People Truly Matter

Being away from home during the holidays can be tough.  Watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas carols, and smelling fresh-baked cookies can make one reminisce of the wonderful moments at home during Christmas. However, I’m in Korea. I almost wanted to say, “stuck” in Korea, but it’s totally my choice to be here.

This winter in Korea has been one worst in terms of weather. It seems to snow every other day and the temperatures stay below freezing. It’s been really rough for most people living in Korea. With the weather, being away from family, and sometimes non-comfortable living conditions, you may think it has been really difficult for me personally. In reality, it’s been an amazing time.

Christmas Eve Dinner

I truly miss my family and friends back at home. I would have done anything to be with them during the holidays. However, I have gained a wonderful family here in Korea. They are made of people from all over the world with different backgrounds, lifestyles, goals, and beliefs. It’s been a great feeling to be so loved by these people. They aren’t blood related, but they are completely special.

Christmas turned out to be a great time and the beautiful Christmas morning snow was icing on the cake.  On Christmas Eve, my friends and I had Korean BBQ and tons of meat! MERRY CHRISTMAS! After, we exchanged gifts at a nearby Starbucks. I received a backpack for my upcoming travels. It will be a great trekking across Southeast Asia.  The next day was full of food as we went to VIPS, a Western style steak and buffet place. Yes, I ate my heart out and enjoyed every bit of it. That night we watched “Christmas Vacation” and ate more junk food. Overall, it was such a great time.

Gift Exchange at Starbucks

Christmas is really different from in the States. People are more interested in spending time with friends or boy/girlfriends. The shops are crowded, the streets are overwhelmingly packed, movie theaters are full, and there is no room in the coffee shops.  It’s more like another Valentine’s Day and less like a family holiday. When I ask my students about Christmas, they would say, “Teacher, I’m sad. I am lonely. I don’t have a girlfriend for Christmas.” I did not have one either at that age, but that didn’t prevent Santa from entering my chimney.

Even though Christmas wasn’t spent with my family and doing traditional Christmas things, it was still a lovely Christmas. I may not have all of the necessary things for a proper Christmas, but I still have amazing friends. It’s all about people and who is surrounding you. I had a great Christmas not because I ate great food or saw snowfall, but it was great because the people were great. People really do matter, and I am thankful for all the great people in my life.

Merry Christmas

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Friends at home

My Beloved Tulsa

Business Class

I have officially lived in South Korea for one year. It’s been one crazy, thrilling, and successful journey up to this point. Thankfully, at the end of July, I was able to visit my family and friends back in Oklahoma. I gorged myself with food, met some amazing old friends while making new ones, and frequently relaxed. It was such an incredible month home and a time I could truly find comfort. I was even surprised with a party filled with Mexican food, piñatas, water balloons, and tons of chocolate. 

I can say coming back to Korea was something I wasn’t too thrilled about. I do have a good job in Korea and wonderful friends, but the thought of another year being away from my beloved family and Oklahoma was a killer. However, I toughed it out and found little blessings along my route back to Korea. 

Through Facebook, I discovered my friend from elementary school, Tyler, was going to be on the same flights as me to Tokyo. I was thinking he would make a good layover buddy as we would most likely sit separately. However, through canceled flights from Tulsa, we were able to sit next to each from Dallas to Tokyo, in business class. I never would have thought I would be able to experience a long distance flight in business class. It was the most comfortable and luxurious way I could have gotten to Tokyo. 

Arriving late in Seoul, Korea, I was greeted by my Korean friend who was pleased to drive me back to my home in Korea. It was over a 2 hour drive for which I can’t remember much of that night. After arriving at my home, the sleep deprivation took over and the rest is history.

Jet lag is real, it’s awful, and it’s almost unavoidable. It causes the senses to change and makes a happy person lose their mind. Jet lag has made me ask the question, “Why am I back in Korea?”. It’s a question I have asked myself a few times while being back and I’m slowly figuring it out.

One thing I do know is I do have a purpose here. I have been teaching for a small English camp with only a few students attending. Being able to connect personally with these students has opened my eyes more to why I am here. It truly is a blessing to have an impact in students’ lives. 

Sometimes, in life, we can’t see the positive when all around us seems negative. My canceled flight from Tulsa to Dallas turned into a free upgrade to business class to Tokyo and same day arrival to Korea. Even now, when I might ask the question, “Why am I here?” the answer isn’t always simple to discover and may take time find out. I will try to remain positive and patient to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I believe things happen for a reason and I’m willing to find out.

On the Border- A DMZ Tour

First the first time, I will not refer to “On the Border” as a Tex-Mex restaurant I frequently visit in Seoul but as the actual border located in Korea. The only border in South Korea is the one between North and South Korea making it a highly monitored and tense area.

Joint Securty Area facing North Korea

With a tour with the United Service Organization, we took a 90 minute bus ride to United Nations Camp Bonifas which is 400 meters from the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is 160 miles long and 2.5 miles long is serves as the buffer between the two countries. It is the most militarized border in the world.

