Hungry Hungry Hippo!

On Friday I was at Ara Elementary where I desk warmed the entire day since my 6th graders were on a field trip. I will post pictures of Ara Elementary next week. I am loving the school lunches! I am such a hungry hungry hippo after teaching morning classes! Usually, lunches include a soup, kimchi, rice, some form of meat or fish, a vegetable, and sometimes small fruit bits. Everyone, kids and teachers, eat super fast!!! Every time I sit down to enjoy my lunch I feel as though everyone is already done. Perhaps I'm slower since I'm not a pro at using chopsticks yet. Also, nobody drinks water during lunch. You're allowed one carton of milk to go with your lunch though. I finally respectfully declined milk when it was offered to me. I was given odd looks and told that milk is good for you. haha! When you finish your lunch, you bring your tray up, separate the dishes, and are given whats basically a shot of water to wash down your lunch. Needless to say, I bring my water bottle into the cafeteria since I need water with my lunch!

I found out that I will have my winter vacation in January! So excited! I likely will be off from the 16-31st. I've been chatting with Jess from Busan about Thailand and Cambodia. If you have any input on where to go, where to stay, what to do, please comment or email me. I'd love to hear any advice!

In the evening, I had dinner with Amy and Jess at a small place near our apartment. We had some difficulties with the communication barrier at dinner but it made for a fun dinner. I'm glad my neighbors aren't picky eaters! We basically just point to something on the menu and look forward to whatever is prepared for us. The nice owner served us a big bowl of some form of soup that was delicious! She also gave us some various side items, watermelon, and she gave us each a poster with a famous Korean celebrity on them to put in our apartments!

After dinner we took a cab to Seogwipo which is on the other side of the island. There was a big event going on at Monkey Beach club/bar! Most of the new Jeju Epik teachers came as well as other teachers on the island! Monkey beach was nuts! There is a water slide inside, a ball pit, library, so many couches, beer pong, arcade, dancing floors, and of course bar tops. When we entered we were each given a shot of tequila and 2 buckets of your choice of mixed drink. What a night! I somehow broke one of my black sandals, danced alot, and we somehow made it home in the cab. Taking a cab here feels like its a hit or miss. You basically just hope that the taxi driver understand you and takes you to the right place. haha!

On Saturday Jason, Jess, and I went to Hamdeok beach! This beach is about 30min from our apartment by bus. I love this beach! It was so beautiful! From my understanding, this is where the beach volleyball tournaments take place so thats awesome! It was drizzling a bit but that didnt stop us from beaching it up! We had a nice lunch in Hamdeok at a hole in the wall place which was yummy. In the afternoon, we walked through a market and bought some snacky stuff for Saturday night. We had our first house party at our apartment! A few other teachers came over for a chill night with music, snacks, and soju! It turned out to be a fun night so we will for sure be doing these again. I found out that I have a rather large apartment in comparison to the other teachers too. :o

On Sunday we went to a homemade foreigner market nearby where folks sell their homemade food, crafts, or talent. It was small but nice! I had a yummy crepe and bought a nice candle for my room. There was also a beautiful park next door with workout equipment! Afterwards, we went to Samyang black sand beach again since it was so beautiful out! We had a nice dinner at a place that served duck on top of pumpkin, many side dishes, and then soup! This was the best restaurant so far I'd say but every place has been great. In the evening we went to Emart which is like the Walmart of Korea and then a place called Marta which was basically a Costco! There are even kirkland brands! Some items are far more expensive here while others of course are cheap. For example, I noticed a double pack of Maybelline mascara went for 21,000won and a big bottle of basic vitamins were about 20,000won.

