So, it looks like I'll be here until at least the fall. I'd really like to come home, but the shitty US economy is keeping me here. I mean, what am I going to do, sit on my mom's couch, watch TV, drink microbrews, and half-heartedly apply for jobs that I don't really want? While that does sound kind of awesome, I'm better off saving money over here.
My new school is really great, and the Korean teachers are so nice. I'm the only foreigner there, so I think they're extra nice to me. Also, I'm kinda fucking hot, so that probably plays a part. Seriously, it's a good place to work. However, my new city, Seongnam, pretty much sucks. It's a 30-minute walk just to find a chain coffee shop. The ONLY western restaurant near me is McDonald's. There is a KFC near the coffee shop, and an Outback three subway stops away. That's about it. Suji was much cooler. The only good news is that I can get into Seoul a little easier. I can be at one of the major subway stops in southern Seoul in 20 minutes. However, my job hours are 2-9, so I don't really have time to go in during the week.
Anyway, enough about the new place. After a six-week travel binge that saw me hit the Philippines, Hong Kong/Macau, and India, I have calmed down a bit and am back to the grind. Back on the chaing gang. Spring is starting to arrive, and Korea is very nice right now, weather-wise. The yellow dust is out in full force, and it's really bad this year (freaking China). I've been walking a lot in the evenings for exercise, and have plans to start running again soon (that should be a fucking hoot). That's about it.
I've decided that the reason I don't blog as much is b/c I don't have anything interesting going on anymore. I'm not gonna act like I'm on twitter, and tell you about the mundane details of my hour-to-hour existence. If I don't have good shit, I'm not gonna write it. So, dear readers, I'm gonna let you go.
I offer three pieces of advice before I leave: Watch Eastbound & Down, smoke 'em if you got 'em, and eat at Freebirds. Later.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
India...ooh
So, I felt really out of place here when I first arrived, and a lot more nervous than usual. I quickly kicked myself in the ass and told myself to quit being a bitch. I headed into Bombay (you know it's legit, b/c it's got a gin named after it, with a jewel in the name) to check out the city. I liked Bombay, but it's really fucked up. It's excruciatingly poor, beyond what you can prepare for. I mean, we all know there are people who live in slums, but it's really hard to see it. Poverty is rampant in Bombay, as everyone without hope from every poor village in India streams into the big cities, looking for enough money just to live. Seeing Asia's largest slum is both fascinating and sickening. It's so fucked up that, for the first time in my life, I thought, "They need to just scrap the whole thing and start over."
Once I got past that, Bombay was very interesting. It's got a beautiful (though polluted) coastline on the Arabian Sea (more on that place later); an incredibly impressive colonial area where the Brits built grandiose buildings that are now eroding; awesome food; friendly people (even the scammers are nice); and a level of energy to it that keeps you interested the whole time. Did I mention that the food is just ridiculously good?
On to Goa: I took the overnight bus down here b/c it's cheaper, and I couldn't go to the airport with my Rajisthani green. I was anticipating the worst ride of my life, but it was surprisingly pleasant. The driver quickly ignored our assigned seats and just pointed and said things like, "You sit here. You, here. Ugh, there." As soon as he turned his back, I vaulted to the front of the bus and commandeered the first seat. Had I not, it would have been physically impossible for me to survive the trip, with someone in front of me reclining onto my crotch. It was that cramped.
The food in Goa even blows away what I had in Bombay. There is a level of laid-back here that is beyond belief. The beautiful beach has about thirty beach shacks serving delicious food and drinks, right on the shore, with great views of the waves crashing. It's very relaxing here, and I needed that, but it would be much more fun to come here with a few friends. I mean, I've met some fellow travelers here who were cool enough to drink and talk with, but there are also a lot of weird motherfuckers here. It's definitely more enjoyable with a group.
I've seen four different bridges that look just like the one Jason Bourne crashed his car off of (I'm still deciding which one I'm going to pass off as the real thing when I post my photos), but none of them are the one, and I'm too lazy and disinterested to pay for the cab fare to the actual one. Just remember that Marie died on that bridge b/c she put on too much weight b/w the Identity and the Supremacy. Let that be a lesson to all you ladies out there.
