Hiking in Korea (My first hiking adventure)



Posing for a pisture with my Principal




Beautiful

 Friends!  Two more posts to go and you are all caught up.  In Korean time I have less than twelve hours to accomplish this before it is officially 2011.  Wow, time sure can sneak up on you.  As the leaves were in their full mode of change illuminating beautiful colors of red, orange and browns my school Principal decided it was time for a teacher outing.  Turns out once every month the Principal takes all the teacher out on some kind of activity and then dinner is followed at a traditional Korean restaraunt (sitting on the floor and the menu includes traditional dishes and sides).  For October the outing would be a hiking trip.  I was pretty excited because I had been wanting to go hiking.  I had even set out to climb the mountain in view from my window and failed because it was merely an illusion of being closer than it truly was. 



Soo modeling a seed that is
said if eated brings good dental health. 
I did try it! ???

 Regardless the time had come; I would get to climb a mountain.  Watch out!  Hiking is very serious here and the franchise of hiking merchandise is booming.  You will not take a trip hiking and not see at least one person with boots, hiking jackets, packs and walking sticks.  So, I of course thought, Wooh hoo I am climbing a mountain, ready to be in shape I am and see what these muscles can do.  I actually thought it would be pretty strenuous.  Well as Yoda would say, Wrong you were, were you?  Yes.  Wrong I was.
Totally, not strenuous at all.  Still worth the time, due to the beautiful sites of nature.  There were many different types of trees including my all time favorite (weeping willows).  I have accustomed a favorite tree here in Korea, the Gingko Tree.  They are beautiful in the fall; takes a little of your breath as your eye is caught by the dark bark and yellow leaves that seem to dangle like earrings.  Any who, we had a guide that took us on an hour long hike (of course it was in Korean but easy to follow).  After the hike the Principal took us to a restaraunt that served us duck and a very strange seafood platter.  It was here I tried duck and some king of intestines for the first time.  Don't be grossed out, it was an adventure, and this is the adventures of Kate, right?  It was random I tried the duck considering I don't really eat meat.  Not a fan but I tried it : 0 ).  The intestines accidentally happened and I could barely keep them down, that was disgusting.  Still the experience was worth the trial to my taste buds and mental toughness.  I am living in Korea and do not want to miss out on fellowship with the people here or experiencing new things. 


Here in Korea it is traditin to serve
at least three or four side dishes with every meal.  here we have,
 spicy (SPICY) crab legs (really hard to eat w/chopsticks),
Kimchi (2 kinds), seaweed, and raddish


Ok, about time to wrap this up.  A few things I learned from this adventure:
1.  Hiking is not as fierce as I thought (well, at least not in this situation)
2.  There is a tree that you plant if you want your children to be scholars
3.  The smell of duck stays on your clothes until the next day at least.
4.  I do not enjoy all seafood
5.  There are weird seafood options served here in Korea with sprouts, intestines and little things that look like oyster but just disperse liquid into your mouth that tastes awful then you spit the chewy part out.
6.  Sitting on the floor is awesome but your feet fall asleep fast!

Check back later to catch up on my last two posts of the year!  <3

A little of this and little of that...



Soo (one of my two Co-Teachers) and her son Shioo

Soo took me on a bus adventure through Seoul

when I first arrived it was great fun!  

                                                                            

Soo also took me out to dinner when Anyang
(the city I live in) had a festival,
I met her husband and ate some Korean pizza!



Hello my friends!  You are almost caught up, yay!  I have had many random outtings here in Korea.  Random meaning they come up fast and are unplanned and the things I end up doing brings surprise to myself each time.  Here are a few of those moments. 

I made a instant friend upon my arrival who showed me much kindness.  I decided to show my thanks by
 taking this friend out to dinner.  Turns out they had some plans of their own to welcome me even more.
During dinner my friend asked me (knowing I am not much of a meat eater) if I ate fish and if I cook with it often.  I said "Oh yes, I like fish and I cooked it all the time for dinner back home". 
Something to keep in mind: 
I was answering yes I like fish while thinking the fish would be without scales and bones already preparred to eat and I cook fish I have boughten from the store ready to go nothing dirty involved. 



