Gawi-Bawi-Bo!

The title of this post is a small glimpse into the sounds of my school. I here small mutterings of "Gawi-Bawi-Bo" in the cafeteria, classroom, courtyard, bus...everywhere. It's a slightly more advanced Rock, Paper, Scissors game that is used in countless scenarios - even teachers employ its power on a regular basis. Was Rock, Paper, Scissors this common in my elementary school?

Never the less, my first full week of teaching has been a very good experience. I have gotten to know my co-teachers a bit better through working with them in the classroom and also enjoying some fried chicken and beer after work (fried chicken is everywhere here!). I gave the last of my introductory presentations and the students have been very welcoming and open to the new person in their classes. My middle school co-teacher was even impressed enough with my opening lesson that should would like me to lead a Speech writing class for the next two months. So, overall I'm glad to be building trust with my fellow teachers and can assist further in the day to day endeavors.

There are some downsides to my school as well: the primary one being the last minute notice I receive on a regular basis. I'm told this is a cultural thing, but also it doesn't help that I'm the only teacher not connected to the school web chat system and I don't understand the paper schedules posted in the teachers' office (the most obvious reason being that it's all in Korean). However, this week has shown that the last minute notice isn't all bad. For example, I was told the following 20 minutes before my class was to start: "We don't have regular English classes today because kids are having Field Day at the beach. Want to go?" This sounded like a great offer, but then again I didn't anticipate riding in my Vice-Principal's car with the Principal of the entire school (intimidating and awkward language barriers)...but, it worked out. Once we got there, my duty was to find the 1st place finisher of each race and stamp their arm with the number one. I ended up having a great time and even built a few sand castles with third graders (photos to come once I have internet at home!)

Outside of school life in Taean, has been quite nice. I've acquired a few more things to make my home a bit more livable. Unfortunately, furniture has been delayed 'til Thursday of next week due to the holiday and bad weather. Luckily, I haven't been home too much because I've taken a shining to wandering around town and getting together with fellow NETs (Native English Teachers). I've already explored three beaches since arriving a week ago (Hakampo, Mallipo, and Mongsanpo), tried some of the local restaurants (tonight we're having Hot Pot *woot!*), and gotten lost on the bus line (thank you Korean phrasebook!). Understanding that there is the trap of hanging out "with your own kind," I have reached out to some local Korean university students to get together for coffee. I'll keep you posted on that!

Today is the last day of classes before a long Chuseok holiday weekend. The whole school rolled songpyeon (rice cake and sugary filling) in place of first and second period this morning. It's been a very lazy day for students and teachers with the buzz of holiday in the air. I was also told that after school classes were canceled and that my kindergarten class was canceled due to a field trip to a senior citizens center, so I didn't teach a wink today...Oops! Was just told people are leaving early and I'm getting a ride (short notice again...)

Happy Chuseok,
-Bets