Finally, my guesthouse owner is the shit. He freaked me out a little, with how Western his ways were, and how much he reminded me of home. He actually reminded me of a Mexican, which was really odd. Then I saw his business card, and noticed his name is Stewart D'Souza. Then I got it! This guy's got Iberian blood floating around in him, mixed in with the native. He's a homie! Once I realized that, we got along splendidly. He sat and talked with me during my dinner, and we made fun of the weird British guy staying at his hotel. I almost gave him the Valley handshake, but I didn't want to push my luck. Anyway, the point is, I've found a great place to stay in Goa.
Finally, the Anjuna fleamarket, held every Wednesday, took up my day yesterday. Holy shit. It was amazing. I only brought 2,800 rupees with me (about 60 bucks), and I spent every dime of it. There are so many great bargains and interesting things to buy there. I even contemplated taxiing back to my hotel, grabbing some more loot, and going back. Common sense got the better of me though. Anjuna is also the hippie area, so it's a little endearing, and kind of reminds me of South Austin. I want to go back. Oh, yeah, to go there I had to hike to the next beach. I figured it wasn't a big deal, since I'd heard it was just around the horn from my beach. Well, that was incorrect. It was about an hour-long walk over some pretty rough terrain. Terrain that has cobras in it. I don't like snakes, and I hate Cobras, b/c you could easily die from one of their bites. Now, I was never in any real danger, b/c cobras will run from human noise and avoid you whenever possible. Still, it freaked me out. I don't like snakes. I like them even less since I heard that the Anjuna fleamarket had snake charmers, and then discovered this wasn't true. I was so geeked about seeing cobra charmers. Oh, well, life goes on.
I'll be back in Korea in a few days, back in the cold, back in the land of the kimchi, and little old ajumas who push you out of their way, if ever you are in it. So it goes.
Once I got past that, Bombay was very interesting. It's got a beautiful (though polluted) coastline on the Arabian Sea (more on that place later); an incredibly impressive colonial area where the Brits built grandiose buildings that are now eroding; awesome food; friendly people (even the scammers are nice); and a level of energy to it that keeps you interested the whole time. Did I mention that the food is just ridiculously good?
On to Goa: I took the overnight bus down here b/c it's cheaper, and I couldn't go to the airport with my Rajisthani green. I was anticipating the worst ride of my life, but it was surprisingly pleasant. The driver quickly ignored our assigned seats and just pointed and said things like, "You sit here. You, here. Ugh, there." As soon as he turned his back, I vaulted to the front of the bus and commandeered the first seat. Had I not, it would have been physically impossible for me to survive the trip, with someone in front of me reclining onto my crotch. It was that cramped.
The food in Goa even blows away what I had in Bombay. There is a level of laid-back here that is beyond belief. The beautiful beach has about thirty beach shacks serving delicious food and drinks, right on the shore, with great views of the waves crashing. It's very relaxing here, and I needed that, but it would be much more fun to come here with a few friends. I mean, I've met some fellow travelers here who were cool enough to drink and talk with, but there are also a lot of weird motherfuckers here. It's definitely more enjoyable with a group.
I've seen four different bridges that look just like the one Jason Bourne crashed his car off of (I'm still deciding which one I'm going to pass off as the real thing when I post my photos), but none of them are the one, and I'm too lazy and disinterested to pay for the cab fare to the actual one. Just remember that Marie died on that bridge b/c she put on too much weight b/w the Identity and the Supremacy. Let that be a lesson to all you ladies out there.
Finally, my guesthouse owner is the shit. He freaked me out a little, with how Western his ways were, and how much he reminded me of home. He actually reminded me of a Mexican, which was really odd. Then I saw his business card, and noticed his name is Stewart D'Souza. Then I got it! This guy's got Iberian blood floating around in him, mixed in with the native. He's a homie! Once I realized that, we got along splendidly. He sat and talked with me during my dinner, and we made fun of the weird British guy staying at his hotel. I almost gave him the Valley handshake, but I didn't want to push my luck. Anyway, the point is, I've found a great place to stay in Goa.
Finally, the Anjuna fleamarket, held every Wednesday, took up my day yesterday. Holy shit. It was amazing. I only brought 2,800 rupees with me (about 60 bucks), and I spent every dime of it. There are so many great bargains and interesting things to buy there. I even contemplated taxiing back to my hotel, grabbing some more loot, and going back. Common sense got the better of me though. Anjuna is also the hippie area, so it's a little endearing, and kind of reminds me of South Austin. I want to go back. Oh, yeah, to go there I had to hike to the next beach. I figured it wasn't a big deal, since I'd heard it was just around the horn from my beach. Well, that was incorrect. It was about an hour-long walk over some pretty rough terrain. Terrain that has cobras in it. I don't like snakes, and I hate Cobras, b/c you could easily die from one of their bites. Now, I was never in any real danger, b/c cobras will run from human noise and avoid you whenever possible. Still, it freaked me out. I don't like snakes. I like them even less since I heard that the Anjuna fleamarket had snake charmers, and then discovered this wasn't true. I was so geeked about seeing cobra charmers. Oh, well, life goes on.