On Monday through Wednesday I teach at Sinchon Elementary. The students are great here. I continuously have to remind myself just how much work these students have. Most students are going to public school, some form of sport or music practice, hangwon, and are learning English! I've learned that most of my students play either the violin, piano, guitar, flute, or clarinet it seems. They also enjoy swimming, biking, and soccer! One of my 4th graders said that he "likes kissing" while another 4th grader had a shirt that said "sun of a beach" haha! My main handler has been so kind in helping me set up a bank account and a phone plan this week as well. I presented my principal and handler with a gift from Florida! I even took the bus to school with my principal on Tuesday! I play badminton on some evenings with my neighbors and take walks up Sarabong peak which is right where I live. Amy and I explored a beautiful temple at Sarabong peak too!

On Wednesday at Sinchon I taught lessons to 3rd and 4th graders for the first time. Of course the CD's weren't working so I ended up improvising and it turned out great. I was super happy! The kids were well behaved for the most part too! I started off showing a cute animated type video that introduced the expressions/ topic we were learning. Then I used the book and a powerpoint I had made to have to students read and speak and then write in their books. At the end of class we played a game and the team that won gets a piece of candy next week. I have created a sticker/stamp sheet to start next weekend where each student can earn a sticker for winning a game, behaving super well, or simply working really hard. After earning 5 stickers they get a piece of candy (American candy I brought with me) and when they get 10 stickers the student gets a pencil (American pencils I brought). I think the kids seem excited about it and I figured it was a decent system to get them more excited and involved.

I was able to finally set up a Korean bank account at NH bank. This took forever and was rather stressful as I was fully trusting my kind handler in setting up my bank. I also was able to get a phone plan here in which I pay 50,000won a month and get unlimited calls and 6GB of data. I should also be getting a fridge on Thursday. My great friend Carol is coming on Friday to visit too! Things are looking good! Also had a nice dinner Wednesday evening with a bunch of EPIKers!

This weekend is sure to be packed with lots of fun activities! Please let me know if you'd like me to discuss any particular topics in my blog. So far, I'm simply blogging on my experiences and observations simply because I'm excited to be here. There is so much happening its hard to write about everything but I'm trying! Thank you for all the kind messages and comments! In case you are wondering...of course I miss home, my family, friends, Kasper, and Chipotle! However, I am having a wonderful time, learning far more than my brain can comprehend, and look forward to any letters, emails, messages, or pictures from back at home from family and friends. Thanks again for reading- till next week! :)

You want some of this milk?

On Sunday morning I took my first taxi ride alone to a nearby apartment complex about 10min away. On facebook there is a group called the "Jeju marketplace" where people post items they are selling. I've been eyeing this page since I've been in need of everything and I'm trying to be frugal. I met up with a nice teacher and he sold me a huge drying rack, nice kettle, iron/board, some dishes, and hair dryer for about 45,000 ) including the cab ride which I thought was pretty good. When I arrived home I went with Jason and Jess on the bus for about 20min and went to Samyang black sand beach. We ate at a hole in the wall place and I had raw crab for my first time! We each spent about 8,000won for a nice big meal. We also got a few bottles of whats called "Makgeolli". (Uncle Ed I learned what Makgeolli and Sake are!) This is a Korean rice wine that looks like a milky drink but tastes kind of like a light wine I would say. I did some research and learned that in neighboring countries the rice wine is called "Sake" but is actually like a beer. The owner of the shop laughed and made some motions basically calling us crazy since we were taking the makgeolli on the beach. haha! We walked the beach which was lovely and not crowded at all. We jumped in and the water was clear! As we were leaving, I met some nice Korean men wearing speedos...hahaha they were so excited to take pictures with us.

Later on we went to Emart (which is kinda like a Walmart but not as great in my opinion of course). Jerick, Jason, Jess, and I then ordered some buckets of fried chicken down the street and had a picnic in one of our rooms. nom nom! In the evening there was a trade/sell type event where others brings their goods and newcomers usually are there to buy. I ended up buying alot of great things for about 17,000won! I got a huge kettle, knifes, can opener, wine opener, beer opener, whisk, high end conditioner,  hairspray, dermatologist prescribed face lotion (holy hell I was excited since I was looking for a nice face lotion- what were the odds!) strainer, scissors, some other random items, a cute side shoulder purse, some clothes, rabbit fur scarf (okay okay I got excited and treated myself but hey...remember I spent about $15 for all this). I went to bed early and and woke up early since I havent been sleeping the greatest.