My dinner?


After my answer we began talking about something else.  For a brief second I though, "hmm that was a random question" then I was distracted and forgot all about it.  When we were finished and ready to part eachother I was reminded.  My friend gave me a present to show their appreciation and thanks.  This present was a freshly killed, still bloody FISH.  My friend said they were happy to hear I could cook fish so chopping the head off and gutting it should be no problem.  I thought, EH, UH what do you want me to do with this fish???  I have never, NEVER gutted a fish before.  Well this was sure to be an adventure.  It really was a kind gesture and part of me really did feel honored.  Random for sure!





SoonDooBoo

 The food here in Korea is definitely differnet compared to what I am used to, but I always enjoy trying new things!  My third week here I set out to find a church and made a new friend who took me out to my first dinner in Korea.  We ate SoonDooBoo (I have no idea if that is right, but it is how it sounds).  Turns out Soondooboo is one of my favorite dishes here.  It is soft tofu soup that is SPICY served with a bowl of rice and customary side dishes. The rice comes in a stone dish that.  You must take the rice out of the stone and place in a bowl then pour water in the stone bowl.  Ah, also before you eat your tofu soup you crack an egg in the soup, it is hot enough to cook the egg.
When you finish your meal you drink the rice water, it is considered as a dessert here in Korea and is defined as refreshing!  I liked it!  Ok, well hope that gave you a decent dose of what you are missing out on in my life, be ready to read more soon!  The year is almost over so I better get a hurry on catching you up, I have three more things that I must share with you before the year ends, so keep tuned in!  <3



Anyang JoongAng Elementary



Anyang JoongAng Elementary

 Hey Hey Friends!  Again time for a catch up.  Still behind, but let me tell you I am having some pretty different adventures that I know you want to hear all about.  You will, just bear with me ;0 ).  Let me first tell you about my school.  The school I teach at is fairly large and is in a building that has stood awhile ; 0.    There are five classes of each grade and the grades run from first through to sixth.  There is a seprate building where kindergarten is held, here in South Korea the kindergarten program is much like our Pre-school programs, it is not mandatory nor part of the elementary grades.  Also in my school is a dance studio, where the students take ballet.  Let me tell you, it is very magical.  It is taken very seriously here and these kiddos train hard,  and they are rather good.  Sometimes after my classes I make copies on the third floor across from the studio and I love listening to the music. 



The classroom I have been teaching in :)


I hope you enjoy the photos of my school expect to see more after winter vacation.  The English department is actually being remodeled into an English zone!  Thus, it will look completly different, exciting!






My students wrote me a nice note
(they spelled my name Cake*)



My First Day!



Shortly after the live-broadcast, I had a photo shoot!
 I felt very important!

 Hello Friends, it is time I update you once again.  I still have much to catch you up on!  My goal is to be caught up by the start of the New Year.  I want to tell you a little about my first day at my new job here in Korea.  I started right after I completed my orientation, which I told you all about.  My co-teacher Clara met me near my apartment to take me on my first day.  I was not sure which building she had told me to meet her at.  It was either NC Department or NC Outlet Store they are both HUGE and in the same area.  I found myself walking back and forth across the street to each building then thinking, No, it's the other one.  By the time she arrived I was worn out but the excitement of my first day and meeting her as well as the relief I was in the right spot took over and I was all smiles and ready to get to work!  Clara hailed a taxi and we made it to Jungang just in time. 