I'll be back in Korea in a few days, back in the cold, back in the land of the kimchi, and little old ajumas who push you out of their way, if ever you are in it. So it goes.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hong Kong and Macau
Well, Macau was fascinating. I mean, the hotels loom just as large over the strip as they do in Vegas, and the money being thrown down actually exceeds that in Vegas. However, it's not as festive. There isn't as much drinking/friends taking trips to have fun together. It's more a bunch of VERY serious Chinese people playing their superstitions and losing their paychecks. However, there is also a developing Chinese middle class that is hitting Macau like crazy. I went to the craps table (I had to look hard to find it b/c there are only two of them in the entire Wynn casino) and gambled with these people. The table minimum was HK$50 (about US$7), so it was affordable. I lucked into getting on the same table as one of the five hottest shooters I've ever seen. The guy rolled for over 45 minutes. I was freaking out. I could have cashed in like a madman, but what freaked me out was the HK$. "Oh my god, I've got over $200 on six and eight! I can't press it anymore!" HK$200 is about US$28. I wasn't thinking clearly. So, long story short, I won enough money to pay for my entire trip, with just one day in Macau. I was ecstatic.
Also, my cousin Travis has this weird theory about how Asians roll forever at craps tables in Vegas. He calls them "the bees". His quote goes something like this: "They're little, yellow, like bees. They buzz around and just roll like crazy." Well, Macau is an alternate universe. I was the bee in Macau. I won money every time I rolled. My worst roll won everyone at the table at least HK$100. My best went for about 30 minutes. At one point, when the table wasn't busy, this one Chinese dude talked the entire table into passing so I could roll again. I could see him whispering to his buddy, "Those fat, white fucks. They hover around like big water buffalo. They roll forever!"
Hong Kong, now, that's a cool place. I love being in a truly international city, where you see people from all parts of the world. HK rules. I would love to live there one day.
In other news, I'm figuring out today whether I'm coming home in a couple of months, or staying here for another year. If I do stay here for another year, I'll visit home for a couple of weeks this summer. I've been offered a really, really good job, with great hours, at a really good school. Stay tuned for my final answer. But, now, I gotta go. A&M is down eight to OU at the half, and I have hope that we can pull this one out. Later.
Also, my cousin Travis has this weird theory about how Asians roll forever at craps tables in Vegas. He calls them "the bees". His quote goes something like this: "They're little, yellow, like bees. They buzz around and just roll like crazy." Well, Macau is an alternate universe. I was the bee in Macau. I won money every time I rolled. My worst roll won everyone at the table at least HK$100. My best went for about 30 minutes. At one point, when the table wasn't busy, this one Chinese dude talked the entire table into passing so I could roll again. I could see him whispering to his buddy, "Those fat, white fucks. They hover around like big water buffalo. They roll forever!"
Hong Kong, now, that's a cool place. I love being in a truly international city, where you see people from all parts of the world. HK rules. I would love to live there one day.
In other news, I'm figuring out today whether I'm coming home in a couple of months, or staying here for another year. If I do stay here for another year, I'll visit home for a couple of weeks this summer. I've been offered a really, really good job, with great hours, at a really good school. Stay tuned for my final answer. But, now, I gotta go. A&M is down eight to OU at the half, and I have hope that we can pull this one out. Later.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Lluis Colet is an asshole
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/francerecordoffbeat
This is the kind of shit that pisses me off about our world. What the hell is this guy's freaking problem? If I saw him in person, I honestly might kill him. Also, what can you even talk about for 124 hours? That's over five fucking days! I get pissed at some of my friends if they talk for more than five minutes straight. I practically want to smother Jeremy Bartlett with a pillow if he waxes on anything for more than 120 seconds. I need to rethink my life. Jeremy is not a transgressor. This French asshole is though. He needs to die, and it needs to happen soon. I'm going to France. Send me a care package when I'm in a French prison, knowing that I've done something great for humankind. Also, what kind of slapdick name is "Lluis"? What an ass.
