Sorry gang, I realize this is a bit out of order. I'd like to give you a run through of our happenings on summer vacation. This was Soyeon's first time to the United States, and it couldn't have been a better experience for both of us. We had a ton of fun and saw a comfortable amount of things during our three week stay. As always, it went by too fast.
We spent the first week basically within the Minneapolis and suburbs area. At this stage, it was stimulation overload for Soyeon. Everything was new! Going to the grocery store was an adventure. Driving around our town was exhilarating. The city lakes were exotic. This might have been my favorite part of the trip because I enjoyed watching a person new to the U.S. appreciate things we take for granted everyday. Soyeon met my family and most of my extended family during this time. She couldn't have made a better impression, and she's now renowned for in Minnesota for her habit of hugging people the first time she meets them. That's Soyeon style.
The second week was primarily spent on the go, traveling within the U.S. Soyeon's Aunt lives in Atlanta, so we flew down for three nights to stay with Aunt and family. Her two cousins are close in age to us, so we spent a great deal of the time being entertained by them. We did a lot of touristy things in Atlanta, including the World of Coke Tour, Georgia Aquarium, and Museum of Natural History. We also enjoyed a lot of Korean food, as the suburb that Soyeon's family lives in is basically a Korean Town. It was pretty amazing seeing Korean grocery stores and restaurants everywhere!
The second part of the second week was spent in good ole Milwaukee. We visited my Alma Matter, and of course saw old friends. My posse has definitely grown up quite a bit since I left for Korea. Most of them moved in with their lady friends and are moving up in the world. I'll have to play some catch up when I get back. It was great to see everyone!
The third and final week was spent relaxing and consolidating all the memories of what we had experienced so far in the U.S. We did some last minute shopping to make sure we had souvenirs for family and friends back in Korea, and spent a few days poolside, soaking up the summer rays. We laid a great foundation to come build on next spring, where Soyeon and I will both be looking for jobs and a new life in America! Enjoy the pictures and video posted below!
Special thanks to everyone that hosted us and made us feel extra welcome on our visit home! Hats off to you.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
2011 Summer Vacation Bonus
That's right folks! What better way to sum up our three week vacation to the states with a short video emphasizing the fatigue any traveler goes through when traveling internationally (esp intercontinental). This video depicts a tired and beleaguered Soyeon struggling to stay awake on the bus ride home from Incheon International airport. Keep in mind that at this point we had been traveling (air travel and layover combined) nearly 18 hours, and losing a day crossing the date line. I couldn't resist filming. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZOCjcut1tg
Copy-paste this into your URL. If that doesn't work, try going onto youtube and searching my username, 'jayd22j'. The title of the video is Jet Lagged
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZOCjcut1tg
Copy-paste this into your URL. If that doesn't work, try going onto youtube and searching my username, 'jayd22j'. The title of the video is Jet Lagged
Monday, August 15, 2011
Here's Johnny
I'm baaaack! Sorry for the prolonged absence, people. I hope you didn't miss me too dearly. Lots to talk about - just returned from a three week vacation to Resort de la Dritsas in Golden Valley - Soyeon met a ton of family. Don't worry, she passed with flying colors. She's a charmer, and a hugger (she gave everyone she met a hug when initially meeting them). What a doll. I'll have some photos to post soon. Stay tuned.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Week 2
I've now had over a week to get accustomed to my new apartment and new school, and I feel quite a bit more comfortable at both. I share an office with three other English teachers, all who have experience living abroad in either Australia (for one and seven years respectfully) or in the UK (for two years). They are much more international than my previous co-teachers, which makes them much more aware of western culture, and the communication is miles apart from Donghak (in a good way). The school let me order a new futon for my apartment, which should be coming sometime this week. The ladies (as I have dubbed my office mates) and I have shared quite a few laughs the first week, and I think we can build and maintain a healthy relationship.
As for the apartment, the word of emphasis is 'convenience'! I've never had so many things available to me so close to where I live. Friday night we journeyed to the foreign bar 'Big Chill', which is owned and operated by a Canadian who has lived here for over ten years. The place has all the usual things found in a bar (darts, pool, dance floor), but what makes it unique is that So-Yeon's older sister started working there a week ago. Her sister, Hye-Yeon, is saving money up and getting English speaking experience before she heads to Australia to work and study more English. It was fun to have a friend in the bartender.
Saturday I spontaneously went to Itaewon, the foreign ghetto of Seoul. There, I went to a recommended tailor to get fitted for a custom suit. The man spoke perfect English and frequently travels to the U.S., where he has an array of lawyer clients that buy suits from him. I'm excited to go in for the fitting next weekend. Afterwards I of course indulged in the only Taco Bell in the country (located just down the street from the tailor). Travel time took only about an hour with train and subway from my house (thanks to the station being located across the street from me).
Sunday started out rainy, but turned into a nice day. So-Yeon and I walked to Hwaseong Fortress, the original walled city of Suwon that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and can be seen from the window of my apartment). After walking around for a while, we rented some free bikes, and I successfully taught her how to ride one. That's right, she never learned how before. However, I'm proud to say she was able to conquer this challenge yesterday, and you can catch a glimpse of her accomplishment on youtube. Here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZNYl4bugSU
That's all for now, ta ta.
