My Greenest Self

I came to the realization last month that I am the greenest I have ever been. Korea has pushed me to be a lot more green. Unfortunately, this hasn't been a conscience effort (though I'd like to say it is), but rather a cultural shift that I really appreciate.

• Recycling and composting are the norm in Korea. I've always been a huge advocate for recycling, and it's really nice to see it in full force in my neighborhood. I'm still getting used to the idea of composting, but I understand the value. It's cool to go outside in the morning and see the recycling bins heaped with stuff and the trash bin shockingly empty.


• Koreans eat all parts of the animal. I've learned to just try everything (except silkworms) and see how it goes. Rarely have I been put off by taste. In the grand scheme of things I've had the usual but have added lung, brain, stomach, and blood to the mix. Not bad.


• Getting food delivered from local restaurants is very common in Korea. I don't experience it much as my mastery of Korean phone calls is still in its infancy. But, when it's ordered I'm always impressed by the lack of waste. A delivery man usually arrives with a large steal tray (like a cookie pan) wrapped in a big cloth. On the tray  are many dishes, bowls, and chopsticks. After eating your meal, you reload the tray, cover it with the cloth, and set it outside your door. The delivery man returns in 2 hours to collect the dirty dishes and waste. Delicious, no hassle, and green!


• I walk everywhere. True, I don't have a car, but I don't think I'd want one in this country. The road rules are quite liberal and gas is very expensive. The bus is cheap and super reliable. The only thing I have to worry about is walking to the terminal in time to catch the next bus. Plus, when in Seoul, the metro is clean and quite helpful for getting around. And who can resist the metro's theme song?

Now it's stuck in my head,
-Bets

My Life as a Korean TV Star

On Friday, I arrived at school in full business attire - black pants, jacket, collared shirt. It felt weird to be in such stuffy garb. As someone who usually where's jeans, a sweater, and scarf, I felt a bit awkward in my old work clothes. One of my fourth graders commented, "Teacher! You change style?" I explained, "No. KBS."

The Korean Broadcasting Service arrived at school around 10:30 for my brush with fame. Their goal was to shoot a commercial to promote my employer and the goals of English education in our province. I was to be one of the stars...

I've been in front of the camera before, but this was just bizarre. My co-teacher setup a fake class that we would run together. Students shuffled in and the director called for more students to fill the empty seats. Our strange mix of 2nd and 3rd graders (8th and 9th graders US) were just as confused as I was. My co and I awkwardly recited an old text the students learned last semester, and then I was told to go around the room and assist students with their memorization (which they already knew). I did my usual work, as well as quite a few staged teaching situations. The supervisor from the head office kept directing me using words like "fun" and "laughing" ...Have you seen the terror in my students' eyes?

Keep in mind: Between these interjections of English, I was primarily directed in Korean. I was just trying to keep up with people pulling me this way and that. I was constantly told to crouch down and talk with students (Yes, I'm a tall foreigner) or get closer (I don't know if that's because of the personal space cultural difference or the way the producers were shooting). My students were horrified and embarrassed the whole time.

My last required scene was supposed to be a casual conversation with my students (remember, 'fun' and 'laughing'?). But any native teacher can tell you that "casual conversation" at school is usually limited to 'how are you?' 'how's the weather?' 'what did you do last weekend?' 'He crazy.' Beyond these points, my students seek out Google translate, phone pictures, or you tube music videos...and many throw in the towel and give up. I think it's a mixture of shyness, frustration, and minimal motivation. I really appreciate the one's who try.

So, this casual conversation was going to be a challenge. My students were REALLY REALLY nervous. I tried to engage them in the weather and foods, but apparently it wasn't working. After several shots and line-up changes the director called it quits. Instead, he wanted us to walk slowly down the hall as a group chatting. The supervisor said the students could speak Korean/English mix so that it just looks like we are interacting...After walking too fast, and then looking too stiff, the director ended the shoot with two boys embracing and me holding a girls hand.

Oh Korea...

Hopefully, the ad turns out. If I get a copy, I'll share it on the video page...in all it's awkward glory.

No autographs, please,
-Bets

Final Thoughts on a Delightful Vacation

My friend Pete kept a startlingly detailed log of our vacation to the Philippines and Malaysia down to the hours of the day. Links to the play-by-play are below along with a few additional tidbits from my perspective.

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 1

• "Breakfast with Betchy" or "Brunchee with Betchy" (korean pronunciation of my name) has become a tradition among my friends. I don't play crucial role. I just show up. Oh, alliteration...

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 2

• It's an interesting feeling to get off a ferry at night and be surrounded by motorbikers that want to take you and your giant packs to your destination. Only two of us had ridden before and it was fun to see the new folks get used to being a passenger. My driver, Benji, chatted with me about the island and our trip.

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 3

• The underground cave was beautiful and filled with fresh water. I couldn't remember the last time I swam in freshwater (sad).


• The waterfall adventure was a good one. The four of us parted ways with Pete and got to the base of a small waterfall. Margeaux and I decided to climb it. The climb lead to a smaller waterfall and then one of the most beautiful sights I've seen. I felt like I was in a movie. The waterfall was high and the pool below was clear and blue. We sat in the water and relaxed. Unfortunately, neither of us had our cameras, so that place is one for the memory bank.

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 4

• When I said Pete had a detailed log, I wasn't kidding... Camotes Island was beautiful and from the pig slaughter we learned that the island is one of the cleanest islands in all of the Philippines. We also learned that crime is all but non-existent on the island. The last crime committed was by some drunk local who tried to use fire crackers to catch fish. They only have one cell at the police station and will keep him there until he learns his lesson or a new "criminal" is caught.

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 5

• My ShamWow was not packed in vain. It was put to good use.

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 6

• Poor Pete was a mess of nerves and scrapes. I was also exhausted from worrying about him all day. My rear view mirror got a lot of use on our adventure. Every time I passed a car and I couldn't see him I thought, "Oh God, Pete, please make it!" I ended up going to bed early from a bit of a stomach bug and missed much of the night's debauchery - most of our group had the flu at one point or another on the trip.

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 7

• If going to the Philippines, avoid Manila. No thank you...

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 8

• You may find yourself wondering, 'What is geckoing?" It is a delightful game taught to me by a few New Zealanders. When someone yells, "GECKO!!!" everyone runs toward the walls to get three out of four limbs on the surface (looking like a gecko). The last person to accomplish the task has to drink. This was a huge hit on Aussie Day at Reggae Mansion. I hope they still play it...

The Philippines and Malaysia - Part 9

• A small group of us rented motorcycles for the day (Pete was motorcycle'd out). We didn't have any real plan for destinations, but  wanted to find some coastline (surprisingly difficult on an island...). We also soon learned that our maps were inaccurate and they didn't include roads we were cruising on. It was a great day of high speeds, hairpin turns, beautiful foliage, dynamic towns with Indian, Islamic, European, and Thai influences, and a hidden beach on the South side of the island. I think it was one of my favorite vacation adventures.

The End,
-Bets