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.

Humor

Funny things are bound to happen when you work with kids all day. One of my favorite moments thusfar took place yesterday. Well I walked into my 3 o'clock class just like any other day only to my confusion this day three little nine year old middle fingers were raised to my entry. I knew as I stepped further into to class that more than the immediate appearance was to be understood. That was apparent in the girls smiling faces. It was my to great relief and laughter to find that they were showing me their new fingernail decorations. Strange that they didn't show their whole hand but for some reason only a few fingers were decorated and the middle was the obvious star of the show. Kids. I've found a weakness in my moody kindergartener, Sarah...Knock knock jokes. And so it goes.

Some Sights from Spring

Saturday

I apologize now as it has come to my attention that people could not post comments unless they have a blogger account. I have changed it so that anyone may post a comment. I hope this will encourage you to respond to any thoughts or to tell me how cute my kids are.

Yesterday was test day for April. Fridays are always wonderful. I have two breaks in the afternoon and on test day all I do is give a test. Its a nice change of pace after a week of consistent teaching. That and only working till 6 lets me feel a bit more relaxed. After class yesterday I went out with two other teachers to play some soccer. It is always a great thing to get out and do something active after teaching all week. We played at a local middle school where there is a dirt field with some goals and basketball hoops. Some Korean pastors joined us midway through our time. They were still in their suits, but they had no qualms letting us take some shots on them in goal. It was a lot of fun. I made the best shot I have ever taken...a left footed drop shot that hit up in the left top corner. Had to share that moment of glory with all of you.


Here is a picture of my most...excentric student, Andy. I have told stories of him before. All said and done he is a fun kid. He has a way about him of always seeming aloof. He is usually aware of things going on around him, he just sees it in an interesting light. All the kids here like to look at the teacher's arms because we have hair on them. Andy always grabs my arm when he can to feel the hair. He also takes a liking to my neck and could be seen to be choking me but he really just exploring. Here he is on our field trip last friday with his rally cap. I love it. More pictures to come.

More

Here are some more pictures. The first two are views in both directions from my old apartment. They can give you a little feel for the edge of town. This one shows a middle school and its field. You can see a little hill right below the mountain range in the distance...beyond that a ways is the center of town. A common theme throughout the city and I suppose Korea is the presence of high rise apartment buildings. Obviously the picture is taken from one. You see the three on the left and one on the right. Building up rather than out.


This view is to the left out towards the airport.
I used to watch planes take off and trains cross the horizon. The big convention center is pretty new. This is basically the edge of Gwangju. The city just seems to stop right on the other side of the center. I ran to the hill on the left one day. You can get a pretty good view of the city from there.
Below are two pictures from the mountains. One view of the city and another in the other direction towards more mountains.
Enjoy.

Pictures...finally

So I finally got a usb cable that fits the camera my friend gave me. And thus here are some pictures from the past few months. Ill put more on later to stretch out the effect.
This is a picture from my first apartment that I lived in for the first two months. Two other teachers live there now. Its a nice spacious place with a good view. Ill put pictures of the view up later. I hang out over there every once in a while. Its a long walk. I made it last night and it took me about a half an hour. Its nice and quiet at night except in the bar areas. Every once in a while you see a random guy relieving himself on the sidewalk. Its not a big thing here. The first few times I wasn't sure where I was...yes a city with 1.5 mil people, but yeah its cool to just go on the side of the sidewalk .

This is my new apartment. I am currently sitting at the computer you see typing for you. The sliding door opens up into a little kitchen and if I were to turn the camera to the side you would see a little door for a bathroom. Its not too bad. I've hosted two people at a time before. Its difficult seating but you can work it out. Its a little bigger than it looks, Im standing a few feet in to take the shot. I just got the computer desk, i was using the little table to its right, which was very wobbly so I am happy about that.



This is my morning class. Seated from l-r: Thomas, Vincent, James, Joon, Jenny..Top Chad, Andy, John, Cassie, Ayoung, Sarah, and Hannah. I love them all. This picture is from the field trip we took on Friday. Rain kept us from going on Thursday. It was fun even though we were only there for maybe an hour or two. It was good, because all we really did was look at big rocks like the one you see. Apparently there are people buried under them or in them... something historical. Andy fell in the mud and got his pants all soiled. Sarah didn't smile like usual. Joon lost himself in the grand sights of the ground. It was fun.


This is a picture of Gwangju from Mudeung mountain. Its a big city. I live on the far side towards the other mountain range. There are plenty of mountains to climb and look around. I went a week ago and saw some nice sights. I can catch the bus to the base of the mountain and hike for the day. And then catch another bus right back home. Its really nice to have an escape from the city right on its edge. Thats all for now. More pictures to come. Hope you enjoy them. Peace.

4/09

This was a fun weekend. I spent friday night with two other teachers. I've started to have some good conversations with these two. They are a couple from New Mexico. We've been talking about a trip to China for our break, but thats a ways away. It's nice to have some good friends here to sit and chat with during lunch and go hiking with on the weekends. That was yesterday. Then last night at around 12 my friend texted me and told me to come to his new place. I decided to forsake the wisdom of regulated sleep and make it a night on the west side of town. I ended up spending the night there after some amazing kalbi- meat wrapped in leaves with some spicy red sauce. Then I hung out there with my friend and his wife. This afternoon we were looking for something to do, so we ended up buying a baseball bat and some balls and gloves. We had a little batting practice with some other friends and realized that the baseballs we bought were less than quality. That or we're all on steriods. Both of them lost their covers after a few quality hits. It was a good time.

Im looking forward to my first field trip on Thursday. It could be really fun or it could be very stressful with a few less than focused kids. Lets just pray they can keep their eyes on our group half of the time. It would be a dream come true. That's all for now. It's getting late and I should crash. Peace

4/05

Starting my fourth month now. I think I'm starting to get into a grove. This week has been good. Weeks pass by like nothing. Its alway friday before I can change my pants. Then its alway monday before I can put them back on...not literally. But it flies by. I am happy to say I have a real desk now. I am here typing in the corner of my apartment. This has been my night... 1. rearranging the room with the new furniture, 2.making and eating a nice bowl of spaghetti, 3. typing up a worksheet for my 3 oclock class, 4. preparing for other classes, 5. wtching the daily show, 6. writing a small composition for my new online Arabic class. In case your wondering some things I get into on weeknights. Its really nice with this desk. I feel like i have much more room, and that its being effeciently utilized. Today was Korea's arbor day. I planted seeds with all my students and got many pictures. Its pretty crazy how many trees have been going in at the nearby park. It looks funny with all the stabilizing poles.

Most mornings the past few weeks as I walk to work I have passed groups of old ladies who seem to be hand airating the ground. Its an interesting sight at 8 in the morning. I'm wondering where they're from and how they come upon such an activity. How are they paid... is this a yearly deal? I don't know. I don't have a lot of cultural advisors to teach me about the bottom of the Korean economic system.

I am starting to be recognized as a regular at several shops/ markets/ restaurants. If I could speak better Korean I would feel better about these relationships. There's a lady at one restaurant I visit at least twice or thrice weekly who I might call my Korean mother. She always goes out of her way to take care of me and two other teachers who frequent her place with me. She knows what we want and always gives us an extra roll of gimbap...basically sushi. I'm also a weekly regular at a stand for these little rice cakes. Two weeks ago the lady there had my order ready before I walked to her stand. Its a good feel. No matter how strange you are (myself a tall, big nosed miguk saram[american]) its always nice to be known and familiar to someone.

Ill try to be more on the ball here. Hope you are all doing well. Thanks for reading. Im not sure who is, but its flattering that you do. Peace.