It snowed today and thus the pictures. It's almost Christmas. Which means this week Ill be dressing up as Santa Claus to deliver some presents to kids from the school. It should be fun. I'm not sure if Ill get pictures of that or not. But it should produce a good story. I just got a chair along with my bookshelve I've told some of you about. I wanted to show a picture here. The ugly picture is my street, but I was impressed by the size of the snowflakes. It will be a different Christmas. One thing I do miss from home are the lights. Theres not much in the way of Christmas lights in the city. So I'm going to a city in the south for Christmas weekend. But Ill be home for Christmas. The teachers will have a dinner together. Ill miss home. Mom's cookies will bring me closer. I hope you all have a good week, Christmas and New Years. I only have Christmas off, but then I have the next week off, so I plan to get up north to the DMZ and some mountains along the border. Enjoy the holidays.

A Wedding and A Hike

Yesterday, I went to my first Korean wedding. One of the teachers I used to work with got married to a Korean girl. It was a lot of fun. I was laughing most of the service because of the informal style. There was a sort of MC who always said what was coming next. After a long bit of Korean he would break and say stuff like, "Ok, just say yes." A few of my kids were there running up and down the aisles hitting me. There was a lot of clapping. You could tell there wasn't a rehearsal as we understand it. But it was a lot of fun.

Then today I got inspired and went for a hike. I decided to climb to the top of our local mountain. I got off to a late start, leaving my apartment at 1:30. I got there around 2:15 and marched my way to the top. It's just under 4,000 feet so its a sufficient climb. I got to the top and took the can of tuna I had made it into a sandwich. It was nice and cold and beautiful as the pictures might tell. I'm up in the white that you can see far away in the first picture. Then I marched down at times running, to make sure I caught the bus home before they stopped running. I stopped for a bit to sit in the woods. I had to take the time to hear one of my favorite sounds...nothing. It was good and dark before I reached the bottom. Now I'm tired and will probably be walking like a duck tomorrow, but I like ducks.

I wanted to show some pictures from last weekend's kimchee festival. There was some good kimchee. It was a festive time. Thanksgiving came and went with no turkey. But I have no complaints because I made some delicious rice and kimchee. Some women with the Church of God came over, and I must say I have difficulty turning away anyone who wants to talk. I've learned a bit about the last plagues and how I can escape them. They were nice ladies. And they have put a face to one religious group I can't agree with but now know as individuals. I'm working on my debating nature and trying to listen better to, how shall I say-- "difficult" messages. It has been fruitful for me at least. I can't speak for them, but I know I'm not yet a successful convert. On another topic, I did get to talk with some other teachers about time and space; which some may know I enjoy discussing. So that was a highlight last night.

A weekend in Seoul

I spent last weekend in Seo
ul with some other teachers. It was a good time of walking, eating, smoking, etc. It was nice to travel with some friends again. We met up with a teacher who I used to work with, and he showed a nice used bookstore I will frequent on Seoul trips. We also some found some good stores where we found lentils, spices, and cheese. Thought I would share a few pictures.

I think that you have favorite kids for different parts of yourself. Like there's your cute favorite, your surprising favorite, your laughing favorite, your smiling favorite, your whimpering favorite, etc. John is my bizarre favorite. He doesn't speak as much as he makes sound effects and crazy faces followed by explosions. But John got me again the other day. Every day we have show and tell. It can get quite monotonous from having it every day and objects ranging from stuffed animals to paper clips. We once had two beetles which I allowed the kids to take out and successfully send the girls into panicked squeals (one example of a good monotony breaker)
But this day as questions came to a close I was sure I had no idea what John had brought in. As we counted down for the exposure, John ran to the door. Once again unsure of his ultimate purpose I questioned him to tell me what it was he had brought in. With great pride John opened his bag to reveal two full body dried squids. This is not an uncommon sight in Korea, but I was never anticipating such a gift in my class. Also, as a show and tell item it poses quite a problem for distribution and consumption. Luckily John had solved this trivial issue for me, prearranging plans with a Korean teacher to cut up the jerky and offer it on plates. I obliged and we feasted on quite bland and tough squid jerky. The good kind is prepared differently. These boys were just hung out to dry, no seasoning or cutting. Just thought you might like to meet a story from John.

