While in Korea you are constantly bombarded by trends and pop culture at every turn. None is more evasive than the factory made k-pop stars: Catchy lyrics, good looks, and overly erotic dance moves.
K-pop is everywhere and eventually you can't help but sing along. Unfortunately, for the absent-minded foreigner this means humming a lot, singing the 3-4 words of English in the refrain, and taking a stab at the other words along the way. It's not a big deal, but then you want to track down a song...
My friends and I ran into this problem in May when trying to look for a song that we could only discern as, "Salami move move!" Can you guess how accurate our translation was? Try typing 'salami move move' into YouTube and you will get a whole lot of nothing.
The search lasted a few hours as we went through song after song. Eventually we gave up and called it a night only to take up our search in the morning. It wasn't until we watched our upteenth K-pop video compilation that we finally found it. Success!!
Please enjoy this K-pop sample performed by Secret. Try and avoid hearing "salami move move" every time the chorus plays.
Where's the Salami,
-Bets
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
My Cinderella Story
As I have mentioned before, volleyball is a regular staff activity. However, though it appears scheduled, I rarely know whether to pack gear or not because it seems to be the opposite of whatever day I expect.
One such day in April, I had no plans to play volleyball. However, I was told at lunch that the middle school would be taking part in a mini-tournament at a neighboring school for the afternoon. As I didn't bring any shoes, I was a bit miffed because I hate to sit out.
I walked to the staff room for my ritual post-lunch coffee and the Vice Principal cornered me asking if I would play. After a fumbled conversation it was settled that I must play barefoot and in jeans.
That afternoon, we arrived at the school and were greeted by the kind principal and admin staff. My Vice Principal introduced me as "our ace" and explained the shoe debacle. Seconds later, the gym teacher was off on a hunt for the proper shoe size. I'm not sure how many students he had to ask, but eventually he returned to the gym with two pairs of sneakers for me to try.
I felt like cinderella trying on slippers and came upon a decent pair that would suit me fine. I couldn't believe how accommodating they were, but all parties were pleased. The tournament began and after a few kills, blocks, and serves our team...lost. But, I was named tournament MVP and given a new nickname, "Killer."
Oh Korea,
-Bets
One such day in April, I had no plans to play volleyball. However, I was told at lunch that the middle school would be taking part in a mini-tournament at a neighboring school for the afternoon. As I didn't bring any shoes, I was a bit miffed because I hate to sit out.
I walked to the staff room for my ritual post-lunch coffee and the Vice Principal cornered me asking if I would play. After a fumbled conversation it was settled that I must play barefoot and in jeans.
That afternoon, we arrived at the school and were greeted by the kind principal and admin staff. My Vice Principal introduced me as "our ace" and explained the shoe debacle. Seconds later, the gym teacher was off on a hunt for the proper shoe size. I'm not sure how many students he had to ask, but eventually he returned to the gym with two pairs of sneakers for me to try.
I felt like cinderella trying on slippers and came upon a decent pair that would suit me fine. I couldn't believe how accommodating they were, but all parties were pleased. The tournament began and after a few kills, blocks, and serves our team...lost. But, I was named tournament MVP and given a new nickname, "Killer."
Oh Korea,
-Bets
Monday, June 18, 2012
The List
A common question I'm asked by friends, family, and acquaintances is, "What foods do you miss from your home country?"
I've decided to set the record straight and make a list of what I miss. It's very superficial. And honestly, I am just fine living without most of it. Anyway here goes:
The pseudo-nice thing about Korea is it is very westernized and I can get most of what I want if I travel to a bigger city. However, I will say I greatly appreciate living in a small town. The price is right and I feel like I am having a more authentic experience. I've grown very used to the Korean diet, and I find myself craving kimchi and the like by Monday when I return to school after a weekend of fun restaurants in Seoul. Korea is very much home to me.
Pass the Kimchi,
-Bets
PLEASE NOTE: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have been omitted from the list as my family has supplied me with enough fun-sized cups to get me through the year. Thanks family!