I had Monday off for some reason...my school doesnt start till Wednesday so I'm just going with the flow and doing what I'm told. haha! I did 4 loads of laundry and washed all the bedding and clothes! :D I'm still figuring out the washing machine...If anyone can help me read the directions if I send a picture of the washing machine please comment or send me a message! Somehow I feel as though not enough water is coming out to clean my clothes...at least my clothes smell good? haha!

I took a trip to the traditional market which I love! It's so massive and theres so many little old Korean folks selling their goods...from various sea creatures, to veggies, and clothes! I need to learn hangul and more Korean in order to make better purchases. I had trouble today with counting but the locals have been friendly and helpful to me. I bought a huge (and I mean Costco size) bag of like a leafy spinach type greens, big bunch of chives, and 2 red peppers for about 7,000won!! I also got some sesame seeds, salt, and a tomato from the local store near my apartment. While in the market, I met a lady named Lily! She became my friend and was so excited to meet me! Lily is from Shanghai and staying in Jeju for a week. She explained to me that its cheaper and easier to get a driving permit here I believe. We ended up having lunch today in the market and had blood sausage and kimbap. Together we spent 5,000 won and we were both stuffed! The blood sausage wasn't what I thought it would be but it was delicious. Its more of a noodle filling with the sausage part on the outside I'd say. The kimbap is pretty much just a sushi roll. Lily told me she is 36 years old and has 2 older brothers. We exchanged pictures of our families. Nick pay attention here! Lily commented on how beautiful my family is and that my brother is handsome! haha! Since Lily and I are both foreigners its hard to exchange phone numbers but I gave her my email. I hope she stays in touch! What a wonderful lady! On the way home I stopped in a shop and a nice lady sold me a blanket and pillow for 16,000won. She was so sweet!

 Lily and I!

 My first homemade meal in the apartment consisting of green leafy stuff, green onions, tomato, red peppers, sesame seeds, and salt

Blood sausage and kimbap

I deep cleaned my room in the afternoon..and boy it needed it. I made a big salad for dinner from my findings and invited my neighbors over! While we were eating, the internet guy just randomly showed up and connected an ethernet cord for me. I am thinking I'll be charged around 40,000won a month.

On Tuesday my handler picked me up and showed me how to take the bus to school. She gave me a little tour then allowed me to start planning in my classroom. This classroom was great! There is a smart board and a really fast computer! There is also a big toothbrush contraption that seems to sterilize the toothbrushes after use? Lesson planning is going okay I think. I will see if I did a good job when I try them out on Thursday at Sehwa Elem. From what I've counted, I am preparing 13 different lesson plans!!!! :o I met the Principle from Sinchon Elem and he was very kind! In Korean he told my handler that he wants me to concentrate on classroom management first, then teaching the curriculum next since the students are "hyper and not well behaved".  I start teaching at Sinchon Elementary on Monday. While I was preparing lesson plans, a little girl came into my classroom to give me a small carton of milk. She was so cute and respectful I couldn't say no thank you. However, I don't like milk and I especially don't like the milk in Korea haha! ...Have you seen the movie "Billy Madison" with Adam Sandler? Well, I may relate to this movie frequently during my year here. Please read below:
Billy Madison: You want some of this milk?
Veronica Vaughn: That milk belongs to that classroom.
Billy Madison: But they don't gots to know about it. It could be our milk.
Veronica Vaughn: No milk will ever be our milk.
Billy Madison: Now that wasn't very nice. How 'bout you Sideburns? You want some of this milk?
Janitor: I'd rather have a beer.

HAHAHA!!!! I also feel as though I may turn into Ms. Lippy at times...see below

If you haven't watched the movie Billy Madison movie yet please do so! 

 My classroom at Sinchon!

 toothbrush sterilization contraption in the school?

