I'm in Canada. It has been a whirlwind of things. I am sitting here wondering if Korea really happened or not. I didn't really sleep much on the planes, probably only about an hour. So it feels like this all happened in one day. I was in 4 countries, and magically I'm at home!
I keep thinking I will wake up soon because for the last 3 months I've been having dreams about coming home, only to wake up and notice that I'm still in Korea.
Anyway, it has been wonderful to see my family and I will see my friends soon enough! Well, I'm busy unpacking to try to stay awake! I'll keep doing that until dinner! lol.
I suppose that's all I will write here. Thanks for all of your comments and your thoughts over the past year! It was really rewarding and I'm so happy that I did it!! I'll miss Korea a lot, but I'm so happy to be back home!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
As the sun sets in Asia...
Here it is - my last blog post from Korea. I might make one more when I get back to Canada, but it's time to put this blog to rest.
People are going to ask me, "How was Korea"? I think it would take me about an hour to give them an honest answer.
Take a normal year in Canada and think of all the ways you feel throughout it. Amplify every feeling by 10x.
Feelings of loneliness were coupled with anxiety and isolation. Feelings of frustration came along with a language barrier and cultural differences that take a long time to get used to. Feelings of doubt brought with them challenges of adapting to a new country, and trying to do a new job well or getting eaten alive by kids while trying!
On the other hand, feelings of excitement would come with curiosity, and the thrill of experiencing such an amazing place and discovering such an beautiful culture. Being so privileged and fortunate to be able to go to the other side of the world for a once in a life time opportunity is an indescribable feeling. I will always be thankful to Korea and its people for teaching me about valuing what other countries have to offer, and what I can offer to other countries.
Korea has been a roller coaster of events and emotions. I'd be flat out lying if I were to say I didn't like it at times. I'd even be flat out lying if I were to say I didn't look up flights to come home half way through! I'm proud that I stayed and went through the year. Even though work has made me more frustrated than I've ever been, it was a challenge and I'm glad I stuck through to the end.
I will really miss Korea when I get home, but I think the excitement of being back in Canada will over shadow those feelings for at least a couple weeks. Then I'm sure I'll start to think, "I remember in Korea... this was easier... this was fun..." (I'm thinking of the convenience of ordering in McDonald's).
Anyway, to all the people in Korea and to all the people I've met when I taught here, I want to say thank you. Thank you for helping me and for showing me what a wonderful thing it is to be with friends when you're far away from home. Thank you for being with me on Christmas when we were all happy and warm because we were with each other. Thank you for being with me when I was lost in Seoul! Thank you for being there always.
To all the people in Canada - I'm so excited to get home and to see everyone. A year is way too long to be apart, and I can't wait to see all of you! Thank you for being so supportive when I decided to come here - it was that support that made me confident enough to make the decision.
And now it's time I have to say good bye from Korea. I'll miss it and love it forever.
Hopefully I'll be back some day...
Goodbye, Korea.
Ian
People are going to ask me, "How was Korea"? I think it would take me about an hour to give them an honest answer.
Take a normal year in Canada and think of all the ways you feel throughout it. Amplify every feeling by 10x.
Feelings of loneliness were coupled with anxiety and isolation. Feelings of frustration came along with a language barrier and cultural differences that take a long time to get used to. Feelings of doubt brought with them challenges of adapting to a new country, and trying to do a new job well or getting eaten alive by kids while trying!
On the other hand, feelings of excitement would come with curiosity, and the thrill of experiencing such an amazing place and discovering such an beautiful culture. Being so privileged and fortunate to be able to go to the other side of the world for a once in a life time opportunity is an indescribable feeling. I will always be thankful to Korea and its people for teaching me about valuing what other countries have to offer, and what I can offer to other countries.
Korea has been a roller coaster of events and emotions. I'd be flat out lying if I were to say I didn't like it at times. I'd even be flat out lying if I were to say I didn't look up flights to come home half way through! I'm proud that I stayed and went through the year. Even though work has made me more frustrated than I've ever been, it was a challenge and I'm glad I stuck through to the end.
I will really miss Korea when I get home, but I think the excitement of being back in Canada will over shadow those feelings for at least a couple weeks. Then I'm sure I'll start to think, "I remember in Korea... this was easier... this was fun..." (I'm thinking of the convenience of ordering in McDonald's).
Anyway, to all the people in Korea and to all the people I've met when I taught here, I want to say thank you. Thank you for helping me and for showing me what a wonderful thing it is to be with friends when you're far away from home. Thank you for being with me on Christmas when we were all happy and warm because we were with each other. Thank you for being with me when I was lost in Seoul! Thank you for being there always.
To all the people in Canada - I'm so excited to get home and to see everyone. A year is way too long to be apart, and I can't wait to see all of you! Thank you for being so supportive when I decided to come here - it was that support that made me confident enough to make the decision.
And now it's time I have to say good bye from Korea. I'll miss it and love it forever.
Hopefully I'll be back some day...
Goodbye, Korea.
Ian
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
I'M DONE.