I've decided to set the record straight and make a list of what I miss. It's very superficial. And honestly, I am just fine living without most of it. Anyway here goes:
- Good Beer - Korea doesn't produce many craft brews. The popular brands range in taste from water to a light wheat. Where are my nut brown ales?
- Fruits and Vegetables - Korea has these things, but they are SOOOO expensive! Grocery stores sell watermelon for $20, grapes for $7, and strawberries for $12. I miss cheap produce. Buying grapes and strawberries is a splurge for me...
- Good Cheese - I can get it in Seoul but it is obscenely priced because of Korea's outrageously high import tax (note the fruits and vegetables). I definitely didn't have this problem when I lived in France... Give me earthy and hearty cheeses!
- Chai Lattes - I can get chai at Starbucks but the closest one is in Seoul. I'm ashamed every time I realize I'm a slave to Starbucks, but it's so good!
- Pumpkin flavored anything: lattes, ice cream, candles, etc. - Korea is missing out on one of my favorite tastes and smells. Luckily, I'll be returning to the states as Pumpkin flavors are at an all time high (watch out!).
- Sourdough - This delicious version of bread hasn't made it across the globe. Most breads here are very VERY sweet; even garlic bread has sugar on it. The Korean perception of bread is very one-sided. Bread is heavily glazed, sweet, and often greasy. Most Koreans pinpoint bread as the biggest culprit in western obesity. To be fair, I would blame bread too if sugar was the only flavor.
- Freshwater Fish - I live on the coast which is a great blessing. I have fish all the time, but it's all saltwater varieties. They don't taste much like walleye...
- Proper BBQ/Buffalo Chicken - It's summer. I can't help it.
- Home-cooked Favorites - Everyone loves their mom's cooking. I'm no exception: chili, roast beef and "smashed" potatoes, broccoli salad, roll hickey... yum.
The pseudo-nice thing about Korea is it is very westernized and I can get most of what I want if I travel to a bigger city. However, I will say I greatly appreciate living in a small town. The price is right and I feel like I am having a more authentic experience. I've grown very used to the Korean diet, and I find myself craving kimchi and the like by Monday when I return to school after a weekend of fun restaurants in Seoul. Korea is very much home to me.
Pass the Kimchi,
-Bets
PLEASE NOTE: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have been omitted from the list as my family has supplied me with enough fun-sized cups to get me through the year. Thanks family!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
A Foreigner at the Terminal
One of my best friends lives in a town only 40km from my home. It's relatively easy to get to and doesn't cause much stress for getting tickets. The trick is to find the right bus. Yes, it's true: all buses are marked with where they are going, but sometimes D-Town isn't shown. This problem gets more complicated as anyone leaving my city 6 out of 10 times will be going through D-Town. One must figure out if a bus will stop there. It can be frustrating. And to top it off, one trip to D-Town could take you 40 minutes or as long as 75 minutes going through car-sickness-style country roads and alleys. It just depends on which bus you happen to catch.
Well, one evening as I was looking to visit my friends I did my usual foreigner-bus-terminal-dance where I pop my head into a few buses to see if they will take me to where I need to go. Of course I looked foolish, and after several head shakes and waves to go away a man on a waiting bench directed me over to sit and wait with him.
He was an older gentlemen in a vest and blue slacks. He looked similar to the other bus drivers but more casual and a bit distant from the rest area where the others congregated. He gave a few yells to other bus drivers, "D-Town. D-Town? D-Town."
I assumed he was fielding and answering questions like 'where is she going?' 'where are you going?' 'who is your new friend?'
The next part will come as no surprise to fellow expats: I received a polite smile and silence for the next few minutes.
However, moments later a surprising break from the silence came when the man mustered up a question (in Korean)...
"Do you teach in D-Town?"
Feeling confident in my Korean response I replied, "No."
"Are you an English teacher?"
"Yes. I am a teacher at (country middle school)"
"Oh, why are you going to D-Town?"
"Friend."