 Classroom in Sinchon

Sinchon Elementary

After school, I went on a walk with Amy where we saw the Jeju lady divers! What a wonderful view off the coast! I also played badminton for my first time with Jerich! There's a court just up the hiking path near my apartment. Surprisingly, I'm not too bad!

 These are the Korean female divers! I find it to be an interesting topic...please find more information at the following link: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=260918

 Mcdonalds does delivery here...

 This little convenient store is everywhere...reminds me of CVS pharmacy!

 Amy and I taking a walk by the water!

 Fisherman going out

 This is the view from the water looking back onto the island. In my last post I included pictures about the hill I hiked up that is right by my apartment...well, this is it! The picture is small, but at the very top you may be able to see the gazebo type structure that I hung out in. Up top there is various workout equipment!

These gross critters are EVERYWHERE!!!!

After teaching at Sinchon on Wednesday I took a bus about an hour to pick up a $30 bike I bought!  It's not the nicest bike but it will ride for shorter distances. I have named the bike "Rusty"! I'm still on the look out for a decent hybrid that I can take on longer distances though! I road the bike back home and was so proud of myself. Having just moved here I am not comfortable with my whereabouts quite yet, barely read any hangul, barely know any Korean, do not have the ability to use my phone for directions, yet somehow after riding for an hour, was able to find my way home without getting lost or attempting to ask for directions. Somehow my sense of direction switched on and I had such a lovely downhill ride on the sidewalk. :)

I taught at Sewha Elementary school today which is 6 classes grades 3-6. I don't have a co-teacher at this school which makes it a bit more challenging but hey, I got through it and believe I did my best! By no means was teaching today easy, but I feel accomplished at the end of the day. The students are not nearly as disciplined or perhaps interested as I had anticipated but then again...I put myself in their shoes...most of these children are in public school during the day, play music after school or a sport, and then go to a private English school to learn more in the evening. Once I get the hang of their books and understand which lesson I am to teach each week I will be able to make more enjoyable plans. Needless to say, there are some very cute and attentive students but there are also some troublemakers.

Sewha Elementary school

This weekend I look forward to seeing more of the island and will of course update my blog about once a week or when I have the time.

My mailing info is below and also in the "Contact me" page at the top of my blog.

Please mail only love letters/postcards that do not have to be signed for to my residential address at the following address:

Lauren Brown
Mideum Hanaro Apt. 405
Imhang-ro 286 Jeju-si, Jeju-do
690-800
South Korea

If you wish to mail me love packages/fan mail please send them to my main school at the following address:

Lauren Brown English Teacher
Shinchon Elementary School

51 Sinbuk-ro
Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
633-37
South Korea

Please make sure to include all parts of both addresses! Sometimes fedex/ups will claim the entire address wont fit..they are full of crap- make them put the whole address on the package or make sure to have the entire address printed and taped to the package. I love getting mail (not bills) so send me letters! I will of course mail you back :) Also, please send me a message if and when you do mail me something so I can expect to check the mail.

Finally, I apologize for not uploading my videos in the past posts properly. Please find a few videos below:

Salsa Festival!

Eating a fish eyeball!

Taekwondo performance from orientation

Dancers in Jeonju during the orientation field trip

Drum class during orientation field trip

Here is my Mama and my baby brother Kasper skyping!! Don't mind my lovely facial expression 

I will post a video of my apartment soon as I hope to have a fridge any day now. I'm loving Jeju so far! What a beautiful island! I'm thankful for this experience so far and I'm learning more than my brain can comprehend. I will continue to post! Please feel free to comment, message, email, or mail me! Thank you for reading!

Jeju Arrival!!!!

Orientation continued on for 9 days. I spent the days in more lectures. Some more useful than others. I'd rather not bore you with orientation rant since lets face it...everyone wants to hear about Jeju, location, teaching, and well this is a very long post!

But...the highlights of orientation was going to a Nori Bang I believe its called. Basically its a  Karaoke bar! We sang lots and drank soju it was a fun night!