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW. I can't believe it - I'm done! I'm having troubles typing without making mistakes because I'm way to excited to sit still right now! I didn't know it would feel this good, but when the bell rang, I was just SO happy and really proud of myself for doing the whole year. I remember thinking to myself many times that I couldn't do it, or that I should just quit and go home, but I didn't and now I'm so happy that I lasted the whole time.
I can't explain this feeling! I don't think I've ever been so happy to have finished something! It's just such a strange feeling because it's happiness mixed with excitement because I'll be going home really soon!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Wow, I just can't believe it. I had a really good last day, and now it's over and I can't believe that tomorrow I don't have to go to work, but I can just go around Korea for my last day. I will go into work because Charles wants to say goodbye and thank you in a more personal setting than after work when everyone is standing right there and waiting to leave.
AHHHH.
I'm going to Galbi.
I can't explain this feeling! I don't think I've ever been so happy to have finished something! It's just such a strange feeling because it's happiness mixed with excitement because I'll be going home really soon!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Wow, I just can't believe it. I had a really good last day, and now it's over and I can't believe that tomorrow I don't have to go to work, but I can just go around Korea for my last day. I will go into work because Charles wants to say goodbye and thank you in a more personal setting than after work when everyone is standing right there and waiting to leave.
AHHHH.
I'm going to Galbi.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Last Monday
Well, I had my last classes of MWF. I still can't believe I'm saying things like "last" and "goodbye"... it's weird.
Anyway, they went well. I also met the new teacher today, and he seems really nice. He taught kindergarten before, and he seems to be really good with kids. It wasn't terribly sad to see any of my classes go, but hey... that's life.
I WAS sad to see one student of mine go (Karen). She was such a sweetie and I'm going to miss her a lot. She gave me her e-mail address though.
Carlos (the teacher who took over for Lindsay) had his class (my old class) make a big card which they all signed. It was sooo nice to get that, I think it's the best thing I've gotten from students! I will bring it home and put it on display for everyone to see!
I also had my last meal at the Soondubu restaurant. I took a picture with the ladies who work there. We went there with the staff from school. It was nice to have one last dinner together. Anyway, I will attach those 2 pictures here for your viewing pleasure.
Oh, one more piece of good news - the new teacher is living with his uncle now so he doesn't need housing which means that I don't have to move out of my apartment until I actually leave to go to the airport Thursday morning, and that is truly magical. Much less stress.
Alright, time for bed. After tonight, I will have 2 more sleeps until I go home. That's so exciting, I don't think I can explain it!
Good night everyone!
Anyway, they went well. I also met the new teacher today, and he seems really nice. He taught kindergarten before, and he seems to be really good with kids. It wasn't terribly sad to see any of my classes go, but hey... that's life.
I WAS sad to see one student of mine go (Karen). She was such a sweetie and I'm going to miss her a lot. She gave me her e-mail address though.
Carlos (the teacher who took over for Lindsay) had his class (my old class) make a big card which they all signed. It was sooo nice to get that, I think it's the best thing I've gotten from students! I will bring it home and put it on display for everyone to see!
I also had my last meal at the Soondubu restaurant. I took a picture with the ladies who work there. We went there with the staff from school. It was nice to have one last dinner together. Anyway, I will attach those 2 pictures here for your viewing pleasure.
Oh, one more piece of good news - the new teacher is living with his uncle now so he doesn't need housing which means that I don't have to move out of my apartment until I actually leave to go to the airport Thursday morning, and that is truly magical. Much less stress.
Alright, time for bed. After tonight, I will have 2 more sleeps until I go home. That's so exciting, I don't think I can explain it!
Good night everyone!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
3 days
Oh my goodness, this happened fast. I have 3 days left.
Right now, I'm just getting ready to go to the pension office so that I can arrange for my pension to be sent to my Canadian back account. Tomorrow I have to go to the bank and send home my last 2 pay cheques. After that I have to cancel my cell phone, and then I'm all set to go home on Thursday morning at.... 5:30. Oh dear. I will have to wake up at 4:30 to make the flight and everything, but it's definately worth it.
Alright, I have to get moving or else I'll be late! Buh bye everyone!!!
Right now, I'm just getting ready to go to the pension office so that I can arrange for my pension to be sent to my Canadian back account. Tomorrow I have to go to the bank and send home my last 2 pay cheques. After that I have to cancel my cell phone, and then I'm all set to go home on Thursday morning at.... 5:30. Oh dear. I will have to wake up at 4:30 to make the flight and everything, but it's definately worth it.
Alright, I have to get moving or else I'll be late! Buh bye everyone!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
One year
Well, it's officially one year. I have been living in Korea for one year. Oh my goodness. Time flies, but when I look at what happened in the year it's easy to see that it's been a long time because so much has happened!
In the far east, I went to China and Japan while my friends at home were welcoming a new dog to the family. Soon enough it was summer and it was my sister's 1st year anniversary. Before I knew it, September came along and my friends were welcoming a new baby to the family!
Time is a funny thing. It never does what we want it to, but really it doesn't change, so we're all just crazy. Anyway, last night I saw Howon and some of his friends for the last time which was nice. I took pictures.