As for the apartment, the word of emphasis is 'convenience'! I've never had so many things available to me so close to where I live. Friday night we journeyed to the foreign bar 'Big Chill', which is owned and operated by a Canadian who has lived here for over ten years. The place has all the usual things found in a bar (darts, pool, dance floor), but what makes it unique is that So-Yeon's older sister started working there a week ago. Her sister, Hye-Yeon, is saving money up and getting English speaking experience before she heads to Australia to work and study more English. It was fun to have a friend in the bartender.
Saturday I spontaneously went to Itaewon, the foreign ghetto of Seoul. There, I went to a recommended tailor to get fitted for a custom suit. The man spoke perfect English and frequently travels to the U.S., where he has an array of lawyer clients that buy suits from him. I'm excited to go in for the fitting next weekend. Afterwards I of course indulged in the only Taco Bell in the country (located just down the street from the tailor). Travel time took only about an hour with train and subway from my house (thanks to the station being located across the street from me).
Sunday started out rainy, but turned into a nice day. So-Yeon and I walked to Hwaseong Fortress, the original walled city of Suwon that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and can be seen from the window of my apartment). After walking around for a while, we rented some free bikes, and I successfully taught her how to ride one. That's right, she never learned how before. However, I'm proud to say she was able to conquer this challenge yesterday, and you can catch a glimpse of her accomplishment on youtube. Here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZNYl4bugSU
That's all for now, ta ta.
Monday, March 14, 2011
1st day at my 2nd job
An excellent first impression from my new school, Suwon Buk (North) Middle School. The school is old and has some kind of funky aspects to its older construction, but it adds character.
I share an office with three other English teachers, two of which have spent some significant time living abroad in Australia and England. It's much easier to communicate at this school, and they seem to be more understanding of western culture and expectations. The school is quite a bit bigger than my old school, and actually separates classes based on English ability (I don't have to teach the lowest level students).
I'm finally all settled in my new apartment. I moved in on Friday, and it has been a pretty wild time getting everything in it's right place here. It's a bit smaller than my old place, but new and with a view. I live right across the street from the main transportation hub in Suwon (Suwon Station). Not only do I have an abundance of trains, a subway line, and buses connecting me to the entire city and surrounding cities, but also all my other needs within walking distance (grocery store, bank, post office, restaurants and coffee shops galore). These are things that were not as readily available to me before. Anyhow, back with more later.
I share an office with three other English teachers, two of which have spent some significant time living abroad in Australia and England. It's much easier to communicate at this school, and they seem to be more understanding of western culture and expectations. The school is quite a bit bigger than my old school, and actually separates classes based on English ability (I don't have to teach the lowest level students).
I'm finally all settled in my new apartment. I moved in on Friday, and it has been a pretty wild time getting everything in it's right place here. It's a bit smaller than my old place, but new and with a view. I live right across the street from the main transportation hub in Suwon (Suwon Station). Not only do I have an abundance of trains, a subway line, and buses connecting me to the entire city and surrounding cities, but also all my other needs within walking distance (grocery store, bank, post office, restaurants and coffee shops galore). These are things that were not as readily available to me before. Anyhow, back with more later.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Two Week Countdown
Just a few weeks before I move into my new apartment, which I signed for today! It's still located in Suwon, but is across the street from the main subway stop in the city. It's a bit smaller than my current apartment, but newer and nicer. Booyah.
I'll be able to catch buses to pretty much anywhere in Suwon, and can walk across the street and take a bullet train down to Busan in less than 3 hours or take a train to Seoul in about 30 minutes. Not to mention subway and bus use to other locations outside of Suwon. Nice.
I've also got only a few weeks left at Donghak Middle School. I'm in the process of signing with a different middle school in Suwon called Buk Suwon Middle School (Suwon North). It's on the other side of the city from where I am.
Currently working on my application for a new visa, and lesson plans for the coming year. Things are happening for Suwon John...
I'll be able to catch buses to pretty much anywhere in Suwon, and can walk across the street and take a bullet train down to Busan in less than 3 hours or take a train to Seoul in about 30 minutes. Not to mention subway and bus use to other locations outside of Suwon. Nice.
I've also got only a few weeks left at Donghak Middle School. I'm in the process of signing with a different middle school in Suwon called Buk Suwon Middle School (Suwon North). It's on the other side of the city from where I am.
Currently working on my application for a new visa, and lesson plans for the coming year. Things are happening for Suwon John...
Monday, February 14, 2011
oops
Sorry for the lack of posts for the last few months guys. It's all on me. However, I plan to revamp this blog in the coming school year, and I appreciate all of you who have been following it.
Currently, I'm interviewing for a new job for the coming school year (starts in March). I know it's a little late, but that's how things are done here (and elsewhere when it comes to teachers). My first interview was a success, and they will offer me a job at the school. However, just trying to get some more interviews in first so I have more options. We shall see. I'll post the most current info about my job search on the blog. Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Currently, I'm interviewing for a new job for the coming school year (starts in March). I know it's a little late, but that's how things are done here (and elsewhere when it comes to teachers). My first interview was a success, and they will offer me a job at the school. However, just trying to get some more interviews in first so I have more options. We shall see. I'll post the most current info about my job search on the blog. Happy Valentines Day everyone!
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