We had our field trip day! Finally we were out of the classroom. We visited Jeonju which was about an hour away from Daejeon. It was such a cute and busy town! We first took part in a drum class that wasn't my favorite. Afterwards we made these cute little paper boxes and had a delicious bibimbap lunch. nom nom nom! We were allowed free time in the town which was so nice! There was so much going on tho! I have a few pics below but as usual, no picture will justify what the actual experience was like and showcase everything I saw!

 I bought a small notebook for all my notes! I thought this was cute!

 Back of the bus crew on the way to Jeonju!

 At Jeonju!

 My friend Russell in Busan!

 Drum class

 Paper box making

 Beautiful bibimbap lunch

 Out on the town in Jeonju

 So many little cute shops

 I wasn't sure if this was a fruit juice or an alcoholic drink...next time I'll try it out

 This is my friend Jess from Busan! She is standing in this water way along the sidewalk

 I've noticed people are very into being a couple here. Always holding hands and the women wear very short skirts but shoulders and boobs should be covered.

 Cute boba tea shop...those are fruit cushions!

 This kid was straight up chilling in his little car. I guess his parents have a remote control and can drive it for him?

Neat dances in Jeonju



Orientation continued, had to present a lesson plan with my group, more scandalous activity ensued, I went downtown Daejeon which was a blast! It was so busy!

Finally, the night everyone was stressing about and waiting for....placement time! Jeju folks met in a separate room where we signed contracts, were given out schedule, and vaguely shown where we would live on a map. That night was exciting since we finally (after months and months) knew the who, what where, and whens of being in Korea. haha! But it was also a bit sad since I had made so many great friends at orientation that would be going to another province. I suppose it gives me all the reason to make trips to the mainland!

As far as my schedule goes, I teach at 3 different school. Shinchon, Sehwa, and Ara Elementary schools. I teach 20 classes a week to 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.

In the morning, Jeju folks set off on what would quickly become a giant shit show. (Literally-see pic below HAHAHA) It was hectic loading 15 people on one bus and 15 on the other including all of our luggage. And no, half of our luggage did not make it under the bus so we had to carry giant suitcases onto the bus. We were given these box meals which I hope is the worst food I try in Korea. (food has been amazing) The bus was about 3 hours to the ICN airport in Seoul. From there, it was a mess getting us on the flight, paying for baggage, and so forth. (no need for more details- just know it was nuts and very tiring) The flight with Korean Air was exciting! Seeing Jeju from the sky was amazing! It was such an incredible feeling to know that after months and months of planning, researching, and preparing that I was finally landing at my final destination.

Upon landing, the shit show continued. We were loaded on more buses. One bus took those staying in Jeju City and the other took a group going to Seogwipo. Seogwipo is on the southern side of the island and more known for its beaches and honeymoon destination. From my understanding, Jeju City is perhaps the bigger city on the island.

The bus took us to apply for our Alien Registration Card and then to meet our co-teachers. I was a bit shocked to learn that I don't really have co-teachers like everyone which added to my stress. I was told at 8pm, I would have to make my way at 7am the next day across the island to teach 6 classes...YIKES!!!! Mind you, I had no internet, can not make phone calls, its dark out, havent been to my apartment yet, hungry, and well I'm new here. Pretty daunting huh?

I made it to my apartment by 9pm. I live in a great area with 3 other EPIK teachers I was at orientation with. Jess, Jason, and Amy are great! There are also a few other teachers in my building. The day continued to be a shit show when I discovered no fridge, no toilet seat, and no water heater. I was also told to prepare to teach 6 classes on my own the next day and had no idea where I was to go. I took a icey cold shower (more like washed my hair and sponged my body) hahaha and went to bed.

I made the bus ride to Sewha Elementary school with a Korean teacher. The two day shit-show continued as I wasn't introduced, had no attendance, was given the wrong schedule, had no idea when the kids got out, had no book, no computer, and it was just me and 20 kids. hahaha!!!