And today was a good day. I decided to go downtown for some morning coffee as I started a new book. I couldn't have found a nicer chair to read in. Perhaps coffee will be a more common Saturday excursion. After a quick lunch I hung around the downtown area reading out on a wonderfully cool and breezy fall day.
Earlier, on my way to the subway I bumped into an older Korean man (Edward) I had met at the doctors this week. We talked for a bit before his stop. Then later I met another older man who started talking with me and invited me to the International meeting that is held once a week at the International Center. I was planning on stumbling in sometime this month, but needed the extra luxury of knowing the time and having someone to join. It was nice to connect with some new people, and hear a talk on Migrant Workers in Korea. Edward was there and he invited me to ride the subway back with him afterwards. We talked a bit and he invited me to his home. There he showed me his stamp and coin collection. They were quite impressive. Funny that I saw my first silver dollar today, and in Korea! But we had a good time just sitting on the floor. He talked about his passion for languages, coins, stamps and all his travels. It's good to have an elder contact in Korea. I was amazed to learn he is 69, when by appearance, as I suppose with all Koreans, he looks years younger. It must be the hiking and kimchee. So I promised to add some Egyptian coins to his collection, and we will meet again at the International Center on another Saturday.
Tomorrow I will go to Maisan, a nice looking place. Hopefully I can produce some pictures with that. But it will be a more eventful weekend than previous weekends of perpetual sickness. Hope you are all well.

So many of you should know that I have decided to stay another year in Korea. It was a difficult decision to make, but I have decided that it is what I would like to do. A big part of reasoning is no doubt to continue to pay down my college debt. I have also enjoyed the past year, and can't think of too many reasons to look for a new workplace while I enjoy what I'm doing. Another year should help me improve a lot as a teacher. And I am looking forward to the experience of working with some different ages and levels. I wasn't planning on having to make a decision this early, but I suppose its easier now to have it made.

I have been sick the past week. I think it is a lack of comfortable chairs. Not the immediate cause, but I can't rest and recover comfortably without being in bed, which who wants to do when you just feel half-sick. Maybe one of the biggest frusterations with Korea is the lack of good chairs. I think if it weren't for sitting on the floor in class, my back would be in a twisted knot. It does hurt a bit.

Novels have returned to my primary reading. I have gotten into some good books by VS Naipaul and Chaim Potok. It's reason for celebration. A renewal in reading vigor. I also believe I am getting more into studying Korean now that I will be here a bit longer. Did some studying today, I remember a good bit of what I studied before, I just never use it. So I need to get into situations where my language is useful...usually not the case, the books I study are a bit impractical. So I'm sick, I need to get to bed, but I guess it's good to put up some words after a month or so. Ill try to be more frequent. Sorry.

Good day. Im still in a daze. I've spent most of the last two days sleeping, trying to recover from jet lag and a busy week. It was a good week at home. It was a good wedding.

Good to see many of you. I thought I would just throw up some pictures from the wedding while I'm still awake. So here they are. It was a wonderful time, my sister and good friend are now married. Talk again later when my rest is satisfied.

September...and it seems the weather patterns are already changing. We went from high humidity in relatively hot weather about two weeks ago to what feels like 50 degree nights. Today was the most beautiful day I've seen in a while. It's not so much the tempature drink, its the drop in humidity that you notice. I can now walk down the street without breaking out in a sweat. I don't even need my fan anymore. I don't mean to brag, if you happen to be stuck in the heat, wherever you are. I'm just loving the day.

I did some cleaning last night and am now feeling better about my apartment than ever. I got a new clean pillow too, so that's nice. This weekend I went back to the temple I did the retreat at. It was nice to be back among the mindful in a season of looser practice. Meaning I was able to talk more freely with those I had only known in silence the week of the retreat. The landscape and deep hum of cicadas and locusts was enough to bring me back for some solitude. But the conversations were inspiring as well. At the top are some pictures for those who want to put three views of this place in their mind. I find it to be helping me place my focus on the present moment and live each moment as it is...all there is. Or so I try to let it.

There hasn't been too much documentable action the past month or so. Life is becoming more stable, routine, balanced. I go for walks at night at the park. On the weekends I've been going hiking at the local mountains. I watched a sweet documentary on lions this past sunday. So you might get the idea. Nothing outrageous, but I'm continuing to enjoy each day. I teach kids every day, so if you know that you might be able to understand my state. I love it, but it's a daily challenge.

