Korean Massage...not a happy ending.

I can't lay on my back, it feels I have had the shit beaten out of me...you are probably wondering why I am feeling this way...and the culprit is the Korean massage I subjected myself to earlier today. I normally love going to the Jimjibang (the public bath house) , like I mentioned previously, but today I left very unhappy. Let's recap...shall we?


After visiting the saunas, pools, getting my body scrubbed...I decided to be adventurous and end my nice visit with a relaxing massage. However, in this massage there was not one minute of pleasure. First, the two ladies that worked there...laughed at me because I am a foreigner who does not know how to order a freaking massage. Next, I stripped and they laughed some more. There were two ladies that were going to massage me...normally that is a plus...but not in this case; it was double trouble. Next they put this smelly oil on my back and went to town. They applied the most shocking and painful amount of pressure for two little Korean women. I tried to tell them to stop or apply less pressure, on numerous occasions...but they did not listen and continued to laugh maliciously. I was on the verge of tears. They popped my fingers, sat on me, walked on me, jumped on me, whipped me with a towel, punched and slapped my back and stretched way to much. Maybe I had a lot of tension? This however...did not cure it whatsoever.

The most interesting thing, which ended up hurting the most, was this suction device contraption. She used what we call in Korea, "Bu Huang" which is basically cupping. In European history, leeches were placed on the skin and a cup was fitted on top of the leeches, creating suction. The leeches would then do what leeches do and suck out what was thought to be bad blood. In doing so, there are now bruises all over my back. In Korean culture, Bu Huang is used in traditional Korean medicine.

To tell me I was done, they basically slapped me until I got off of the massage table...a terrific way to tell someone goodbye. "See you next time," they said as I was walking out...that would be a negative. I definitely learned my lesson and will pass the advice forward. Today's lesson...if one comes to Korea, never get a massage...unless you would like to feel like you got your ass kicked, and look like it as well.

P.S. The pictures included are not of me, obviously...but are what the bruises look like, from the cupping...except mine are just everywhere...and not neat circles...I just have one giant bruise that covers my entire back...no joke. The other picture is just one of the lovely stretches I was forced to do.

I've Got Friends in Low Places

I am getting really bad at this...there is not enough time during my insane week to keep up, and for that I'm sorry. I did not realize that I would be living at my school. Don't get me wrong, I love my children...they are my world...but the days are long and painful. The new semester started March 2nd. On that day, my world was turned upside down. I now have my own Pre-K class in the morning and starting at 3 I have and teach a bunch of elementary school children. The morning is consistent and the same. However, in the afternoon I teach a bunch of different classes and subjects, which are different everyday. It's insanely confusing and I know it is going to take a long time to get used to...luckily I have 3 other amazing foreign teachers that have been helping me along the way.

Thank goodness for the weekend though...they have been much better these days. I have made some wonderful friends that have truly made a positive impact on my life. First there is Nickole, my co-teacher who has become by new best friend and sister. We have gone through so much together. Our job is stressful and the days are long and tedious, but I know that I can count on her and that we can relate to one another...and understand how the other person feels. Then, there is Doug and Steph, my token married couple. I have become their roommate on the weekends... I call us either the three musketeers or I am happy to be know as their third wheel. They have shown me so much of the Korean culture. They are lucky and have the chance to work with adults, so I have been tagging along to dinners and meetings with them. I am so thankful that all of my friends can read and speak Korean...it really comes in handy....I will get to it one of these days.

The past few weekends have been amazing. I managed to go on my first road trip to Busan, with Doug and Steph. Busan is the closest major city, it's about an hour away, but totally worth the drive. We found Costco...and I almost cried...they had everything one could ask for...even ranch dressing! Then we hit up Haeundae Beach...it was magical. I flew a kite, which I have not done since I was maybe 6 or 7? It was beautiful and definitely somewhere I will go more often. Besides our trip, my weekends have been pretty mellow...Friday night rituals begin at Roddeo Bar with Steph's toast masters group...it gives Koreans and other non-native English speakers a chance to practice their English...it is a lot of fun and it has given me a chance to meet some really interesting people. This past Saturday, Doug and Steph through a get together with a lot of their students...I am pretty sure my favorite part of the weekend, was watching Koreans take soju jello shots and smoke tobacco out of a hookah...it was classic. For recovery on the weekends, I have previously stated that I love Jimjibang...the spa...seriously it has been my life saver. A nice detox, to end my week. Which starts tomorrow, oh joy! Friday, please come soon!

Seoul Re-cap

Where to begin...that is what I am left pondering. Sooooooo much has happened. I am sorry to my loyal readers, as it turns out I have no life during the week. Let's see where did I leave off....


Let's start with Seoul. A few weeks back some close friends and I traveled to Seoul to celebrate Lunar New Year and our much deserved three day weekend. Once arriving, I felt back home...Seoul is the melting pot of Korea...like Seattle, San Fransisco, or New York. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back. There all the things you miss from home can be found. For example...I found ranch dressing, Mexican food, gay bars and people that speak English. I felt home and it was nice...you tend to forget about all of the things you miss, once you have been away from them for so long...and once you experience them, it's like a whole new discovery. The one thing that amazes me and will continue to do so is their messed up sayings, or translation that they just don't fully understand. I have shared a few classic examples for your enjoyment. I loved Seoul...one could find anything you wanted there. I even discovered a store selling condoms...only. Insert amusing picture now! It was snowy and everything one could ask for...a little piece of home...all the way in Korea. Good friends and great times...many more trips to Seoul to come. :)