Meet Me in St. Louis

Not to be outdone by Texas, St. Louis holds an even bigger piece of my heart...

Diary- Hello Teacher!

Many of you seemed surprised, or perhaps even a bit concerned, by my pervious diary entry from Nancy.  I'm sure it's hard for some of you to imagine my shiny, angelic personality in teacher mode; but without the tricks I've learned from more experienced teachers, my classes would be running crazy while I stood around smiling all day.  

On my first day of each new class, I quickly assess the students' behavior upon entering the room. Sometimes, the students appear comatose and I know that talking will not be one of their problems.  However, less than a second after entering Nancy's class on the first day, I knew immediate action was necessary. Most of the boys were out of their seats, wrestling each other to the ground, and yelling in Korean.  Realizing the students needed a set of guidelines and boundaries, I silently grabbed my marker and wrote 4 rules on the board:

1.  No Korean (a school-wide rule)

2.  No talking when the teacher is talking

3.  Stay in your seat

4.  Raise your hand   

The bombardment of rules and consequences caused momentary shock, and my students fell silent.  I calmly explained what I expected of them and then continued onto the lesson.  I am happy to report that they never once wrestled each other to the ground again.  Sitting still is not a problem, nor is raising their hands or keeping quiet during a lesson.  However, I still have to remind them on a daily basis to refrain from speaking in Korean.  Switching between the two languages is easy, and rarely do they realize it's happened.  David, my chatty student, has been reminded so many times that he now humorously scolds himself when he realizes his mistake. In the 4 months I've been teaching their class, we've shared countless laughs together and grown closer than the border between North and South Korea.

With that said, please enjoy the last two, "first day," dairy entries from Nancy's class...

New Teacher

by Steven

On Monday, a new teacher come to my class.  She name is Renee or Holly.  I think she was very kind.  But she didn't kind.  One hour later, class student says "Teacher is very intense!"  I think so too.  Teacher, please change kind.

________________

Hello!  Teacher!

by Penny

My name is Penny.

My new teacher's name is Renee.

And David is strange.

Because he talks Korean in ECC.

But Renee (new teacher) teacher coming.

David is very quiet.

So I think David is tricky.

A Russian Update

Below is an excerpt from an entry I wrote in October called, "Strolling."

On our way to work everyday, we pass through the breezeway of what is commonly referred to as, "the RUSSIAN apartments."  One would never know Russians inhabit the area of Ansan, but apparently an agreement of some sort has been made between South Korea and Russia, and the blue apartment complex has been donated to our Northern neighbors.  Really, that's all I know.  This is only significant because the Russian women have a reputation that falls along the same lines as the women in a red-light district.  Unluckily for me, being blonde doesn't automatically peg you as an American.  One day, someone is going to ask me if I'm Russian and I will know exactly what they mean.  I will simply respond with a "no."  Because, I'm not.

Since writing that blog, I've done some research on the former relations between the Soviet Union and South Korea, and discovered the reason for our Russian neighbors down the street. Beginning in the 1920's when Japan gained control over Korea, 150,000 Koreans were forced from their homeland to the southern portion of Sakhalin Island off the coast of Sibera; which was also controlled by Japan (the northern half was under Soviet control).  Under harsh conditions and in the presence of brown bears, the Korean people were forced into coal mining, logging, and construction.  Many lost their lives during the arctic winters; and by the end of World War II, only approximately 23,500 remained.  

Over time, many Sakhalin Koreans took on Russian names and attempted to integrate into the Soviet society; but discrimination was fierce.  Korean language schools were banned until the 1980's and many younger generations were unable to learn about their ancestral culture. Today, nearly 30,000 Koreans live on Sakhalin Island (now owned by Russia); mostly concentrated in the island's capital city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.  

A repatriation agreement was made between South Korea and Japan allowing only those who were born before the end of World War II in August, 1945 to return to Korea.  In 2000, a group of 816 people was relocated to a settlement built for them in Ansan.  Hence, the Russian apartments.  