As I walked through the gates I saw the Principal right off!  He is a very nice man and extremely kind.  He greets the students each morning at the main gate with a bow and welcome phrase (Hello in Korean) and the students respond with the same.  It is obvious that the students admire and have much respect for him; the same can be said for the vice principal who is also a very kind and friendly person.  Ok, back to the story, well my life, I met the principal right away and completely forgot the Korean I practiced to greet him with.  All I could say was HELLO and I was off to meet the vice principal and get ready for class.  Before I had a chance to check out where I would be teaching I was whisked away and taken to where they film live announcements.  Yes, I was an announcement myself.  It was such a neat experience.  I gave a short speech which my co-teacher translated as we were broadcasted live through the entire school!  They all met me before I met them!


Posing with my Co-Teacher, Principal, and Vice Principal
at Anyng Joongang Elementary




Greeting the Principal!

Clara and I then headed to the English room where our students had already arrived and were waiting for us!  The day kept up the same fast pace but was exciting none the less.  I teach approximately 300 students each week and have at least four classes a day.  I teach third and fourth graders and get to see two fifth grade classes each week to help with pronunciation.  I am happy to finally be able to tell you all about my first day and will work on catching you up on the rest of my already had adventures!

Happy Thanksgiving!



I had each of my classes make a
"I'm thankful for__" Turkey. 
They turned out great!

 Happy Thanksgiving Friends!  I am missing home, just a little but I am not missing having to smell and look at turkey!  That is a plus!  This is my first year not being home for any holiday and I thought it would be more difficult.  Turns out, when you are in another country that does not have the same holidays, the time just passes and you almost miss that the date reprsents such a significant day to your home.  None the less I managed to remember, and share a little of the history behind all the tradition with my co-teacher, new friends, and my students.

I wanted to make a traditional treat to take to school and share with my colleagues and principals.  Seemed like a great idea, the only problems were: One, I have no oven (so no baking).  Two the ingredients here are bare minimum of what I am used to and what most of my reciepes call for.  However, there is always hope! I made Orea Balls and Peanut Butter Balls!  They turned out great!  I used a cookie that is similar to Oreos and had no problem finding peanut butter or cream cheese! It was so fun getting to share an "american" treat that I was used to back home with the people in my life here. 

Here are the recipes I used:

Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls

12 Oreo cookies
1/4 cup milk
8 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
spoonful of honey
Crush the Oreos in a bowl. Add the milk and mix. Add the peanut butter and honey. Roll into balls Refrigerate on a plate for at least 30 minutes.

Oreo Balls (white choclate)

Ingredients

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese or whipped cream cheese
• 18 ounces package of Oreo cookies, crushed (crush the entire cookie- don't remove the filling!)
• 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening

Directions:

1.  Mix the cream cheese in with the crushed oreo cookies and chill for atleast two hours in the freezer Then roll cookie mix into one inch sized balls. 
2.  Melt white chocolate chips and dip orea balls into the chocolate completly using tongs or a toothpick.  Put them on wax paper and keep in the refrigerator.

Making the News

Hi Friends! This is not my favorite post :( South Korea made the news concerning a very sad situation invlolving the shelling of a Island here. News sure does travel, some of you knew before I did!  Well, I want to let you all know I am ok and provide you with the latest information.The shelling was on an island approx. 75 miles from Seoul.  I have attached a link to a map so you can see where the attack  was in relation to where I am (Shelling- Yeonpyeong Island, Kate- Anyang).  I will also include a link to The Korea Times.  There are several articles that can be read including the latest information involving the topic.  All are in English.
No need to worry about me, I just thought since it made the news I ought to let you all know I am ok!
Korea Times
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/index.asp

USA TODAY:  "N. Korea fires artillery onto S. Korean island; 2 dead"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-11-23-korea-artillery_N.htm?csp=hf

Map
http://drben.com/Koreas_Report/Sources/Korea_Maps/South_Korea-Maps/Map-South_Korea-1-Big.html


Love, Kate

GEPIK Orientation



My room at orientation



The orientation took place in this building about
 55 minutes or so into a more rural area of Korea.

