Taking it easy in Tongyeong

Everyone needs to get away sometimes...even if it's just to a city an hour from here and only for a day. Adventure is necessary...that is why I came to this country...well besides teaching, of course.

Lately, as it may seem, my weekends have been shot. The weekends usually consist of me drinking....waaaaaaay to much both Friday and Saturday nights, that I do nothing all day, except sleep. It's sad but true...I wanted more than that...so last weekend my genius best friend, woke me up and said we were going on an adventure.

You are probably thinking, "why Tongyeong?" My dear friend Nickole, who I traveled with, had an amazing Korean travel guide and we decided that is was close enough, but just far enough to call it a vacation destination. The description made it seemed wonderful...water, fish, boats, islands...it was going to be a great weekend.

After an hour and a half bus trip...we arrived. Much different than we expected...no water, no boats, no fish...yet. We felt like aliens...we can't speak Korean and we had no idea where the fuck we were. Luckily...we found a map, which didn't help, because in order for a map to work, you need to know where you are. So, after enough courage, we got into a taxi, and pointed on the map where we wanted to go. He laughed, of course...but took us to our destination...first stop the cable cars in the sky.


We arrived, and were immediately turned away...from what it seemed they were sold out for the day. However, Nickole and I were soldiers...we came this far and were not giving up. We were gonna play the "we are stupid foreigners who have no idea where we are" card. Which works sometimes...we continued trucking on...and sure enough a man came up to us and sold us some tickets...and we got to cut to the front of the line...fantastic. The one thing I hate and I don't think I will ever be used to is getting "eye fucked" by every Korean person. We had to stand in line to get on our car...and everyone literally undressed me with their eyes...I know I am not super skinny...but what the hell? It gets better....every Korean that had a kid wanted to impress everyone else and forced their child to say hello to us. Seriously ladies....everyone knows how to say hello...your children are not uber geniuses. Anyways...the cable car was great, I attempted to get over my fear of heights...but was still a nervous wreck. Unfortunately, the family riding with us thought Nickole and I were a circus side show attraction and wanted to take pictures with us...uuuggghh...seriously Korea, I am American...not a freak or a celebrity.

After our experience with that, we were lost once again. However, feeling adventurous we started walking hoping we would find something exciting. Instead, we found a man that thought he was the coolest thing ever, because he can flip his eye lids inside out...and continued to do so, point and make weird noises...it was at this point Nickole and I knew we were no longer in Changwon anymore. Laughing hysterically, we questioned why were here again. We defiantly were in the ghetto town of Korea. We saw no cabs...but managed to get on and feel gutsy enough to ride the bus. Then, we found water!

We got off the bus in a central part of town...and alas we found the fish market...I loved it, but not the smell. Fish were everywhere...and were alive. I was so worried that one of the workers were gonna knock over one of there big bins with fish and live fish were going to be everywhere. Luckily no such thing occurred. Once our exploring there was done....we found a hotel and were off to look for some food. A much harder task then we thought.

Until we found a little piece of heaven. We must have walked around for what seemed like hours. There was arguing and frustration in the air...and I didn't like it. Finally, we found it. La Vela...a taste of Italy that is very much missed here in Korea. It was simply wonderful. I ate real Parmesan cheese...which may sound funny...but they don't really have that sort of stuff here...so it was a delicacy. A perfect dinner with a perfect friend. Once dinner was finished...we were determined to find friends...we are good at that...and it has become a habit. No matter where we are, we look for new Korean friends to hang out with and look for a foreign bar that we had read about.

Which we did...however, we almost got kidnapped and dragged to Jinju with these older drunk Korean men. Damn me for asking for directions....it led to me getting grabbed and having to run, with Nickole to make a get away. I do wish I remembered our new friends names or remembered to take pictures of this portion of the evening...but I don't and didn't. We enjoyed their company over some soju, beer and snacks. They were very sweet, but shy. The helped us to find "condition," a drink that is supposed to cure hangovers...while tasting like shit. After saying goodbyes to our friends, we managed to get home in one piece. Tomorrow was going to be when the fun began...mass sight seeing with little time to do it.