Anyway, things are still good here in Kimchiland. I saw the movie Defiance this week, and I'd recommend it to anyone. It's really solid. A couple of my Korean friends have impressed the hell out of me lately, and it makes me appreciate the country much more. I really like having Korean friends, but not in a condescending way (I promise!). My Tuesdays and Thursdays are great this month, b/c I'm not doing shit. I still teach a two-hour course on Saturdays, but it's almost like not teaching. So, basically, I have four days/week off. It's A LOT like when I worked for 3M.
I forgot to mention that I ate at a Cajun restaurant when I was in the Philippines. It was decent, but not great, but it made me realize how much I miss the food in the States. It also prompted me to make a list of the places I'm going to eat at when I return (sometime this year). Keep in mind, this isn't in order of quality (otherwise, the top 10 would all be Mexican, or Mexican-related).
1. Freebirds
2. Guero's (I'm gonna rape that place, seriously. I might start humping a bowl of salsa the second I walk through the door, with a crazed, glazed, faraway look in my eyes.)
3. Maudie's
4. Chuy's
5. Mexican Manhattan
6. Firehouse Subs
7. Chester's
8. Whataburger (You knew I wouldn't leave you out, baby.)
9. Maria's Taco Xpress
10. Austin Pizza Garden
11. The Onion
12. Fuck, I just can't take this anymore. I can't wait for awesome, fattening, American food!
Anyway, to close out, I leave for Hong Kong and Macau in six days, and I'm pretty pumped about it. I'm going to be a total food tourist, see some awesome Chinese New Year fireworks, and get a nice break from this shitass Korean winter. Adios, amigos.
PS Taco Bueno; Herbert's Taco Hut; Mama Margie's; Trudi's; Blanco Cafe; Boston Pizza; BW3; Las Palapas; Chili's; Rio Mamba; Longhorn Cafe; EZs; Zen; Shady Grove; Baby A's; Third Base; Hula Hut; Sonic; Magnolia; many, many more. Don't think, even for one second, that you've been spared. You've all got a bead on your forehead. I'm coming for you, bitches, and Hell's coming with me!
This is the kind of shit that pisses me off about our world. What the hell is this guy's freaking problem? If I saw him in person, I honestly might kill him. Also, what can you even talk about for 124 hours? That's over five fucking days! I get pissed at some of my friends if they talk for more than five minutes straight. I practically want to smother Jeremy Bartlett with a pillow if he waxes on anything for more than 120 seconds. I need to rethink my life. Jeremy is not a transgressor. This French asshole is though. He needs to die, and it needs to happen soon. I'm going to France. Send me a care package when I'm in a French prison, knowing that I've done something great for humankind. Also, what kind of slapdick name is "Lluis"? What an ass.
Anyway, things are still good here in Kimchiland. I saw the movie Defiance this week, and I'd recommend it to anyone. It's really solid. A couple of my Korean friends have impressed the hell out of me lately, and it makes me appreciate the country much more. I really like having Korean friends, but not in a condescending way (I promise!). My Tuesdays and Thursdays are great this month, b/c I'm not doing shit. I still teach a two-hour course on Saturdays, but it's almost like not teaching. So, basically, I have four days/week off. It's A LOT like when I worked for 3M.
I forgot to mention that I ate at a Cajun restaurant when I was in the Philippines. It was decent, but not great, but it made me realize how much I miss the food in the States. It also prompted me to make a list of the places I'm going to eat at when I return (sometime this year). Keep in mind, this isn't in order of quality (otherwise, the top 10 would all be Mexican, or Mexican-related).
1. Freebirds
2. Guero's (I'm gonna rape that place, seriously. I might start humping a bowl of salsa the second I walk through the door, with a crazed, glazed, faraway look in my eyes.)
3. Maudie's
4. Chuy's
5. Mexican Manhattan
6. Firehouse Subs
7. Chester's
8. Whataburger (You knew I wouldn't leave you out, baby.)
9. Maria's Taco Xpress
10. Austin Pizza Garden
11. The Onion
12. Fuck, I just can't take this anymore. I can't wait for awesome, fattening, American food!
Anyway, to close out, I leave for Hong Kong and Macau in six days, and I'm pretty pumped about it. I'm going to be a total food tourist, see some awesome Chinese New Year fireworks, and get a nice break from this shitass Korean winter. Adios, amigos.