So Ill be coming home in about three weeks for a wedding. That is my sisters wedding. I'm pretty excited about that. I have my ticket and flight information. It will be a long trip but Ill have about a week to visit with many of you. Hopefully Ill see many of you at the wedding. I would love to visit with everyone that I have been out of contact with for so long. But I realize a week is a long and short time. So I look forward to seeing some of you, but others forgive me as Im sure you understand many things will be on the table. That said I hope to be seeing many of you soon.

Tap

One of the things I loved about the temple was the food and method of eating very mindfully. It made it even more simple and enjoyable to eat food. So the past week I have been cooking a lot trying to incorperate some of the methods of cooking they used at the temple. But my ventures culminated in an effort friday night that you can see above. Inside is brown rice, onions, tomatoes, red yellow and orange pepers, leaf lettuce, and cheese. Perhaps not the culinary masterpiece of a revered chef, but I was very happy with the flavors in my mouth. Cheese is something so rare in Gwangju. My friends went on a two hour train ride to track down some good colby jack for me, for which I am eternally grateful.

The Buddhist practice is to eat in silence. I've found it to be a very insightful practice. When you eat only eat. When you finish you wash your dishes, and then only wash your dishes. So my eating habits have been changing and my kitchen has maintained a cleanliness it rarely saw before. I wish to share this joy with you all, thus the picture below. With this practice I not only maintain cleanliness, but also find myself eating breakfast again, after about a three year period of abstention. And with a more regularly spanned eating schedule, along with full delicious meals, I find myself eating slim to none between meals. Needless to say I'm a fan. Im keeping a more regular schedule and finding it much easier to be when I need to.

Kyol Che

For those unaware I just had a week vacation, which I chose to spend in the mountains at a Buddhist temple. I arrived last Saturday and caught a train back to Gwangju yesterday afternoon. The temple was at the end of a seasonal retreat called Kyol Che. The community was English speaking with two American Zen Masters. The monks and nuns were also a mix of nationalities from Malaysia, Russia, Israel, Czech Republic, Korea... Along with this set community were lay people who were spending three months/one month/ a week, like myself, in the temple.

It was a week. It wasn't good, wasn't bad...it just was. I wasn't so concerned with the vow of silence...that I could do. But eight hours sitting in meditation seemed like a daunting task after only the first day. Waking up at three in the morning sounded even less appealing. However, over the course of the week I began to focus my energies on the ever elusive everday mind. (That is to live moment to moment, entertaining no thoughts of what you have to do later or what mistakes/glorious actions you have made in the past./ The lack of thought...only being.) With this mind or search of it, time did not exist...eight hours became not too short, not too long. The beauty of the week was essential being. When I was hungry I ate...thirsty, I drank...when it was time to sit I only sat. When it was time to weed or pick corn, only that. I have always been attracted to the philosophy of Buddhist/Eastern traditions. The practice was only more to put my mind at ease and bring me back to this moment.

I could tell you many things that I learned but I'm sure it wouldn't translate. Some of you may have already left me at the word "Buddhist". No worries. I will try to live this moment and only that.

Ulleungdo

Just a few sights from this weekend. I went with two other teachers to an island of the east coast called Ulleungdo. It was a long trip. Along the way we took a bus, a train, and a high speed ferry. Upon arrival we were met with heavy rain, that has continued through today. If you've seen the news maybe they've shown the flooding in Seoul? The island had a constant flow of water running down to the sea. It wasn't enough to keep us from getting out, but it did make it pretty cold along the way. We had a nice hike that wound its way up and around the cliffs on the coast. It was very nice. We took a small ferry around the island after we settled into a small minba- homestay/motel. So with that the hike and a long bus ride we got around the island twice in about a day and a half. We warmed up both days in a sauna after our long outings. A beautiful thing even if your clothes are wet for when you come out. I was a little upset that I couldn't be there this wednesday for the annual squid festival. I had to get a picture of this squid statue. And indeed there was a lot of squid. So it was a good weekend. We even hooked up with teachers from another city. And I got some practice with my Korean amongst some older Islanders who invited us to join them for lunch after our long hike. Peace.