We woke up...way later than we wanted...the front desk called us and was kicking us out of the hotel...check out was 12 and it was now 1. The sight seeing for the day was reduced a lot. So out of all of the things...taking a boat excursion to the islands around the city seemed like the best option. It was a confusing and insanely packed...but we managed to find a boat. The ride was beautiful...it made me miss Seattle...the water and the smells.

We got to one of the islands, walked around...saw the different temples and then saw a place where you could put on traditional war clothes...and get your picture taken...I had to do it. everyone was already staring at Nickole and I for being foreign...so now I was giving them an excuse to look more. I knew I was probably one of the first foreigners to go to this island and be so stupid. The workers ate it up. I rocked it.

After we had our fill of the islands, it was time to take the ferry back. We were lucky enough to make friends with an old dancing man, who was kind enough to get our pretty toasty on soju. Let me just tell you drinking soju on an empty stomach on a boat is not the best idea. I needed food...so Nickole and I ended our trip, getting a pizza and some beer, sitting on the port having a picnic...it was a trip that won't soon be forgotten.

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. :)

It's Been A While....

So as you all know...I have come to terms with the fact that I live at school. It's not a bad thing...but seriously, I do. Here is my daily schedule...in case you were all interested, and if not, oh well...you can always stop reading now.

I usually wake up around 7:15 or so, hit the gym and usually get to school around 9 or so. My first class is at 9:40. I still don't have a normal schedule quite yet...most students are on break from elementary school until March and that happens to be when the new semester starts. See here is how my school works...we have little ones in the morning...that are not old enough to attend elementary school; Their classes cover every subject. We have 3 morning classes; there is a 3/4 year old class, a 4/5 year old class and a 5/6 year old class. In the morning now, I am usually just a helper to the other teachers and their already pre-established class. Starting at 3 I have classes with elementary school kids...classes include reading, vocabulary, listening, social studies and one on one tutoring. Come March, I will be working with my own pre-kindergarten class until 3. Here is an amazingly adorable picture of my 3'o clock reading and vocabulary class.


Its a long day...but it pays off. My kids are adorable...most days. So to wind down...I have been fascinated by what the Korean cable channels have to offer. Besides Nicholas Cage movies...as I have mentioned previously they get played a lot here...to much if you ask me. The Koreans seem to be very fascinated with all of the various CSI shows...which I love...have not seem to discover why though and one of my new favorites...Project Runway. They have even developed their own Korean version of the show...with various American guest judges that I have yet to discover...but you should definitely check out the website...total rip off of the American version, look for yourself... http://www.onmoviestyle.com/projectrunway/judge.asp. Seriously...they even compare the judges to their American counterparts. Simply amazing.

Other than that, I have been spending a lot of time and money at the doctor. Doctor visits are cheap here...but they want you to go many times. I had the pleasure, of messing up my knee pretty bad while trying to jump a fence...please don't ask me why I would do such a thing...because I can't give you a reasonable answer. Doctor visits include me...waiting a really long time, and then a trip to physical therapy...which includes me getting stabbed with needles aka acupuncture, having my knee bent in all kinds of uncomfortable positions and being electro-shocked. After physical therapy, I would be seen by the doctor. At this time the doctor then sticks me an injection (not sure of what but I probably should), bends my knee a bunch, and writes me a prescription before shipping me out the door. The good news is that prescriptions are cheap on the down side...you have no idea what you are consuming. Whatever it is, it worked...cause I am actually starting to feel better...it only took like 20 doctor visits...but seriously, he wanted to visit me once every 3 days...for 2 weeks...not the easiest on the wallet.