   
Hi Friends!  I am finally catching you up on all that I have done thus far in Korea. Well, one thing at a time.  My first few weeks here were busy, actually they have not slowed down too much yet.  My first week it was holiday and I had my two friends visit, then I went to orientation for my new job and would then start my job shortly after. That leads me to this post.  I need to tell you all about the orientation! 

For starters I should let you know there are three English programs I know of in Korea, SMOE (? not sure if that is right but it is for Seoul area) GEPIK and EPIK.
Gyeonggi English Program In Korea
English Program In Korea
 My two friends are teaching through EPIK whereas I am through GEPIK.  The main difference is that GEPIK covers one huge province , Gyeonggi.  EPIK is the general program and you could end up anywhere in Korea. Both are neat, I just wanted to give you a little info.  ;)



Adrienne was my first friend at orientation
We met on the bus and chatted the whole way there!

 

This was my roommate Ashley

  As for orientation.  It was great!  Those who know me, know, I love learning.  I was thankful to actually have my orientation right before I started work.  Turns out I was the only one there who had yet to teach as well as the "newest arrival".  I met fellow teachers right away which was great. I met a girl who also lives in the same building as I do, how great is that?  We have plans to meet for dinner since we live so close to each other!  I also met a nice friend named Sarah, turns out we both had the same recruiter, which made it fun remembering our process getting here and finding similarities.  I loved meeting people but also enjoyed a little down time to read and focus on what I would be doing for my new job ;)
The orientation began with a opening ceremony of traditional Korean dance and drummers.  I enjoyed the performance.  We then went into our sessions.  I learned about teaching in Korea, got a few ideas for teaching with the curriculum, created and taught a small group lesson to my fellow peers, took a beginner lever Korean language class, and ended the orientation with a closing "fun" ceremony where we played group games and laughed a lot!  That sums it up, stay tuned for the next adventure!

Happy Chuseok



A photo from the first adventure Jesse, teresa & I took upon their arrival

 
Happy Chuseok Friends!  I arrived in Korea right as the country was preparing to celebrate Chuseok.  Thus, my school was not in session for my first whole week in Korea.  It was very nice to have the time to adjust to my new apartment, city and country that will be my home for the next year.  Though I began to wonder if I might feel a little lonely because during Chuseok everything is closed..not that I was planning on leaving my apartment...being as it would have been terrifying to venture out.  I know this is supposed to be the adventures of Kate but by nature I do not think I am that adventurous.  Therefore I am very thankful I do not dictate everything in my life.  Chuseok turned out to be a wonderful holiday and quite an adventurous one at that!

First things first..What is Chuseok Holiday???
Good question!  Chuseok is a holiday that is similar to Thanksgiving and Memorial Day in the States.  It is a time here in Korea when many people travel to be with their family and many places close for three days. 

So..How did I spend my chuseok, and how did it turn out to be so wonderful and adventurous???  Another great question

Simply put...Jesse and Teresa Williams visited me for the whole Holiday!  
 




We found this bridge near my apt. as we walked around.
Asit happens, I now cross this bridge
as I walk to school/my work.



  They are two friends of mine from the USA who are also teaching in Korea. It was such a blessing to have such familiar faces in my life my first week.  They are living in Bongwah which is fairly far from Anyang.  I think the total duration of their trip was approx. 4 hours using both the subway and bus systems.The day of their arrival I made my first trip to the subway by myself to meet them (succeeded without getting lost).  During their stay we explored Anyang, Suwon, and Seoul.  In Anyang we set out on an adventure to find the mountains that can be seen from my apartment.  Unfortunately we found that they are not walking distance from where I am (they look closer than they really are).  Hey!  it was a great walk and we worked up our appetites for some noodles and sushi for lunch!  We did cross a super busy street, found a nice biking/running/walking trail near a creek and also found a beautiful walking trail near my apartment.   

