pie season

Good day everyone! It is already March 14th, can you believe that?  The weather here has been very nice, averaging around 65 F during the daytime (like 18 C). The sun has been shinning, grass is greening, and people and animals alike are all starting to come out and enjoy the warmer days. I can't wait until the weather further into spring and alas the beauty of summer will return to Korea! However, just like the season changes around the world, so does the events of each month. Which is just what this entry is about.

As all of us westerners know, Valentine's day, that one day dedicated to expressing our love to our companions, is celebrated on February 14th. But for those of you not in Korea, are you aware that Korea, Japan, China, and other small Asian nations have a day of love in March and April??? Yep...here in Korea I get a full 3 months dosage of love:
 February 14- Valentines Day, March 14- White Day, and April 14- Black Day 

In my video (at bottom) I will explain the meaning of these days, but let me tell ya...the stores and sales during these 3 months is phenomenal. Huge ballon and flower displays adorn all supermarkets, grocery stores, department stores, bakeries, service stations, and yes..even bars get decked out for the season of love. One can find anything they wish for their lover, whether it be candy, chocolate, undies, fragrances, flowers, cards, stationary, jewelry, and yes...the always....SPAM gift sets ^_^

Nothing says love like Peppero! 

Display of goodies outside a convenient shop.

Anyways, I for one have always been a romantic at heart. Not in the sense of being 'hopeless' or always in a relationship, but more so in the aspect of really being happy and elated by beautiful things. And to me, seeing such romance, joy, and promise within people's love lives along with all the pretty decorations (and abundance of chocolate I have acquired via sales, friends, and students) real lifts my spirits. Maybe it is because the weather is perking up....maybe it is because I have taken a much lighter view on life as I've aged....or maybe, just maybe, it's L-O-V-E!?!?

Much peace, always!
-Patrick

The littlest graduation!

For this week's blog entry I am going to speak to ya'll about something that I don't mention too much, but actually it is the first and main reason for me moving to Korea. The topic of course is my school and role as a Kindergarten English teacher.

Here in Korea the school year begins (for almost all schools/all ages levels) and ends during the end of February/beginning of March. With the roll over of a new school year comes the  processes of test taking, school parties, the never ending pile of portfolios and to-do lists for us teachers (grrrr) and of course the kids who have completed a milestone receiving promotions and graduations to their next school level!

This past week was graduation at my kindgergarten. My home room class (Tigers) did not graduate because they are the current 6 year old class. However they did receive a promotion into the next and final age level at my kindergarten. By this time next week they will officially be part of Butterfly class and only one year away from moving onto elementary school!

As graduation week progressed and I spent hours working on portfolios consisting of my kids school work, pictures, and artwork I reflected on the past year spent teaching them. Comparing their English, Phonics, and Conversational skills from the first time I met them to today...I am honestly shocked at the amount of progress each of my kids have made. They have gone from learning the beginning of their ABC's and  single syllable words to now reading, writing, speaking, and thinking of their own English conversations! They have gone from hardly being able to ask for a glass of water to now telling me what they did on the weekend, re-telling stories I read to them, and taking learned phrases in class and using them at home! (according to their parents) =)

Not only have my kids grown in their English skills, but their physical, emotional, and personalities have evolved greatly over the past year as well. I'm so happy to have been a part of their lives, growing close to each one of them as well as making somewhat friends with some of the parents. Teaching my Tigers has truly been a blessing and because I've had such a great time this past year with them is one reason why I chose to continue to live in korea (other aspects of my life played in as well).

So take a look at my video on our graduation and recolection on the past year and you'll see why I know now why some teachers wind up making it a life long comitment....because we teachers get the chance to touch lives and feel good about helping a kid grow up...and become surprisingly attatched to children that aren't even ours =)

Until next time, Peace and Love!!!
 -Patrick

해피 설날 (Happy Seollal!)

