TEACHERS' DAY

Letters, messages, and gifts from current and former students for Teachers' Day 2013. Ochang, South Korea.

This morning started out a little rough. For several hours I dozed and snoozed, trying to squeeze in every second of extra sleep I could get. Days have gotten much longer now that summer is approaching, which means the early sunrise makes my apartment too bright and too hot to solidly sleep past 6 o’clock. Somehow I pulled myself out of bed, showered, shaved, dressed, and ate breakfast in record time. I even got to school a few minutes early for once.

Wednesdays are my longest days. I teach six periods, and immediately after my last class it’s time for staff volleyball. Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly looking forward to today. But, my attitude changed the moment I got to my office. A red carnation and handmade note from a student was waiting for me at my desk. What a nice surprise!

Today was Teachers’ Day in Korea. Annie, one of my best English students has always given me little gifts and snacks for certain holidays. She’s the kind of student I know will be very successful in life. There’s something different about her. Something special. And she’s always made me feel loved and appreciated.

The day just kept getting better after that. My classes went particularly well. I received various cards, letters, and notes from students. Some were written in English. Others were a combination of English and Korean. One was scribbled in Korean only. Each was so cute, and I’ll cherish them forever.

I was in for another surprise toward the end of the day. Several of my former students returned to Bibong Elementary to see their previous teachers. A few from my first group of sixth grade students, now in eighth grade, even decorated a balloon for me. It was so fun to catch up. They’ve grown a lot.

I made it just in time for the second round of staff volleyball this week. For some reason we played yesterday and today. I’m glad we did. I’ve continually improved, and other teachers, as well as my principal and vice principal, have noticed. They’ve taught me a lot, and have pushed me to get better.

Staff volleyball went from being one of my least favorite things in Korea to one of the highlights. It’s truly the only time and opportunity for me to bond with other teachers at my school, and feel like I’m part of the team. Playing a sport together doesn’t require a lot of spoken communication. We let cooperation and team spirit do the talking.

Since it was a special day to recognize teachers, we feasted on fried chicken, and various Korean dishes after volleyball. And right when I got home, I received a text message from Julia, one of my favorite sixth grade students from last year. Julia is like Annie. She’s gone above and beyond, and has always stood out to me. I hope to never lose track of her.

I’m so grateful for everything and everyone in my life at the moment. Even though the day started out a bit rough, it ended up being one of the best I’ve had in a long time. I even got a letter from a student I thought hated me. In it he confessed he used to be scared of me, but now he thinks I’m the kindest teacher. I need to give him bonus points for using English terms we learned in class.

I’m a very happy, proud, and thankful teacher as I get ready to call it a night. I hope my fellow Guest English Teachers in South Korea had a wonderful Teachers' Day too.

A TASTE OF HOME

2013 Global Seoul-Mate Mission 1: Thumbs up for brunch options in Seoul and throughout Korea. May, 2013.

Brunch is my favorite meal. I could eat breakfast food for lunch (or dinner) any day. I think enjoying a good brunch with great friends is the best way to spend a Sunday.

Sometimes I’m a morning person. Most times I’m not. I appreciate that brunch is generally served from late morning to early afternoon. I also like having the option of eating breakfast, brunch, and lunch if I’m feeling particularly gluttonous.

There’s something almost romantic about the morning light’s reflection off fresh fruit. Pancakes drizzled in maple syrup and butter, lightly topped with powdered sugar. The peppery and perfectly seasoned bite of a sausage paired with fluffy, cheesy eggs. And how it all mixes together into a tasty medley on my plate.

Usually, the type of food I miss the most while living abroad is a majority of what would be served for brunch in the United States. The kind of restaurants I crave the most while overseas are places like Perkins, or Waffle House—family diners and truck stops—all boasting to have the best breakfast food served all day, every day.

A few months ago I’d do about anything for a Mammoth Muffin from Perkins, or some greasy hash browns from Waffle House. Then I discovered there are actually many coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants serving brunch in South Korea. So, I’ve made it my personal mission to search for the best brunch in Seoul and throughout Korea.

Just as sausages go well with eggs (I used to be vegetarian), my goal of finding the best brunch in Korea goes well with my first assignment as a Global Seoul-Mate: What do I like about Seoul?

Answer: I like the options I have to experience another culture, while at the same as time getting a taste of home. Seoul continues to rapidly transform into an impressive, international city with cultural influences from all over the world.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Korean food. In fact, I may be borderline obsessed. However, sometimes I simply need a wholesome, hearty “Western” brunch to replenish my Midwestern roots. Preferably served with a bottomless cup of fresh drip coffee at a place like Suji's in Itaewon, Seoul.

Be sure to follow my quest for the best brunch in Seoul and throughout Korea. The plan is to post occasional updates offering my humble, somewhat comical and not-so-critical (or professional) opinion about each place I visit. Hopefully it will become an additional brunch resource for travelers, expats, and locals in South Korea.

UNFORGETTABLE BIRTHDAY

A birthday cake, candles, and decorations from Janna in Seoul, South Korea. May, 2013.

A cute, puppy pastry from Janna.

Birthdays aren’t too big of a deal to me, but I do like to surround myself with good friends, lots of food, and even more wine to celebrate. That's what the plan was for my 29th birthday. Hit up the wine happy hour and dinner buffet at COEX InterContinental Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, with a few friends.

Even though the list of attendees and festivities were quite small this year, my birthday gathering was sure to be a good time. However, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Instead of wine and Champagne at the InterContinental, I drank water out of a paper cup from a dispenser. Instead of endless amounts of food, I spent much of the evening hungry. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Accidents happen. And when they happen, it seems perspectives are refreshed. I was reminded of a lot this evening. Most importantly, I was reminded of how valuable friends are, as well as how quickly everything can change.

Janna, one the most wonderful people I’ve met in Korea, prepared a little surprise for my birthday. When Howl and I arrived at her place in Seoul, she had displayed a little cake on her table with candles, alongide other cute snacks and a gift. It was such a delightful welcome. We sat and chatted while devouring the deliciousness she so thoughtfully prepared.

With Janna in a taxi on the way to the hospital. Although getting part of
your front tooth knocked out is a traumatizing experience, it's still a
moment in life worth documenting. PHOTO BY JANNA. May, 2013.

As is usually the case, we talked for too long and had to rush to get ready. But, just as we were about to leave for the evening, something quite unexpected occurred. Janna slipped on her wet bathroom floor, fell, and hit her face on the concrete kitchen tile. Half of her front tooth was lying on the floor when we found her a few moments after.

We immediately canceled our plans, and rushed her to Seoul National University’s Hospital Dental Emergency Room. 

Makgeolli cheers in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea. May, 2013.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Janna was worried she had ruined by birthday. I assured her she hadn’t ruined anything. It just made it better. We were able to share an experience we’ll never forget, one that just happened to be on my birthday. I’m the one who should be thanking her for being willing to celebrate. Even after getting her tooth temporarily reattached following a nearly three-hour, somewhat traumatic experience in the dental emergency room.

Gabby, another one of my closest friends in Korea, joined us for the rest of the evening. We went out for Middle Eastern cuisine and drinks in Itaewon, and then ended the night at a makgeolli bar where we drank just the right amount of rice wine mixed with honey to get us tipsy and laughing about everything that had happened.

I’m so thankful for refreshed perspectives, for friends in Korea, and for 29 amazing years of life. I’ll never forget the time my friend, Janna, slipped on her bathroom floor and knocked out most of her front tooth in Korea. What an unforgettable birthday!