PS Taco Bueno; Herbert's Taco Hut; Mama Margie's; Trudi's; Blanco Cafe; Boston Pizza; BW3; Las Palapas; Chili's; Rio Mamba; Longhorn Cafe; EZs; Zen; Shady Grove; Baby A's; Third Base; Hula Hut; Sonic; Magnolia; many, many more. Don't think, even for one second, that you've been spared. You've all got a bead on your forehead. I'm coming for you, bitches, and Hell's coming with me!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Back from the 'pines (again)
So, two Mondays ago, my school owner informed me that I had vacation last week. When I first started in November, he told me the school would have no winter vacation. He then excitedly asked me, "Are you going anywhere?", like he was all interested in my travel plans. I kind of gave him a "well, I don't fucking know, I'll have to see what prices look like" look. Luckily, prices looked good for Manila. So, on Xmas, I talked a couple of friends, who were planning on going nowhere for their holidays, into coming to the Philippines with me. It was awesome, and just the kind of relaxing week in the tropics I needed during the heart of this brutal Korean winter. Also, I'm still going to HK in 17 days, so that will be another nice break.
On the work front, things have changed dramatically. My old school lost of bunch of kids and no longer needed me to help out, so my mornings are now free. Furthermore, three of my private lessons (one of which I've had for a year) cancelled b/c of this shitty Korean economy. So my Tuesdays and Thursdays are now completely free. I'm not making as much, obviously, and will need to find some more privates, but I can still save a little. I'm going to really enjoy the extra free time though. It will be like when I worked for 3M.
I rang in the new year from a floating bar (not really a boat, more like a raft), anchored about 50m away from the beach, in Sabang, Mindoro, Philippines. It has a waterslide, and I briefly thought about going down it and trying to land in the water at the stroke of midnight, but I decided I was so pissed that I might drown if I tried it. It was still an awesome time though. The Philippines has a certain charm about it that I just love, and I know I'll be going back there again, hopefully sooner rather than later.
I got back to the cold kimchi pot at 5am on Monday, and it only took about three minutes of walking through the airport before I heard the Korean whine. There is a certain whine that many Koreans use, which basically rapes your ears. It's one of my least favorite things about this country, and both the women AND men make the sound. It kind of sounds like a retarded kid trying to sound like a cat, if that makes any sense (and I know it doesn't). However, the prompt luxury bus that brought me home from the airport reminded me of one of the great things about this country, so I can't complain too much.
I had the same incredible chicken and pork adobo in a banana leaf that I had last time, Wendy's again, fast food Mexican again, Hobbit House nachos served by little people again, fresh fruit for breakfast again, and <$1 San Miguels on the beach again. I also saw the incredible Manila sunset again, and it really might be the best place I've ever been to for a sunset (no disrespect to Cali, Hawaii, or the Cook Islands, but I'm kinda serious). Oh, and I visited the largest mall in Asia, which is just ridiculous. We were only there for about 30 minutes, and it would take several hours just to walk around the whole thing, but it's simply overwhelming. I also got a "Gig 'em Aggies" comment from some random Filipino teenager who saw my A&M t-shirt. Weird.
Finally, I have to compliment the Manila airport. B/c of the ridiculous corruption in the 'pines, there's this huge, modern airport that's completely finished, and has been sitting unused for years. So, the current Manila airport is old school, and I love it. It made me feel like Thomas Magnum cruising into Maui for a weekend. The highlight was the final two security guys who check your ticket as you're walking to your gate. They actually asked us if we could spare some of our loose change. What's not to love about the country?
On the work front, things have changed dramatically. My old school lost of bunch of kids and no longer needed me to help out, so my mornings are now free. Furthermore, three of my private lessons (one of which I've had for a year) cancelled b/c of this shitty Korean economy. So my Tuesdays and Thursdays are now completely free. I'm not making as much, obviously, and will need to find some more privates, but I can still save a little. I'm going to really enjoy the extra free time though. It will be like when I worked for 3M.
I rang in the new year from a floating bar (not really a boat, more like a raft), anchored about 50m away from the beach, in Sabang, Mindoro, Philippines. It has a waterslide, and I briefly thought about going down it and trying to land in the water at the stroke of midnight, but I decided I was so pissed that I might drown if I tried it. It was still an awesome time though. The Philippines has a certain charm about it that I just love, and I know I'll be going back there again, hopefully sooner rather than later.