Unfortunately, this migration back to South Korea is bittersweet for the families who are being, once again, torn apart.  Due to the lack of Korean language schooling for a period before the 1980s, many Sakhalin Koreans are unfamiliar with their own language making job hunting an intimidating challenge.  For the younger generations, Korea is not their home.  Having never lived in the country, some feel moving here is a change they are unable to embrace; leaving their family members alone to make the trip back.  

Understanding the truth behind my neighbors and the circumstances they have lived through puts things into perspective for my own life.  Having the freedom to travel and live around the globe is an opportunity and blessing not shared by many.  I am grateful for this chance to experience the world and get to know the people that make it so unique.

PS—In case you are wondering... yes, I have been asked if I am Russian.  In fact, it happened just the other night to Andrea and I as we were admiring a restaurant's outdoor tank full of pre-historic looking fish.  A man wandered up to us, inquired whether or not we're Russian, and then offered to treat us to some beer and chicken at the Russian bar.  We respectfully declined, complimented him on his English skills, and headed in the opposite direction.  It almost felt like our belated initiation into the city.  Been asked if I'm Russian.... check.

Texas Tribute

Remembering Austin...

Diary- New Teacher

Each week, as I mentioned in a previous blog, students must turn in a diary entry in their journals.  Usually, the stories are about everyday activities like school, homework, computer games, and soccer.  My job is to check their grammar and correct their mistakes in an effort to help them improve their written skills.  Every now and then, I come across an entry that makes me laugh and I've decided to share them with all of you in a weekly blog entry labeled, "diaries."  

**Just a reminder, at school I go by my middle name, Renee. 

New Teacher

by Naomi (5th grade)

Today we changed teachers

in English academy.

The teacher's name was Renee (?)

Renee? is okay?

My class was noisy

Because David!

David was very noisy.

But today, David was very quiet.

Because new teacher Renee.

Teacher was little scary.

And she has very high nose.

This entry, from when I first started teaching in Korea, came with a lovely drawing of me at the bottom of the page.  Of course, the portrait was of my profile with an arrow pointing at my nose.  Koreans, especially children, are very fascinated with Western features and this wasn't the only time I've been told I have a "tall" nose.  Thanks, students.  

Still Me

Obviously things look a little different on my page.  After much fretting over whether or not I would lose my entire blog in the process, I decided to take the plunge and change the background (template). I hope you all enjoy the new look as it's a bit more "me."  Dabbling with html editing almost makes me feel like a web master...

Also, please note the new list added on the right-hand column called, "labels." If you ever want to skim an old blog on a specific topic, you might find it useful to check the list.  Most labels are obvious, but if you can read my mind or predict my behavior, you'll find it extremely easy to locate the blog you are looking for (the labels are also listed at the end of each blog entry).

Enough computer jargon.  

enjoy!  

  

A Child's Perspective

The poor state of our economy can be felt half a world away as I leave the bank after transferring money back to the states.  What was once a respectable exchange rate between the US and Korea has now plummeted to an infuriating loss and I feel the burn each month. Hearing the news from back home of so many people losing their jobs or worrying about the possibility is a new and dismal concept for my generation.

The financial state of Korea is teetering on the edge now, too, and I see it in the loss of students at school.  No longer able to afford the high cost of language academies, parents are beginning to pull their children out in an effort to save money.  Perhaps not as devastating as the crisis in the US, Koreans are feeling the pressure and trying to ignore their sweaty palms.  

Every Monday, my students are required to turn in a diary with a new entry from the past week.  Usually written about basic things like soccer, pets, and kimchi; I was surprised to find a note written by one of my inquisitive fifth graders on the current state of the Korean economy.

Economic Slump 

by Ted

"Today, mom and my sister and me were went to the mart.  But in the mart food, clothes... etc. were very expensive.  I'm surprise.  The government was make the low price for food, living things, for citizen.  But I think it didn't it.  world is in the state of business activities.  Then my mom wasn't buy lot of things.  I'm very saddened by world.  Because they did war, and pitiful activities.  I want to world is peace."  