"Is it a boyfriend?"
"Yes." (This was a lie, but I was so pumped to understand full sentences that I just gave the polite yes almost automatically before realizing what he said!)
"He should be coming HERE to see you, not you going THERE to see him."
I laughed, "Yes!!! But D-Town has many friends and a good restaurant and bar." (Insert struggling for the Konglish version of hoff.)
He laughed, "Beer!!"
I laughed and asked, "Where are you going?"
He said, "I'm staying here. I work for Chungnam Express."
"You drive?" (I gave the universal hand gesture for driving as I was getting to the outter limits of my vocabulary)
"No, no..."
With that, my bus came into view and he escorted me to the door as all the bus drivers stood up to heckle him and smile at our small friendship. As I got on the bus I said thank you and walked to my seat. My bus driver got on the bus shortly after blurting to me with fervor, "Terminal CEO! Terminal CEO!"
The man still standing near the front window smiled and I gave a final bow from the buses long aisle. What a unique way to start the night...
Small Town Charm,
-Bets
Well, one evening as I was looking to visit my friends I did my usual foreigner-bus-terminal-dance where I pop my head into a few buses to see if they will take me to where I need to go. Of course I looked foolish, and after several head shakes and waves to go away a man on a waiting bench directed me over to sit and wait with him.
He was an older gentlemen in a vest and blue slacks. He looked similar to the other bus drivers but more casual and a bit distant from the rest area where the others congregated. He gave a few yells to other bus drivers, "D-Town. D-Town? D-Town."
I assumed he was fielding and answering questions like 'where is she going?' 'where are you going?' 'who is your new friend?'
The next part will come as no surprise to fellow expats: I received a polite smile and silence for the next few minutes.
However, moments later a surprising break from the silence came when the man mustered up a question (in Korean)...
"Do you teach in D-Town?"
Feeling confident in my Korean response I replied, "No."
"Are you an English teacher?"
"Yes. I am a teacher at (country middle school)"
"Oh, why are you going to D-Town?"
"Friend."
"Is it a boyfriend?"
"Yes." (This was a lie, but I was so pumped to understand full sentences that I just gave the polite yes almost automatically before realizing what he said!)
"He should be coming HERE to see you, not you going THERE to see him."
I laughed, "Yes!!! But D-Town has many friends and a good restaurant and bar." (Insert struggling for the Konglish version of hoff.)
He laughed, "Beer!!"
I laughed and asked, "Where are you going?"
He said, "I'm staying here. I work for Chungnam Express."
"You drive?" (I gave the universal hand gesture for driving as I was getting to the outter limits of my vocabulary)
"No, no..."
With that, my bus came into view and he escorted me to the door as all the bus drivers stood up to heckle him and smile at our small friendship. As I got on the bus I said thank you and walked to my seat. My bus driver got on the bus shortly after blurting to me with fervor, "Terminal CEO! Terminal CEO!"
The man still standing near the front window smiled and I gave a final bow from the buses long aisle. What a unique way to start the night...
Small Town Charm,
-Bets
Monday, June 11, 2012
Staff Outtings: An Introduction
Korea has many quirks when it comes to staff outings and gatherings. There is often a smattering of alcohol and too much food for everyone to finish. Events can be very uncomfortable and ironic with fellow teachers wanting to get home to their families or additional work. Most of the time I translate the menus on the wall, ponder how much the dinner costs the school, and then start chatting with everyone once they've had a few rounds of "Liquid English Courage."
In one case, a co-worker who had been gone for 20 days writing exam questions in a secure location (no phone, computer, etc.), arrived back at school exhausted and homesick for his young family. Instead of leaving work at a reasonable hour, the school staff held a big dinner with multiple rounds of soju for our returning friend. The festivities lasted late into the evening (as usual). Poor guy...
Perhaps the staff's most loathsome activity is our bi-weekly volleyball game. Attendance was once mandatory and we had a full court of awkward and frightened girls in the back and aggressive players in the front. But since then more and more teachers (the scared ones) have bowed out of the afternoon fun and the game has become a highlight for those that enjoy playing volleyball.