The weekends are usually the same, well the group of people is. Everyone in Changwon knows each other...or recognizes each other, none the less. If you don't know someone...you will eventually. There are the same foreigner bars that people hit up...and usually after the bars we hit up the good ol' Noraebong...Karaoke for Koreans. It's a pretty sweet room, that one would rent out and bring their own alcohol, and then use the handy song books and type in your chosen songs. The own weird part is that the songs do not match the video. Videos for songs are completely random and do not make sense...but usually no one really pays much attention. I would include pictures of my own Noraebong experience...but I forgot my camera...I promise in time my friends!

Everyone loves Nicolas Cage?!

Don't me wrong...I think that Nicolas Cage is a decent actor. However, he is one of those actors like Bruce Willis, that needs to accept going bald...seriously, anyone see Peggy Sue Got Married? He was practically bald in that film...and if you see him in his more recent films, his hair is longer and fuller...I mean, has he been getting hair implants or something...cause baldness does not magically go away. I don't hate him, but I am not gonna race to go see his movies opening day or anything or waste my money renting them, but if his movies come on T.V. and there is nothing better on...I might tune in.

However, I can't seem to escape him here in Korea. Seriously...I have seen probably every crappy Nicolas Cage movie since being here...not because of choice, but his movies seem to be the only thing the Korean tellie. Some of those I have been submitted to include: Knowing (a crappy alien movie), Bangkok Dangerous (some assassin movie set in Bangkok...obviously), Next (he plays a psychic who falls in love with Jessica Biel...ya right) and National Treasure 2 (thank you Nick for ruining Disney movies for me). The list continues, but these by far were the worst.

After having enough...I thought I would do a little research and try to figure out why Nicolas Cage was so popular here. Here are the two reasons that I came up with. First, Koreans love action movies and in the last few years Nicolas Cage has been in many action flicks. The second being that his latest wife is Korean....with those two put together, I am thinking that is why he is so huge here...make sense? I have also included a ridiculous picture of him and his wife in Korean costumes for your viewing pleasure...enjoy.

I think I found Heaven....

So...I am pretty sure I figured out and hope heaven is as amazing as it is at Jimjibang Public Bath. One thing I had to get over, which I did very quickly, was being naked and having to look at a lot of naked Korean woman. Coming through the doors, one follows the pathway to the secluded "Woman's Only" locker and spa area. After finding your locker, one quickly undresses, puts their things in the provided locker and carries their toiletries with them as they travel through the pearly gated pool area...well there aren't any pearly gates, but there should be some. Once in the pool area...one will see many different pools, with different set temperatures. Showers and waterfalls are in every pool given it a natural type feel...almost as one is in nature. You can hear the water pouring all around you. If the pool isn't your fancy...one can relax in one of the three saunas, which are also set at different temperatures. There are also, vanity stations where one can soak and scrub there feet or give themselves facials. If one is feeling lazy, there is also a station where one can have their body scrubbed, cleaned and given a facial...but be fore warned...this body scrub is intense and pretty freaking painful...it's like the equivalent to having your body scrubbed with a Brillo pad...your whole body...private parts and all! One the bright side...my skin is silky smooth!

After one has had their fill of the pool area, one returns back to the locker area...puts on their cult orange outfit...like seen in the picture...dries themselves off and proceeds downstairs to the common area. This is where the ladies meet up with the gentleman. Here, you will find absolutely everything you may need. Down there, one will find restaurants, a nail salon, a massage parlor, an open bar, heated beds and chairs, massage chairs, more saunas, an ice room (like the opposite of a sauna), private resting areas, heated floors...which everyone seems to pass out on...seriously...just look at the picture, a gym, a computer room, a playroom for kids, a library, a massive movie collection with private viewing rooms, tons of televisions, private karaoke rooms, video games, tons of board games and smoking rooms...which almost seem sinful to have their...but I told you this place has everything.

The interesting thing is that your locker key, also doubles as a tab keeper...let me explain. If you need to purchase anything...such as food, beverages, a massage, even a manicure...your key has a bar-code and gets swiped at purchase, so when you go to leave and turn in your key...you pay your bill. Genius, I know.

So whatever your ailment might be...head on over to the Jimjibang...you may never want to leave. A cult that I might actually want to join.