Unlike English skills, a pure and honest perception of the world cannot be learned.

Five Days in Beijing

Our last day in Beijing provided us with just enough time to sleep in, wander around, and eat lunch before heading to the airport.  On our way to take more pictures in Tiananmen Square, Andrea and I made a few extra turns and ended up in an unfamiliar, but thoroughly engrossing neighborhood.  Content to wander around and snap photos, I enjoyed the absence of tourists and agendas.   

Along with the elaborate architecture, I found the doorways in China compelling.  Painted red in accordance with Feng Shui principles, the main door is considered "the mouth of Chi," through which all energy enters—positive and negative.  According to Chinese tradition, red is considered to be the most auspicious color in Feng Shui.  Attracting a high energy level, a red door will nourish the house and improve one's life. 

Leaving China was bittersweet and, as with any vacation, I was excited to sleep in my own bed. The ancient city has much to offer and in five days, we were only able to glimpse the periphery. I eagerly await the opportunity to explore other culturally rich cities such as Shanghai, Xian, and Hong Kong; but until then I am content to relive my China experiences through colorful pictures and quirky memories.

Four Days in Beijing

During the 2008 Olympics, I had a questionable obsession with my television. From the night of the opening games to the very end, I was hooked.  Misty May and Kerri Walsh played an impressive and unbeatable game of volleyball day after day while Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson went head to head in every gymnastics event; eventually coming out with a gold and silver medal in the all-arounds. Even more, like so many other Americans watching, the captivating events at the water cube sucked me in like a whirlpool.  Needless to say, I was intoxicated with the idea of visiting the Bird's Nest and Water Cube during our visit.

The sun receded behind a cover of smog on our fourth day making the air seem, if possible, even more crisp.  Although only December, a swell of people lined up for their chance to view the two buildings and I was thankful the peek travel season is months away.  The Bird's Nest is an astounding piece of architecture and even from a distance its breathtaking curves and angles appear mathematically impossible.  As its name implies, I fully expected a colossal creature such as a pterodactyl or dragon to swoop down in defense of its mammoth eggs.  Perhaps my expectations were unrealistic as neither pterodactyls nor dragons are considered birds...

From the inside, the Bird's Nest is remarkably similar to other stadiums I've visited and slightly smaller than it appeared on television.  The Olympic signage and giant Christmas tree (with matching Snow White figurines?) were the only indications I was standing in a structure that was anything but ordinary.

An amazing view despite its blurriness.

Koreans love to put up the peace sign in pictures—it's contagious...

Without the spotlights and glisten of the sun, the Water Cube's exterior appeared as tired as its athletes. Upon closer inspection, however, the simplicity of its perimeter perfectly amplified the geometric pattern inspired by the molecular structure of crystal cells.  The interior was no less interesting and the attention to detail impressive.  The building's translucent skin was even more visually dynamic poolside and I was thrilled to see sparkling water instead of two empty pits.  Perhaps I was beginning to feel healthy again, but my level of excitement was at a high I had yet to fully experience on the trip.

  

I couldn't resist adding the music—makes it a bit more authentic.

I believe the white objects beneath the water were lights.  It looked like they were setting up for a performance of some sort.

The ceiling

Heading out to our next adventure

Completed in 2007, the National Center for the Performing Arts is among the latest series of modern marvels in Beijing's collection.  The ellipsoid dome, made of titanium and glass, is surrounded by an artificial lake giving The Egg a shiny, mystical reflection.  Inside, the theater boasts three major performance halls:  the Opera Hall, Music Hall, and Theater Hall; which have a combined seating allowance of over 5,000.  Perhaps the most unique attribute is the nanotechnology film that covers the glass, dissolving dirt and bird droppings.

Notice the reflection—it's probably a pterodactyl's egg missing from The Nest...