I got back to the cold kimchi pot at 5am on Monday, and it only took about three minutes of walking through the airport before I heard the Korean whine. There is a certain whine that many Koreans use, which basically rapes your ears. It's one of my least favorite things about this country, and both the women AND men make the sound. It kind of sounds like a retarded kid trying to sound like a cat, if that makes any sense (and I know it doesn't). However, the prompt luxury bus that brought me home from the airport reminded me of one of the great things about this country, so I can't complain too much.
I had the same incredible chicken and pork adobo in a banana leaf that I had last time, Wendy's again, fast food Mexican again, Hobbit House nachos served by little people again, fresh fruit for breakfast again, and <$1 San Miguels on the beach again. I also saw the incredible Manila sunset again, and it really might be the best place I've ever been to for a sunset (no disrespect to Cali, Hawaii, or the Cook Islands, but I'm kinda serious). Oh, and I visited the largest mall in Asia, which is just ridiculous. We were only there for about 30 minutes, and it would take several hours just to walk around the whole thing, but it's simply overwhelming. I also got a "Gig 'em Aggies" comment from some random Filipino teenager who saw my A&M t-shirt. Weird.
Finally, I have to compliment the Manila airport. B/c of the ridiculous corruption in the 'pines, there's this huge, modern airport that's completely finished, and has been sitting unused for years. So, the current Manila airport is old school, and I love it. It made me feel like Thomas Magnum cruising into Maui for a weekend. The highlight was the final two security guys who check your ticket as you're walking to your gate. They actually asked us if we could spare some of our loose change. What's not to love about the country?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Oh, hello there
Well, it's been a few months, mainly b/c I'm a lazy SOB. Deal with it. But now Daddy is back, and he's brought a few months of strange Korean happenings with him. First of all, I'm fully immersed in another Korean winter, and I'm not exactly happy about it. The entire day is supposed to be freezing tomorrow, and that is going to royally suck. Also, I have to move tomorrow (long story). But my new apt is in the same building as my current (also new) one, so it won't be so bad. One thing I can say for sure about Korea, is that it's very common to get dicked around here, and you just have to learn to deal with it. Part of it is b/c I'm a foreigner (yes, it's true, I'm not just searching for reasons).
If I could pick out one thing that has made me a more understanding person during my time here, it's this: I have a pretty good idea of what it feels like to be a black person in the USA. Yes, I do. Granted, Koreans didn't enslave my ancestors, and for that I'm grateful. However, I know what it's like to be the last person sitting by himself on the bus. I know what it's like to say hello to almost every person who looks like you on the street, to acknowledge that, "Yeah, I see you, and I get you. We have to stick together in this place." I know what it's like to realize that some people view you as inferior beings, and to try really hard to accept that most of them (in fact, the vast majority of them) are not like that, and to try to find the good in the culture. However, sometimes, the paranoia gets to you, and you just want to scream, "Well, screw you. You're fucked up too, and you may be even worse than me!" I know what it's like to wonder why someone with no connection to you steals so many things from your culture, takes them as his own, then proceeds to explain why he is better than you. I know what it's like to have someone spout off bullshit "scientific" reasons why he is smarter than you, then to wonder if everyone who looks like him honestly thinks like that. I know what it's like to eat and drink with another race, and to think, "Man, them people be weird." In short, if that's the only thing I've learned from my time here, it's worth it. Perspective is a great thing.
As for my adventures here, well, so much has been going on. I can't talk about all of it, b/c I'm not really working in Korea anymore...ahem...not really. The five-year-olds that I may or may not teach may or may not have completely stolen my heart. I may or may not love them more than any kid I've ever taught. Five (four, in every country but Korea) is the perfect age to teach. One of the girls told a Korean teacher a few weeks ago that she loves me...wait for it...more than she does her dad. I mean, how awesome does it make you feel when you teach those kids. If I ever need a self-esteem boost in my life, I'll just visit a daycare. The six-year-olds that I may or may not be teaching may also be doing great. In short, on the education front, everything is well.
As far as travels, I'm heading to Hong Kong and Macau next month, for four days. I wish it could be longer, but Chinese New Year falls on a weekend this year, and we get dicked on the vacation days. One night in Macau should be enough for me to lose enough that I never want to go back though. Is it messed up that I'm more excited to see the Casino Lisboa than I am Victoria Harbor (I kinda am)? Also, Macau is apparently a diner's delight. From what I've read on it, not only does it incorporate Portuguese food, but it borrows from their other colonies as well (Brazil, Angola, Goa). In short, I'm going to gain about twelve pounds in my two days there. I'm pretty pumped about this trip.