       



Suwon Fortress



On Thursday a very helpful new friend took the three of us to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.  This palace is actually a detached palace.  It was established at the eastern foot of Mt. Paldal (note: it is important for towns, palaces etc to be established with a mountain on the side and a river/creek in front) and built in the new town Suwon in 1789.  It went through expansion and was completed in 1796.  It was used as a temporary palace and for Suwon governmental affairs. This was my first fortress and it was truly magnificent.  We explored and then took the adventure of climbing up top a mountain to soak in the view of overlooking the fortress and Suwon. After visiting the palace our new friend welcomed us into her home and prepared a delicious meal for us that included: rice and curry, squid, some kind of meat, eggplant, and amazing fruit! 
 


G, Teresa and I eating a traditional Korean lunch

Friday we ventured out to Seoul with a friend of Teresa's from the elementary school she is working at.  We explored Seoul through visiting several art galleries, enjoying an authentic Korean lunch of oyster soup, cuttle fish and kimchi, and visited one of the four palaces that can be found in Seoul.  The palace we visited is called Changdeok Palace.  This palace huge and has marvelous gardens (though we did not visit the main one).  Teresa's friend was not only a great planner but a fantastic tour guide.  Because of her the palace seemed to really come to life as she told us stories about Korean history and pointed out details of the palace we would have never caught. This was a great day and one of my personal favorite for only having been in Korea for one week!  It will be hard to top!  

Changdeok Palace in Seoul




Saturday, I said farewell to Jesse and Teresa.  Well, farewell until I meet up with them again for our second adventure.  Their visit was a great blessing and I am very thankful to have them as part of my adventures in Korea.  Be prepared to read more about them in my posts!

Jesse & Teresa at Changdeok Palace

Anyang City (Anyang-Si)

Hey Friends!  Here are some photos and maps of Anyang Si, my new home.  I thought it would be helpful.  Some days as I am walking across massive streets, riding the subway or walking across a bridge with a giant mountain along the side in clear view...I think to myselg:  "Wow!  If only those back home could actually see what I do everyday and where I truly am..they would not believe it"  It is just so neat and I get excited every day just walking to school about where I am right now!


This is a mountain view of my new city!  Anyang City        



 
               Here is a positional map of where Anyang actually is in Korea
             en.anyang.go.kr/new/img/a/sub4_1.gif

In Anyang, I live near(very close to several exits/gates) Beomgye station (sybway transit).  I have noticed that stations are used often to refer to locations in the city.  As more time goes by, you can expect more photos.  As for now here is another map of Anyang :)  I am also going to work on getting a map of the transit  Beomgye line 4.

                                                           en.anyang.go.kr/new/img/a/sub4_1.gif
There are apparently 8 wonders of Anyang-Si.  I have yet to visit them.  Good thing I have only been here three weeks and have the rest of the year to explore!  Below are two sites that provide information about where I am living, check them out!  The second site is the city's official site, there you can see the 8 wonders of the city and gain a better understanding as to where I am living ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anyang,_Gyeonggi
http://en.anyang.go.kr/new/

MY ADDRESS!

Hi Friends!Here is how to write my address for those who wouldlike to send packages or mail.  But make sure to include your address so I can send something back to you ;)

Kate Staples
#901 Keumkang venturetel
1108, Bisandong, Dongan-gu
Anyang City, Kyeonggi
South Korea, 431-050

*note: I am not sure if this is written correctly, But I know the information is correct.

HOME SWEET HOME





 

                  

The tall building you see here, is my apartment

building! In the second picture my building is near

the second light pole.



                                                        Hello Friends! 

This is the entry way into my apartment! 

 My apartment is feeling more and more like my home each day. I arranged the furniture (all provided by the school) and added a few touches to make it feel like my space!  The view from my window is magnificent.  My building has many things other than apartment homes in it. There is a private school on the third floor, an Internet cafe and game room on the second floor, a spa and facial clinic on the seventeenth floor, and many business on several floors.  Actually on my floor (the ninth) there is a business across the hall from me and several on the other side.  It is very exciting living in such a big building and being surrounded by tall buildings and busy people!   Next adventure...catching you all up on my Chuseok Adventure!  Until then enjoy the photos of my home sweet home!

