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)