It's been fun to brush up on a sport I played in high school and leagues with a group of people who are quite capable. It took me awhile to get used to all the allowances in play (lifts, people in the net, kicking the ball soccer style, awkward sets, etc.) and the complete lack of rotation, but I guess we aren't playing US volleyball rules...
While I was Skyping my mom one Sunday evening the subject of volleyball came up. She said, 'I never thought playing volleyball in high school would help you much in the future, but I guess teaching in Korea is one of those jobs where its extremely helpful.'
"Yeah, I'm a star here. Another school's principal told me he would hire me to work at his school next year, so that I could play volleyball on their team."
Volleyball Derp,
-Bets
In one case, a co-worker who had been gone for 20 days writing exam questions in a secure location (no phone, computer, etc.), arrived back at school exhausted and homesick for his young family. Instead of leaving work at a reasonable hour, the school staff held a big dinner with multiple rounds of soju for our returning friend. The festivities lasted late into the evening (as usual). Poor guy...
Perhaps the staff's most loathsome activity is our bi-weekly volleyball game. Attendance was once mandatory and we had a full court of awkward and frightened girls in the back and aggressive players in the front. But since then more and more teachers (the scared ones) have bowed out of the afternoon fun and the game has become a highlight for those that enjoy playing volleyball.
It's been fun to brush up on a sport I played in high school and leagues with a group of people who are quite capable. It took me awhile to get used to all the allowances in play (lifts, people in the net, kicking the ball soccer style, awkward sets, etc.) and the complete lack of rotation, but I guess we aren't playing US volleyball rules...
While I was Skyping my mom one Sunday evening the subject of volleyball came up. She said, 'I never thought playing volleyball in high school would help you much in the future, but I guess teaching in Korea is one of those jobs where its extremely helpful.'
"Yeah, I'm a star here. Another school's principal told me he would hire me to work at his school next year, so that I could play volleyball on their team."
Volleyball Derp,
-Bets
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
But Then...How Do You Take It Home?
Sometimes you encounter some strange things while traveling to new places. I think one thing that still continues to amuse me are crane game machines on the streets. It's illegal to gamble in Korea with the exception of these unique crane games.
I know what you are thinking: cheap toys, strange gimmicks, and such. But, expand your mind! For 1,000 KRW (about$.85) you can buy a chance to win a live lobster. That's right, the crane game machine is filled with a pathetic amount of water and a few lobster are poked, scooped, and cooked by a lucky few. It's quite cruel, but for the gambling addict and/or Tuesday night drunk without a place to go its as good as gold.
But seriously, once you catch it, do you just grab hold and walk home? That seems awkward and a bit selfish. I mean, you only caught one, right? So many questions...
Welcome to My Small Coastal Town,
-Bets
PS - UPDATES, UPDATES, UPDATES! May was crazy busy (travelling, sickness, school) and I apologize for my absence. I have lots of posts ready to go and have also uploaded photos for March, April, and May. Check out Busan, the Lantern Festival, the DMZ, and more!
I know what you are thinking: cheap toys, strange gimmicks, and such. But, expand your mind! For 1,000 KRW (about$.85) you can buy a chance to win a live lobster. That's right, the crane game machine is filled with a pathetic amount of water and a few lobster are poked, scooped, and cooked by a lucky few. It's quite cruel, but for the gambling addict and/or Tuesday night drunk without a place to go its as good as gold.
The Lobster Crane Game
But seriously, once you catch it, do you just grab hold and walk home? That seems awkward and a bit selfish. I mean, you only caught one, right? So many questions...
Welcome to My Small Coastal Town,
-Bets
PS - UPDATES, UPDATES, UPDATES! May was crazy busy (travelling, sickness, school) and I apologize for my absence. I have lots of posts ready to go and have also uploaded photos for March, April, and May. Check out Busan, the Lantern Festival, the DMZ, and more!
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