Updates from the Land of Morning Calm. . .or something to that effect

This past weekend we went to a Mime Festival in my favorite part of Korea. This is the same area where we went for the Ice Fishing Festival in January and is by far one of the most beautiful on the peninsula. The festival was of an outdoor fringe festival with all sorts of performances. When I arrived home Sunday I had 5 voicemails from people at home concerned about North Korea. I am alive and well. As usual during such threats Korean children practice their drills in case of an attack and life goes on as normal. If you are a teacher, you should ask your kids to demonstrate. . .it is worth a laugh.

The teachers at CDI got a week off of work because so many of their teachers are suspected of having the Swine Flu. They were released earlier this week, but you can read the blog that one of the captives has been keeping here.

In March our school switched nams from Poly to Knox. Well a franchise of the Poly school opened literally across the street. I can look out of my classroom window and see their sign. Since many Korean mothers identify with branding, this includes brands of Hogwans, we have seen several students leave our school. For example the Pluto class, which once upon a time had 12, is down to 7 students. The Pluto and Jupiter classes actually retained more than most of the other Kindergarten classes. I miss certain students dearly, but I must admit that seven is much easier to handle when teaching math and science.

I think this is all I have for now. Tootles!

It's almost June and time for updates

If you are reading this, thank you. It has been a while since I last updated this site, but so much has happened. A brief rundown. . .
1. Spring has passed and SUMMER IS HERE!
2. Libby visited in April.

3. I am considering staying in Korea for graduate school.
4. I love teaching kindergarten.

5. We went to the zoo last week!
6. I lost my voice, went to a Chinese doctor and had it back within hours. There is truth in Chinese medicine.
7. I have been to a Bulls Fighting Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Rape Flower Festival, Penis Park, the Beach and other sites in the last several months.
8. The mountains of Korea are beautiful.
9. Amanda left (then came back YAY!!!!!), Mindy left (but will be back :(.
10. I bought a pink cruiser, basket and bell included.
11. Amy and I danced with a Buddha at the Anyang Art Park.


12. I Gave myself a black eye from a rather nasty sinus infection.


I will try update more often within the next couple of months.
-Ellen

Water Footprint Visual

I would recommend clicking on the image to view the entire chart.

Kindergarten on a Monday morning

I started teaching Kindergarten this week. My homeroom class is known as Pluto. I started laughing at myself for the internal realization that Pluto isn't even a planet (another faux pas we'll blame on Knox). Pluto is so far removed from our solar system that it is just another piece of rock floating around the sun. "Is this how they see my kids?!" was the defending question that ran through my head. As I looked into their little Korean eyes and corrected Sean to please remove his finger from his nostril, I explained to my little Plutos that we are different than the other Kindergarten classes because they are planets. Pluto is the exception because "our planet is considered a dwarf planet."

I was then greeted with the question from Wide Eyed Andy "Teacher. . .what is planet?"




This is Monday in Pluto.

Birthdays to come

Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate my 23 years on Earth. I will post photos and further comments about activities in the next couple of days.

Miguks

"Miguk" is the Korean term for American. Some expats come to Korea trying to embrace the Korean culture and traditions. This includes small gestures such as how you receive something that is handed to you. Also how you address people older and younger than you.
This beer commercial was shown to me by a group of 2nd graders. I felt a de ja vue after seeing it.



The actress' name is Brownwyn Mullen. Apparently she is somewhat of a celebrity in Korea.

Kimchi Deficit and Avian Flu

A while back I had a conversation with some Korean friends about how Kimchi prevented the Avian flu from spreading to South Korea. Apparently the BBC agrees.

In other news. . .kimchi sales have been down since the economic downturn.
Perhaps they should release more infected chickens into China to increase sales! Or lay claim that it will purify all of the American beef that they are being fed. Ultimately kimchi will cure people of mad cow disease, fan death AND altzeimers.

Amazingly Tofu Lady's price per block has not gone up. If this happens, it is the definite sign of a worldwide recession.