Before retiring to our hotel, we headed to the Silk Street Market—an indoor barterer's paradise.  At first, the visual and auditory stimulation was overwhelming and an intention to browse soon morphed into an attempt at survival.  From hundreds of booths on multiple floors, vendors call out their goods and tell the customers what they need.  "Hey LADY, you need a shirt? Come in, come look.  What color you like?  What color?  Come look."

 

Watch Andrea as she walks through the booths.

Three Days In Beijing

After a surprisingly satisfying breakfast at McDonalds, David took us to his favorite stop along the tour—the Temple of Heaven.  Constructed in the 1400's, the complex was used by Emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a ceremonial site to pray for good harvests.  The majestic architecture of the Temple of Heaven is rich in symbolism and color.  Squares, representing Earth, and circles of Heaven can be found on and throughout the complex.  Pillars symbolizing the four seasons, twelve months, and twelve Chinese hours stand below a blue-tiled roof; the color of Heaven.

The bright sun was beautiful, but it was deceivingly cold that day.  Feeling particularly under the weather, I used my scarf in a feeble attempt to muffle my coughs and block my lungs from exiting my body.  Dramatic, I know.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and location of 28 symbolic pillars.

The expansive grounds surrounding the temple were saturated with people engaging in various activities from tai chi chuan (a soft form of martial arts that focuses on slow, concentrated movements to improve health and meditation) to singing and dancing.  A perfect people-watching location, the colorful sights and sounds drowned out the cold weather and lifted my spirits.

  

This reminded me of 2-stepping.  But, maybe it was only in my head.

Tai chi with rackets

Tai chi with swords

Nothing like 2-stepping

Old men—cute no matter what country they're in.

Live performances...

Our next visit was to a diminishing Chinese neighborhood, characterized by narrow alleys and courtyard residences, referred to as a hutong.  Hutongs, once popular during the days of emperors and empresses, are now facing extinction throughout Beijing and some effort has been made to preserve the cultural treasures.  Although they appear miniscule from the outside, the siheyuan (courtyard residences) often open into many adjoining buildings once through the front gate.  In an effort to safeguard the buildings from city expansion and educate the public, some people have opened up their homes to tour groups.

  

Because cars are not allowed to drive inside the hutongs, elaborate pedicabs were the next best thing.

A typical residence within the hutong neighborhood, although I specifically remember them telling us cars are not allowed.

The number of posts above the front door depict the owner's status.  In the "old days," a girl who lived in a 4-post residence, such as this, was not allowed to marry a boy from a 3-post house.

Since recently opening his house to the public for tours, this man has seen thousands of visitors come through the front gate.

 

Multiple buildings surround the interior courtyard—perfectly positioned to obtain optimal sunlight infiltration.

 

The interior of his family's main living quarters.

Of course, lunch was located adjacent to another tourist trap market.  This one, however, was full of beautiful pearls I found hard to resist.  After a brief lesson on pearls and how to distinguish between the real and fake ones, we were released into the sparkly show room.  The temptation was too great and the necklaces too brilliant so I willingly gave in.  

As the sun was beginning its decent, we made our way to the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace, as its name implies, was used by many of China's imperial rulers during Beijing's warm months.  Its location outside of the city provided a cool, tranquil environment that encouraged relaxation and meditation.  The palace is a well-preserved example of traditional Chinese gardening, which intoxicates visitors with its beauty and poetic backdrop.

 

The frozen lake, although beautiful, was man-made.  The excavated soil and dirt from the lake was used to build Longevity Hill, which acts as a stage for many beautiful temples.

The Summer Palace was the last stop of our Beijing tour and we were to spend the last two days on our own. Three days of non-stop touring had taken its toll on me, and I conceded to the flu and opted out of dinner in exchange for some much needed rest at the hotel.  However, in doing so I missed out on an important adventure... a trip to Wal-Mart.  From the stories I heard and pictures I saw, a Wal-Mart in China is strikingly similar to one in America. One noticeable difference is the presence of fresh pig's feet.  Luckily, I wasn't along or the temptation may have been too great.  Once you eat duck brain, there's no telling where you will draw the line.