Bittersweet

Funny things happen. The other day a bee flew into me on my bike to plant a stinging kiss on my sweet lips. I don't know why bees like my face so much. I've had a nose sting, several neck stings and now we're moving a little more intimate. I don't appreciate being stung on the move...its pretty hazardous to be stung riding through the city on a bike. But escaped with only a fat lip to tell the story.

It can be said that laryngitis is a difficult thing to teach with. So Ill say it. But not out loud. These evenings are my time of rest. I try to spend the whole night in silence to rest my ailing larynx. Today it got so bad I went on my first trip to the doctors office in Korea. I've been feeling not so good for the past 4 or 5 days. But the loss of speaking power has been gone for about two. Today was ridiculous. Hopefully the medication will work fast so I can speak. I'm not quite down to a whisper but I feel that coming late in the day after so much talking. Who would of thought I would get a job where I have to speak so much. At least I have kids... who make it alright. Today one of my morning girls made it alright by explaining a night club to me. (Its one of our vocab words) She told me that's where you go on a date. I asked what else happens there and pointed at the picture on the flashcard(the people were dancing). She says "Jump rope!"

I only wish, we could jump rope at night clubs. There's a good entreprenurial idea for anyone who wants to run with it.

Went to a conference this weekend hosted by Mikail Gorbachev and Kim Dae Jung. A bunch of Nobel Peace Laureates came out to Gwangju to the conference center I used to live right beside. They talked about the nuclear problem on the peninsula and how to move towards reunification. It was refreshing to be in the mist of conversations of the sort. It also happened that I made my first appearance on Korean TV through that event. I knew they were filming but I wasn't sure I had made the cut until a bunch of my kids said they saw me on the news Monday. They had some fun emulating the stare I apparently held. I regret to report that I failed to take my camera with me so I didn't get any pictures during the conference.

An impressive show by the Korean National team against France on Sunday. It was 4 am here, when everyone woke up for the party...if they went to sleep. I decided to wake up 5 to see the last half and was glad to catch the tieing goal. We are in position. We just need to beat Switzerland. Ill probably be headed to the Gwangju World Cup Stadium on Saturday morning to see the game, another 4 am game. I've heard its been packed the last two games.

I have included here a picture of my bike to bring you closer to my Korean experience. (We share a lot of time together) I've told some of you Im searching for a name...(you should always name your bike) So I'm open to receiving any recommendations. Also here is a picture of a routinely visited site. Soccer courts, where I work on my skills for my World Cup debut. It has been my source of exercise and meditation in a country a little too cramped for free/thoughtless runs. And I think I can say I have improved enough to now compete with the 3 year olds who used to school me in Cairo.

I'm enjoying the world cup, Im about to get into the busy week or two of school, followed by Parent conferences in another week. So some new experiences there, but it should be fun. Peace.

A Midweek Break

Today was municipal election day in Korea, so we had a wonderful midweek break. A bunch of the teachers and I decided to take a hike. So we went to Jiri national park better known as Jirisan. It was very nice to have some time to relax. I am little sad we had to spend so much time on the bus. But we hiked up a little bit...I took a swim, visited a hermitage, saw a bug, listened to the stream. It was a nice little trip. Here are some pictures. The water was amazingly clear. I even took a picture of myself for those who always complain for the lack of my face on this blog. Beautiful Im sure. Im back, ready to go back for two days to finish out the week, then I'm heading to Seoul this weekend.

Im starting to feel the warmth of the sun. Its getting humid and hot. Its nice for the evenings when its just beautiful and I can go to the park and kick the soccer ball around. I'm also trying to do some more running along the river. (So many new possiblities with a bike)

The Post Office

Thursday was our second school field trip. We went to the post office. Now hopes were high because I told my kids we were going to the moon. That I have learned can be a mistake. And nothing against post offices here, but for 3 to 6 year olds, if all they're going to see is empty rooms where mail is supposed to go and an occasional stamping...there's a little room for boredom. Even my most curious student, Joon, above in the blue, wasn't scoping each crack out like he usually does. Here are some of my boys making up for the lost excitement. Eventually we went to the park for a little food and play time. Field trips are great because your kids get to get outside and play. It was a little crazy keeping an eye a bunch of kids flying around a playground, but I did my time spotting kids on the caterpillar and flying them down when they got to high.
Monday was teachers day and all the teachers where gifted with presents. The best byfar was most of what I got...thank you notes. My favorite from Andy..."Luke Teacher Don't Do it crazy i like u from mussle man" Andy is becoming my class "mussle man" he loves to flex and scream to show his amazing strength. He also likes to bring in gigantic beetles to class. That was Tuesday I believe. He said his mom suggested he bring in this enormous beetle they found somewhere. It was great, even though most of my kids are scared of flies.

