In one of my earlier postings, I was complaining about the typhoon season and how I had to carry an umbrella with me all the time. Well, typhoon season is winding down and the sun is starting to come out some days. Yet, Korean women still carry (and use) their umbrellas. What is the reason for this you ask? I did some asking around and it turns out that Korean women always carry an umbrella no matter what the weather. The only time they don't use one is when it is a cloudy day, but not raining. They do not like the sun. Very white skin is cherished in Korean culture, at least for the women, so most will use an umbrella when the sun is out so they don't get a tan. That struck me bizarre so I thought I'd pass that along.
I have been teaching for a few weeks already and I have learned many things so far. For example, I have learned to hate some kids. Thinking back to elementary school, I remember that kid that was loud, distracting, and never did his work. Yet the teacher would not hate the kid (or at least show it publicly). I am finding that very hard to do with some kids. I don't know how my teachers did it...
One more day of school tomorrow and my coast to coast tour of Japan begins with stops in Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo with maybe some more stops along the way. After that, it is back to Korea's capital, Seoul for a few days to enjoy the sights. I do not think I will have much access to a computer during this time, but I will try to take many pictures that can be posted later.
At lunch today, I noticed for the first time that my chop stick ability has gotten better. I can pick up most anything with those suckers with accuracy and precision. Maybe I will ditch the knife and fork when I come back to Canada? I have been very busy the past few days with work and sightseeing, and partying/ meeting new people. Tonight, a night of relaxation and a full 8 hours sleep, hopefully!
I was wondering one last thing.. can anyone tell me if there are any new popular songs/TV shows right now? I know I have only been gone for a short while, but I already feel out of the loop. I tell some of the foreigners here about a TV show or movie and they have no idea what it is. I do not want to be like that! Well this was a longer entry than I expected, so I will cut it off there. Hope all is well at home.
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3 comments:
Well Trevor,I hope you get this comment before you leave for Japan.Have a great time,and enjoy your time away from those students.I wish they had "spell check" on this blog,I'm very worried about my spelling(and using double negatives) now that you're teaching English(just kidding).I'm not really up on any new songs,except one....and Alex is driving me crazy,she plays it and over,I wouldn't mind so much if she could sing even a little(Paris Hilton),its the worst voice I think I've ever heard.You would think with all their money her parents might have sent her for a couple of singing lessons!!Anyway,I look forward to reading your blog again,after your trip to Japan,take lots of Pictures!!!!"Auntie" V
.....white skin is in..whoa.....that is totally different. Sounds like your students are a little "yancy", maybe with the holiday coming up. It seems you have mastered the chop sticks so a lesson when you come home would be appreciated. Have a great vacation and take pictures(include yourself in some). Take care........bill
hey trevs!! you know what, i observe the whole umbrella phenomenon here in ottawa! asian women (korean, then?) use these rather pretty umbrellas on sunny days and the reason you give totally makes sense. in ancient greece they used to think super pale skin was the prettiest so the women in those times would stay under the shade. now, women in our culture bake for 20min in a tanning bed - how things have changed, eh!?
i admire your ability to not slap some of those kids... haha j/k (sorta). it's gotta be hard...
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