So growing up in the western culture I was always familiar with celebrating the new year on January 31st. As a child my new years were spent playing with my siblings and cousins while our parents stayed up playing cards all night and as I grew from a teen and into my young adult years I began to partake in the more lively celebrations surrounding New Years such as spending the night out dancing at clubs or parties and being with good friends. However, As I also grew up I learned about other cultures and how they celebrated not only 1, but often 2 New Years within the same year. This year, I was able to not only bring in the New Year in Western style on January 31st, but also was able experience the Lunar New Year, Seollal, first hand here in Korea which none-the-less informative.

Koreans celebrate two New Years – January 1st and Seollal, which falls on the second new moon after Dongji (동지), or the winter solstice. By combining the preceding and following days, each winter Koreans can look forward to a three-day holiday.

During the week of Seollal, Korean families traditionally take time for one another. Seollal is a major family focused holiday and a 2-3 day gathering is held usually at the eldest male member of a family’s home. This could be a grandfather or the eldest Uncle on the husbands side. 

To be with family, I was told that millions hit the road and brave traffic jams to and from their hometowns. Because so many people are out driving the day before Seollal (which was a Saturday) it could make a 5 hour drive turn into a 8 or more. In fact, one of my friends who just was going what was usually a 30 minute drive to his grandfathers house told me it took him almost 2 hours! Even tho there is a lot stress and inconvenience, and taking time to plan the get-together, The Korean people really look forward to this special extended weekend with their family. 

One thing that someone COULD NOT MISS is the amount of gift sets being sold during Seollal for families to bring to one another. Some gifts sets I saw were way overpriced fruits, meats, toothpaste, or health-related items, like red ginseng or honey.

So typically when families gather there is a meal, right? Well Seollal is no different and one of the dishes I was able to try this year as part of my school’s lunch and also while I was out an about during my 4 day holiday weekend were tteokguk (떡국), a beef-based soup made with sliced rice cakes that is claimed  that eating tteokguk on New Year’s Day makes you one year older. I actually ate it (and thought it was really tasty) 2 days before Seollal....so does that mean I aged double? Or did I go backwards? Uhhoh....!

Other than tteokguk there are loads of foods served for the great eat-a-thon such as jeon (pancake-like dishes), tteok (rice cake), bulgogi, galbi (grilled marinated beef), sikhye (fermented rice drink), and sujeonggwa (traditional sweet Korean beverage) Most of this food I have eaten A LOT of already has it is a normal part of the Korean diet, but for Seollal the makers of the food put extra effort into making it most delicious. 

Well, in a nutshell that is Seollal, Lunar New Year, traditions here in South Korea. Here is a link to a blog that goes a bit more into detail about it! I spent my Seollal weekend doing A LOT of personal ‘me‘ time, made time to be with friends, skyped and met with my New 3 week old niece via skype, and random/pointless cloth shopping. I didn’t do much to commemorate the day of Seollal, except for on the day after the holiday (Monday) my friend Hanna and I went to a Seollal festival in Seoul where we sampled some of the metnioned food, watched some really amazing performances, and partook in some traditional Korean activities which actually are more of a nostalgia thing now and most people don’t do them anymore (stick throwing, ring games, beating dak!)

All in all my 4 day Seollal weekend was very relaxing- and I got a 2nd chance to start my New Years Resolutions!

Here’s wishing you a healthy and happy New Year! Peace!!

And the answer is!

Hey everyone! Can you believe it's already February 7th? Holy Smokes time flies! And speaking of time flying, if you watched my last entry you would know that I have reached my 1 year anniversary of living and teaching here in Korea. This past year has been wonderful and I really am thankful for all the experiences and opportunities I have been given. Not only have I had a good time experiencing a new culture, way of life, and traveling all over Korea and central Asia; but I also have made some great friends and have had an overall satisfactory job all while making memories to last a lifetime.

However, with the end of my first year living in Korea coming also comes the issue of what to do: Do I stay or go? If I stay do I keep working at Baum Kid's Schule? Should I transfer schools? Added to this I really wanted to see my family back in America...which was proving to be difficult if I stayed in korea whether with my current school or another one.

It took me almost  a month to come to a conclusion, but alas, my mind is set.

Peace out! and Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!!!

next blog entry- what I did with my 4 day Lunar New Year weekend! (Feb 8-12)