西洋오랑캐

Today I dub the day of a hundred 검씨 (gomshi [Korean slang for black people]), because that’s how many I saw. I traveled to Itaewon today, which is were all the foreigners (GIs) hangout. There were countless creepy Americans with shaved heads hanging about. Itaewon itself was kind of like Chinatown in New York City. There were a multitude of shops selling useless junk. Unless I require the services of hookers I probably won’t be returning there. Itaewon is suppose to have a good bar scene, but since I don’t wanna chill with GI Joe….
I discovered Shinchon, It’s a “college town” with bars. That seems decent. I also think Club Drug is there as well. Additionally it’s easier to get to…no transfers are involved! Tomorrow I think I’ll go to Namdaemun market or look for a guitar store.
Peace out!

I went to Deoksugung (덕수궁) today. It is a castle which dates back to the 16th century. In addition to seeing numerous foriegners (a rarity in my own neighborhood) I saw hettae, the changing of the guard ceremony, and some awesome buildings. There were a ton of dudes in traditional garb. It was a nice change of pace from the normal city life in Seoul.
Also today I bought (and cooked) chicken and rice. I thought I purchased two chicken breasts, but in reality there were four of them, so tomorrow I’ll be eating chicken again. I’ve been reading some tourist books, looking for things to do. I think tomorrow I’ll go to Itaewon after I go into work. Well, my laundry is finished, so I’m outta here. Later!

Hattae (해태) is a mythical creature in Korea. I took this picture at 덕수궁 (Mom, it’s the one in your book with the picture of the guy in an awesome hat). For some reason I have more knowledge of this thing than people who live here. It is often placed around palaces since they are allegedly made of water and therefore protect the palaces from fires.

Changing of the guard ceremony at 덕수궁 (Deoksu Palace) in Seoul, South Korea. Rockin’! I’ll have to take whoever visits me in Korea to this venue. It’s decently fun, but it’s kind of boring to go there by one’s self.

A Korean Shark

Today with the kindergarteners we went on a field trip to the COEX aquarium. It was pretty fun. While there I saw a family of white people which was pretty odd for me…the seemed so foreign to me, even though they were clearly American. Wandering around in an aquarium which was in a mall was fairly odd, but at the same time kind of enjoyable. I rode in a bus for roughly an hour each way. Most of my class seems to like me better as well, so it was ok. Also along for the ride was the best looking helper. I spoke with her as well as the short helper who had Nick in tow all day…that girl is a saint. I on the other hand, had to follow Eric all afternoon…that boy needs a leash. He was constantly wandering off to god knows where. Also today I started using my own books in my elementary classes, which was much better than the crappy lessons others had designed. The kids and I both had a lot more fun today. It’s currently monsoon season, and I’m watching Nonstop, so I’m going to get out of here. Later!

P.S. White people look at me most oddly. and I heard one of the adults utter, “They (the Kid’s College students) are speaking English…” Later on Nick spoke to them, but I witnessed it from a distance, so I don’t know what he said to them.

Here are some pictures of the kindergarten students I teach.

This is Heidi and Eric. This picture was taken in July 2003. Eric could have won on Match Game due to his winking ability.

I don’t know what happened here. This is Simon and Andy. Simon is the kid sticking his tongue out, but that’s not what he’s really like so I don’t know what occurred. Andy sucks. He’s really a little bastard, and kind of rubs me the wrong way.

Nick and Charly. Everyone thinks Nick is so cute, but he’s totally awesome because he is like a little parrot. He will bellow anything you tell him to which is a little bit fun. Charly is great because he is Charly.