Its the weekend again. Weeks go by so fast. I have a bike now, so its great to get around the city. I'm always looking to increase my range within the city.
Last weekend I spent some good time cleaning and scrubbing mold off my kitchen ceiling. It's so nice now. We're getting a lot of rain from that tropical storm over here. And the yellow dust(Very fine sand blown in from the Gobi Desert) is still incredible. I should get a picture. After the rain the streets are just lined with yellow. I lost my voice for a few days last week because of it. That was fun.
Nothing too new. A new teacher should be on the way in a month or so. The World Cup starts soon. Everyone is getting ready for it. I even got a shirt for the Korean National team. Well see what response I get wearing it around.

And this is my favorite picture

Yeosu or somewhere thereabouts

Here's a number of pictures from my trip to Yeosu on Friday. It was only about a two or three hour trip. And we only stayed till Sat morning. It happened that Saturday brought a squall that I will call ultimate rain. But Friday was enough of a treat. I went with two other teachers you will see below. It happened that a majestic temple was built on a cliff in this small sea town. The climb up was fantastic. Theres one picture of it below. Some of these pictures give you an idea of the beauty around, but it was amazing...beyond words. With the oncoming rain clouds,the sea and sky ceased to declare their borders and melted into an infinite blue abyss that made it look the edge of the earth. But it gets better. It just happened to be Buddha's birthday that day and we were thus invited by these beautiful lanterns and a crowd of people that never seemed to form a crowd. As we looked around we were spotted by some monks who made sure we didn't leave without a big bag of fruit, Korean bread and some kind of green gew. We were also invited to eat dinner down in their mess hall. We had already eaten, but how can you turn down Buddhist monks offering Bi Bim Bap (good stuff). It was a good day. We finished it at a hotel. Just a plain room with a mat and a blanket and a view out to sea. And I just have to say...I love rain. I have no complaints.

Pictures from Dinner

Here are two pictures from a staff dinner we had on thursday. Yesterday was Childrens Day so we have a three day weekend. I just got back from a coastal town called Yeosu...Ill put up some pictures from that trip soon. Here I just wanted to show you the some pictures of the staff. I got most of us...excluding myself and maybe two other teachers. Its a diverse group. We have a lot of fun. The food was good. We weren't as loud as the first dinner(we were kicked out) ...I decided to not be as loud.

To My Parents

No I didn't forget. Would this face forget? ...almost...but my morning kids reminded me when they informed me that it was a new month. So to my parents I would like to say Happy Anniversary. Thirty years can seem like a long time...but its really only 10,950 days. Which if you're travelling at the speed of light can seem like only a few minutes. Perhaps you haven't been travelling at the speed of light, but you can appreciate the metaphor. My leg would also like to wish you a better day than it's had. Anniversaries bring a lot of hope...I believe that thirty years from now my leg will be healed. Essential traditions during anniversaries I know are kisses. And I believe that they should be shared with the children that can thank the anniversary for their existence. Because I happen to be away I would ask that you pass my kisses to my dear sister Abigail. Nothing would please her more I know than to receive kisses in my stead. Enjoy your day.
And by "old" in that picture I mean blessed, wise, and crowned with grey locks.

A Concert

One of my first community cultural events took place tonight at the park right next to my neighborhood. I had been walking around the park earlier today and saw that something was being prepared at the buddhist temple on the top of the hill. I heard the music start around 6. They had a Native American band come and play and the picture right here was the intermission- a Korean Choir. It was a beautiful day, and to end it with an outdoor concert in the cool evening at a temple with some good music just made my week. I only wish the people would have started dancing. There are those terrible moments when its not quite appropriate to start dancing but the music just calls to you, and you think can't anyone else hear that? They didn't or at least didn't show it. Oh well.