I'm falling asleep as I type, so I'm going to let y'all go. I'll be better about updating this though, b/c there are so many ridiculous things I've seen in this country that I've meant to blog about and have since forgotten. Goodnight, ladies.
If I could pick out one thing that has made me a more understanding person during my time here, it's this: I have a pretty good idea of what it feels like to be a black person in the USA. Yes, I do. Granted, Koreans didn't enslave my ancestors, and for that I'm grateful. However, I know what it's like to be the last person sitting by himself on the bus. I know what it's like to say hello to almost every person who looks like you on the street, to acknowledge that, "Yeah, I see you, and I get you. We have to stick together in this place." I know what it's like to realize that some people view you as inferior beings, and to try really hard to accept that most of them (in fact, the vast majority of them) are not like that, and to try to find the good in the culture. However, sometimes, the paranoia gets to you, and you just want to scream, "Well, screw you. You're fucked up too, and you may be even worse than me!" I know what it's like to wonder why someone with no connection to you steals so many things from your culture, takes them as his own, then proceeds to explain why he is better than you. I know what it's like to have someone spout off bullshit "scientific" reasons why he is smarter than you, then to wonder if everyone who looks like him honestly thinks like that. I know what it's like to eat and drink with another race, and to think, "Man, them people be weird." In short, if that's the only thing I've learned from my time here, it's worth it. Perspective is a great thing.
As for my adventures here, well, so much has been going on. I can't talk about all of it, b/c I'm not really working in Korea anymore...ahem...not really. The five-year-olds that I may or may not teach may or may not have completely stolen my heart. I may or may not love them more than any kid I've ever taught. Five (four, in every country but Korea) is the perfect age to teach. One of the girls told a Korean teacher a few weeks ago that she loves me...wait for it...more than she does her dad. I mean, how awesome does it make you feel when you teach those kids. If I ever need a self-esteem boost in my life, I'll just visit a daycare. The six-year-olds that I may or may not be teaching may also be doing great. In short, on the education front, everything is well.
As far as travels, I'm heading to Hong Kong and Macau next month, for four days. I wish it could be longer, but Chinese New Year falls on a weekend this year, and we get dicked on the vacation days. One night in Macau should be enough for me to lose enough that I never want to go back though. Is it messed up that I'm more excited to see the Casino Lisboa than I am Victoria Harbor (I kinda am)? Also, Macau is apparently a diner's delight. From what I've read on it, not only does it incorporate Portuguese food, but it borrows from their other colonies as well (Brazil, Angola, Goa). In short, I'm going to gain about twelve pounds in my two days there. I'm pretty pumped about this trip.
I'm falling asleep as I type, so I'm going to let y'all go. I'll be better about updating this though, b/c there are so many ridiculous things I've seen in this country that I've meant to blog about and have since forgotten. Goodnight, ladies.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Back from the Philippines
So, things are really bad at my school right now. Our director has decided to see if she can completely destroy any confidence we might have left in her, communication and morale are at an all-time low, I'm working more hours than ever, AND I'm thinking about staying longer. Why? B/c I'm saving a ton of money with my privates. However, my school really does suck balls, and I'm not sure how much longer I can take it. I should be back in the States sometime between December and March.
On to more pleasant things, the Philippines were amazing. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious, the scenery is amazing, the beach towns are great, and everything is CHEAP! I want to go back there when I'm done in Korea and just spend a few weeks chilling out, before heading back Stateside. The highlight of the trip had to be the Hobbit House, a great bar and restaurant in Manila with a really cool live music scene. Let's just say they tapped into my 70's soft rock taste and went nuts with it. We head John Denver, CSNY, Loggins & Messina, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and a huge helping of the one and only Neil Diamond. Filipinos love our 70's rock. Oh, and did I mention that everyone working in the bar is a little person? Yeah, this place was awesome. A couple of Austin peeps might want to get excited, b/c t-shirts are on the way.