Today I'm going to go into Seoul and do some shopping for things I can't buy when I'm in Canada (fake things like scarves)... although I think I should ease up on the scarf buying... I'm at 7 now, so I think that might be enough. Maybe one more.
I have my second bag half packed, and I must say I'm quite impressed with myself. I am usually not on top of things like this. I guess packing makes me feel like I'm ready to go home, and brings it a bit closer.
I did my last load of laundry before I go, so I will just pick out 5 shirts and things to go for each day and that way I can see if all of my clothes fit into the suitcase. It will be really close, but I hope I don't have to ship anything home.
I think that's about all the news today. I'll update probably after the weekend some time! Have a great weekend everyone, and next weekend, I'll be in Canada!!!
In the far east, I went to China and Japan while my friends at home were welcoming a new dog to the family. Soon enough it was summer and it was my sister's 1st year anniversary. Before I knew it, September came along and my friends were welcoming a new baby to the family!
Time is a funny thing. It never does what we want it to, but really it doesn't change, so we're all just crazy. Anyway, last night I saw Howon and some of his friends for the last time which was nice. I took pictures.
Today I'm going to go into Seoul and do some shopping for things I can't buy when I'm in Canada (fake things like scarves)... although I think I should ease up on the scarf buying... I'm at 7 now, so I think that might be enough. Maybe one more.
I have my second bag half packed, and I must say I'm quite impressed with myself. I am usually not on top of things like this. I guess packing makes me feel like I'm ready to go home, and brings it a bit closer.
I did my last load of laundry before I go, so I will just pick out 5 shirts and things to go for each day and that way I can see if all of my clothes fit into the suitcase. It will be really close, but I hope I don't have to ship anything home.
I think that's about all the news today. I'll update probably after the weekend some time! Have a great weekend everyone, and next weekend, I'll be in Canada!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Freitag
That would be Friday in German. I got my hands on an audio book version of the first Harry Potter book, but in German. (Harry Potter und der Stein Der Weisen), and I listened to it last night while I was sleeping. I think that if I listen to German while I sleep, I'll magically become fluent! lol.
Right well, it's Friday and since it's the 20th of November, it's been a year since I left to come to Korea. Tomorrow, it will have been 1 year since I got here though.
Today I have an open class with parents coming. I will bring my camera today to school because I want to take pictures with my classes.
I got 2 gifts yesterday from students who I've been teaching almost the whole time I was here. One is David and one is Anna, and they are brother and sister. It was really nice. David gave me a pencil, and Anna gave me a mug. I always comment on David's pencils in class, and he tells me that they are 9000 won. I give him a hard time and tease him by saying that I don't believe him, but every day I still say it's a nice pencil. He bought me one! It was really nice because I wasn't expecting anything from anyone!
I had Soondubu last night. I have my food schedule planned out from next Tuesday to Thursday. Tuesday night I am having soondubu, Wednesday night is Galbi. For lunch, I have to get to the pasta place that I like, and probably one more visit to Hyundai Department store.
I can hear the soondubu ladies getting things ready for today outside the window. They always put some kind of oyster or shelled thing onto this metal pan outside and it's really loud. Anyway, they do it just after 10 and that's when I wake up so it's ok.
This weekend I'll be meeting up with Howon for one last time before I go (my Korean friend), and Saturday I'll be going to Hongdae. Sunday I'm meeting with Jenny for dinner and I'll be packing that night also.
After that, I'm all set to go and I'll have said goodbye to everyone! I proposed a work dinner on Monday night that I hope everyone remembers about, but I'll remind them today just in case.
That's my story. I'll update soon!
Right well, it's Friday and since it's the 20th of November, it's been a year since I left to come to Korea. Tomorrow, it will have been 1 year since I got here though.
Today I have an open class with parents coming. I will bring my camera today to school because I want to take pictures with my classes.
I got 2 gifts yesterday from students who I've been teaching almost the whole time I was here. One is David and one is Anna, and they are brother and sister. It was really nice. David gave me a pencil, and Anna gave me a mug. I always comment on David's pencils in class, and he tells me that they are 9000 won. I give him a hard time and tease him by saying that I don't believe him, but every day I still say it's a nice pencil. He bought me one! It was really nice because I wasn't expecting anything from anyone!
I had Soondubu last night. I have my food schedule planned out from next Tuesday to Thursday. Tuesday night I am having soondubu, Wednesday night is Galbi. For lunch, I have to get to the pasta place that I like, and probably one more visit to Hyundai Department store.
I can hear the soondubu ladies getting things ready for today outside the window. They always put some kind of oyster or shelled thing onto this metal pan outside and it's really loud. Anyway, they do it just after 10 and that's when I wake up so it's ok.
This weekend I'll be meeting up with Howon for one last time before I go (my Korean friend), and Saturday I'll be going to Hongdae. Sunday I'm meeting with Jenny for dinner and I'll be packing that night also.
After that, I'm all set to go and I'll have said goodbye to everyone! I proposed a work dinner on Monday night that I hope everyone remembers about, but I'll remind them today just in case.
That's my story. I'll update soon!
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