Yes, this was a struggle of a day but I got through it on a positive note. I'M SO HAPPY TO BE HERE!!!!! Most of the kids were a joy and really brightened everything up. I have alot of work to do as far as setting things up and pretty much learning how to live in a completely different setting than I'm used to. This is all part of my exciting experience! That evening I went out with Jess and Jason to explore and grab dinner. We ended up at a lovely Korean bbq place. So yummy and the owners were so kind and welcoming to us. We also found some markets where we split a huge peach!

My 2nd day of teaching I went to another school about 30min away called Ara Elementary. This school was huge! I was kindly greeted by 3 other Korean English teachers and 1 other EPIK teacher. I taught 2 classes of 6th graders and they were a joy! Such well behaved and very smart kids.

Since I have far too much to explain about my experience so far, I have made a list below of my observations:
- I have learned very basic Korean and I'm learning Hangul
- I introduced myself in Korean to two principles and the VP's
- The buses are insanely overcrowded and the drivers are NUTS
- The range of English level from high to low is varied in each class. Some students can have a conversation with me while others can not say hello.
- Most kids are very respectful to me, bowing and greeting me in English or Korean
- Don't forget to grab toilet paper before you go in the stale...you wont find any by the toilet so grab enough or you are screwed
- I'm always given milk at lunch and Koreans seem to not drink water at all
- The school lunches are decent and consist of rice, soup, kimchi, fish, and a vegetable
- My floor is heated in my apartment
- most people are very skinny here but I have seen some people with a little meat on their bones. I have hope now to find some clothes.
- I found a condom and the wrapper under my bed (Good god help me with cleaning hahaha)
- Everybody is so fast moving- it's alot to process
- I'm already losing weight. I live on the 5th floor and I take the stairs. My classroom is on the 4th floor and I climb too. Not to mention its super hot and humid.
- The views are beautiful so far! I live right near the beach!
- My principle at Ara told me I am beautiful and to love the kids.
- The buses dont really stop...they slow down, you hope on, and hold on.
-People have been so kind to me!
- I have Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off!

 Jess and Jason at dinner!

 Such an amazing dinner. We grilled the meat in the middle there and were given various side items. We also had soju and beer mixed together. To say "cheers" in Korean you pronounce "Gum-Bay"

This kid took a bottle of soju and a bottle opener...He opened it!!! HAHAA!!!

 I found a local market right near me!

 Market!

HAHAHA Remember I told you it was a shit-show type of day? I went to use the toilet at the market and was greeted by this. This was also my first squat toilet experience. Needless to say, I didn't use the restroom.

My apartment building is that yellow building right in the center of the picture

My first day off (Saturday) consisted of going to the traditional market with a few other teachers which was amazing! It was huge and so much to look at! I  bought some basic items at the store and we had a quick lunch. Afterwards, we ventured to the nearby trail/park! THIS WAS SUCH A WORKOUT! The stairs went on and on! What a beautiful park though...I can see myself using this trail frequently! ...The running water in our building hasnt been working so we have been taking baby wipe baths or using little dribbles that do come out of the faucet. Hopefully this gets fixed soon. In the evening, we took an hour bus ride to one of the nice beaches for an amazing dinner and a salsa festival! The beach is so lovely!

 Traditional Market pics!

 expensive fruit!

 Look at the center of this picture....PIG!

 My first shopping spree haha!

 At the top of the hike!

 Jess hula hooping!

 Inside the park!

 These steps go on and on!

 On the beach with my neighbors!

 At the salsa festival!

 Eating a fish eyeball!

Dance group at the salsa festival!

My brain is pretty fried from my new life here on Jeju. I'm happy, positive, and enjoying this experience so far. Yes, I'm stressed but things will work out in time. I need to learn hangul and more Korean to get by better. I tried to include as much as I could in this post as I've been getting many questions, messages, and emails that ask the same things. I will continue to keep you posted! Please email, text, Whatsapp, Kakao me, or MAIL me (soon enough) with any questions, letters, or fan comments! Thank you for tuning in. Now....off to find some yummy food and soju! :)