My morning class has two new students, Jerry and Henry. Jerry came in about a month ago knowing absolutely no English. B/c my school needs kids so badly, they took him and threw him in with kids that have been there six months. The poor kid is lost, but he tries so hard. He was kind of ostracized for a while, but last week we got Henry. Henry rules. His English is pretty decent, and he is an alpha male, which is just rocking Tomas's world. Tomas had Hanks totally submitting to him, and was working on Jerry too. Now Henry comes in and is even more confident that Tomas, and basically tells him to go fuck himself whenever Tomas tries to boss him around. This was best exemplified on Henry's first day, when they had the following exchange. I'll try to translate:
Tomas (watching angrily as Henry sits in the chair at the end of the table): Dee jon pung chang woo ni han? (What the fuck are you doing?)
Henry: Mee nap sing seung nan hyup joon. (What does it look like I'm doing? I'm sitting in this chair.)
Tomas: Hwang seup nan tae ding sae tan. (But the students don't sit in that chair. You have to move!)
Henry: Soo hwan tae dong, ma deu pu ka? (Are you gonna make me, motherfucker?)
Tomas: Nee hyup wan joon tae wong. (I guess you're sitting in that chair.)
So, now it's like that in Dallas class, and I love it.
Anyway, I have to head back to work for the afternoon. Everyone take care and try to enjoy the greatness of ACL without me. I'll be there in spirit. Here are some 'pines pics.
Manila Ha
rbor at sunset, and the main street b
y the wate
r.
Some scenes from Puetro Galera, the beach town we stayed at.
Taal Volcano on Lake Taal, the smallest and deadliest volcano in the world. Me doing karaoke with the Taal locals. Amazing chicken adobo in a banana leaf. Jenn and I on the boat ride to the volcano.
Jenn and I with a hobbit! Finally, the Philippines has Wendy's, and I was ecstatic! You know the shit went down late night after the Hobbit House. I think I ate four frosties, eight singles, three doubles, and seventeen french fry orders. Something like that anyway.
On to more pleasant things, the Philippines were amazing. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious, the scenery is amazing, the beach towns are great, and everything is CHEAP! I want to go back there when I'm done in Korea and just spend a few weeks chilling out, before heading back Stateside. The highlight of the trip had to be the Hobbit House, a great bar and restaurant in Manila with a really cool live music scene. Let's just say they tapped into my 70's soft rock taste and went nuts with it. We head John Denver, CSNY, Loggins & Messina, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and a huge helping of the one and only Neil Diamond. Filipinos love our 70's rock. Oh, and did I mention that everyone working in the bar is a little person? Yeah, this place was awesome. A couple of Austin peeps might want to get excited, b/c t-shirts are on the way.
My morning class has two new students, Jerry and Henry. Jerry came in about a month ago knowing absolutely no English. B/c my school needs kids so badly, they took him and threw him in with kids that have been there six months. The poor kid is lost, but he tries so hard. He was kind of ostracized for a while, but last week we got Henry. Henry rules. His English is pretty decent, and he is an alpha male, which is just rocking Tomas's world. Tomas had Hanks totally submitting to him, and was working on Jerry too. Now Henry comes in and is even more confident that Tomas, and basically tells him to go fuck himself whenever Tomas tries to boss him around. This was best exemplified on Henry's first day, when they had the following exchange. I'll try to translate:
Tomas (watching angrily as Henry sits in the chair at the end of the table): Dee jon pung chang woo ni han? (What the fuck are you doing?)
Henry: Mee nap sing seung nan hyup joon. (What does it look like I'm doing? I'm sitting in this chair.)
Tomas: Hwang seup nan tae ding sae tan. (But the students don't sit in that chair. You have to move!)
Henry: Soo hwan tae dong, ma deu pu ka? (Are you gonna make me, motherfucker?)
Tomas: Nee hyup wan joon tae wong. (I guess you're sitting in that chair.)
So, now it's like that in Dallas class, and I love it.
Anyway, I have to head back to work for the afternoon. Everyone take care and try to enjoy the greatness of ACL without me. I'll be there in spirit. Here are some 'pines pics.
Manila Ha
rbor at sunset, and the main street b
y the wate
r.Some scenes from Puetro Galera, the beach town we stayed at.
Taal Volcano on Lake Taal, the smallest and deadliest volcano in the world. Me doing karaoke with the Taal locals. Amazing chicken adobo in a banana leaf. Jenn and I on the boat ride to the volcano.
Jenn and I with a hobbit! Finally, the Philippines has Wendy's, and I was ecstatic! You know the shit went down late night after the Hobbit House. I think I ate four frosties, eight singles, three doubles, and seventeen french fry orders. Something like that anyway.
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