         




This is the view from my apartment windows!



  









Arrival To My Apartment

After arriving at the airport and meeting up with Hero from HandsKorea we headed to my new city!  Destination- Anyang!  As we entered the city and neared my accommodation I nearly gasped.  Wow, I am really living in the city.  The building I live in is huge! I am on the 9th floor. The elevators were a little confusing to figure out and of course everything is in the Korean language which is to be expected.  There are three elevators and one goes to the odd numbered floors, one to the even, and the third goes to all.  I think I have it figured out!  My apartment really is in the heart of the city.  There are shops & markets all over and many places to eat. There are also several parks and at least one creek that is beautiful!  This will by far be the largest city I have lived in.  What an adventure! 
When I arrived to my apartment one of my co-teachers was waiting there for me.  Her name is Soo and she was very nice and helpful.  Because I arrived during Chuseok Holiday (I will tell you much more about this later)  Soo and Hero both wanted to make sure I would be ok.  The holiday is three days and my school was out all week so I had time to adjust and settle in at my new home. 

Hero wanted to make sure I knew how to get around.  The subway is one block away from me and there are bus stops all over so transportation will not be an issue, navigating might be :)  I am up for that adventure!  Hero helped me purchase my subway card, took me grocery shopping, and bought me my first Korean meal..SUSHI!!  It was simply put...AMAZING.  I was so exhausted I did not even eat it, I saved it for lunch the following day. 

Hero left me near my building and I realized, this is it, I am on my own.  I am really doing this.  I made it to my apartment and remembered the code (my apartment has no key it is a keyless entry with code)  and looked around my apartment.  The view was amazing but I had work to do to make it feel like home.  That would have to wait.  I was feeling a little sad but then I found that I still had internet from the teacher before and was able to call home!  I also got to chat with two great friends who are in the same time zone as I.  Huge encouragement.  It looks like the adventure of Chuseok Holiday is near, be ready! 

God has been so faithful, yet I still doubt and forget to press into Him.  His love truly is better than life as I knew or know it.
 It is written... "cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you..."
- Ps 55:22


<3 Kate

To walk towards something do you have to walk away from something?

Saturday September 18 at 6:00am as I walked towards the security check at OMA Eppley Airfield to board a plane that would be taking me one city closer to my new home.  My mother was right behind me, getting further and further away as I inched toward a future that a year ago could never have been imagined.  As I sat down in the boarding area for my plane I felt alone and terrified!  Suddenly I had a wonderful reunion with a good friend from college who was flying on the same plane as I!  What a comfort and fun experience.  As we chatted away, other bystanders joined in and this would begin the theme of my journey.  I had a three legged flight and changed planes twice.  I had no idea where I was going or how to get there.  Yet, on each flight I made a new friend each from a different place in the world.  It was very neat.  Each person helped me in a specific way get from one plane to another!  It was amazing! 

Flight Schedule

OMA to DENVER

DENVER to SAN FRANCISCO

SAN FRANCISCO to INCHEON/SEOUL

I arrived in Seoul at 3:20pm Sunday the 19th.  I made it through customs and was given a strong welcome!  My baggage was waiting for me at the claim.  I was very excited and relieved to know not only did I make it but so did my luggage!  Hero with HandsKorea picked me up from the airport.  I exchanged my money and rented a phone before departing form the airport.  The adventure of flying is a magnificent one.  Each flight was a success and took me closer to where I need to be.  Of course when you get close to one thing or place you might be getting further away from another.  I am learning that though leaving is hard and I love my family very much, sometimes we are called away from what is comfortable and called to trust something greater than ourselves or others, to surrender more of ourselves and experience a love unlike any other a love that is unconditional and always present.  So.. though I will miss my home and my family, I am embracing the season I am in and that there is one who is always with me, with me wherever I go.                       

Stay tuned for more photos and postings on the adventure of living in an apartment in Korea!

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
- Joshua 1:9

Kate