 At camp, we were given a briefing of the area which we located and more about the DMZ. Within minutes after, we got on military buses and crossed the southern border of the DMZ and arrived at the Joint Security Area. This area is where North and South Korea truly meet and stand face to face. With strict instructions we were able to enter into the building where meetings between the North and South take place. I was able to actually walk into North Korea in this room. One side was North Korea, the other South Korea. It was an intense experience walking across the border of the world’s most secret country. In this area, I was also able to see a North Korean serviceman looking at us through his binoculars. We were told to never make eye contact or make hand gestures at them. This room was the most intense but exciting part of the trip.

Converence room where the North and South meet (with South Korean soldier)

 I also saw the best of the best of the Korean Army. Standing in a Taekwondo stance wearing dark shaded sunglasses (even though it was raining), with solid facial expressions, clenched fists and standing at complete attention their goal was to intimidate the North Koreans. Even though the job probably doesn’t require much intense labor, it would be a very intense on the mind.

 We later went to another area to view the propaganda village of Kijŏng-dong. With a population of 0, it was built by the North Koreans as a way to encourage South Korean defection. It contains empty buildings and homes and the third largest flag pole. I was surprised how close the village was in the distance. With the large flag waving the in distance, the town seemed as if a movie set.

North Korean proproganda village

We later went to the “Bridge of No Return” and a set of tunnels located near the border. North Korea has attempted to build large underground tunnels to invade the South. Unfortunately, the South has only discovered four of these tunnels but there is believed to be more. One of these tunnels is now a tourist hotspot. Walking a gradual slope, of the 3^rdInfiltration Tunnel, we were able to see the work of North Koreans and their attempts at coming into South Korea. Too bad I am taller than most Koreas so I had to bend my back to walk there. At the end of the tunnel for tourists was a set of barbed wire. Ok, it’s time to go up and out the tunnel. It seemed like a long journey for little excitement.   

North Korea left, South Korea right

 Other areas of the tour included the Dora Observatory and the last train station until before North Korea which connects the capital cites of both countries. It was all very interesting and informative.

 I later discussed with my friend about the reunification of Korea. I say within ten years but there is a lot of doubt. Maybe soon I will talk about the possibilities of a reunified Korea. Hopefully within my lifetime I can see one Korea, but until then, we can take day tours to believe it will happen. If visiting Korea, I definitely recommend a tour of the DMZ.

Last Train Station in South Korea before North Korea

“Fuel for Bus Drivers”

I spend a large part of my days on buses between home and work, ranging from two to three hours a day. As my schools are located in the mountains, the scenery can be quite beautiful but the curvy roads can make one sick. Bus drivers seem to not notice the mountains as they speed up and down them with great velocity. You know the driver is going fast when the driver has one hand on the wheel with the other hand on a pole to keep himself in his seat.

 However, the speed of the bus drivers isn’t the worst part of the trip. It’s the music. Korean bus drivers love what is known as “Korean Trot” music. It’s the oldest version of Korean pop music and is loved by all bus drivers in the country. You can find this music in old Korean markets, bus rest stops, and taxis.  I’ve asked my students their opinions on this type of music. Most say they don’t like it as it’s mainly for the “older generation”.

 Every time I hear this music, I quickly put on my own music trying to cover my ears from this Korean “audiotrocity”. The music often sounds as it was recorded in the 1920’s with random electric guitars, brass instruments, and Mongolian type throat singing. I constantly send text messages to my Korean friend Namki whenever I hear this music. He calls it “fuel for bus drivers” and says “No bus music = no life” for Korean bus drivers. He also made a comment saying “No bus music is like no chicken for some people”. I take pleasure in Namki’s humor in these situations.

 Korean trot music isn’t the worst part of this country, but listening to three hours a day of it may be very close. However, if Korean trot music keeps the drivers happy (sometimes) then I guess I will have to deal with it.  Maybe one day, I’ll learn to like it!

A Strange Addiction

Nothing I am about to tell you is moving, educational, nor recommended. We all have some sort of addiction. Whether it is caffeine, eating fast food or cocaine (hopefully not cocaine) there is something we get pleasure from.

My new strange addiction is the claw crane games. Also known as claw machines, these money eating games of joy are found everywhere throughout Korea (and Asia). Put your money in, maneuver the lever, push the button, watch the claw go down and grab something (or not), and see if the toy makes it into the slot.  

Recently, my close friend, Chase, and I found ourselves outside a 711 convenience store outside of an area in Seoul known as Hongdae. There she was, a beautiful claw machine calling our names. Within first glance, we fell in love. Just like a gold digger, she started taking our money. Every 1000 Korean Won ($1) by 1000 Korean Won, we fed this addiction and emptied our wallets. Our goal that night, win two stuffed Pororos dolls. With enough money spent to feed a family, we achieved our goal. However, it didn’t end that night.

The next morning, back in Hongdae, we discovered our addiction just began. This time we found new machines, new prices, and new excitement. First came the 1000 Korean Won bills, and then came the 10,000 Won bills. Yes, there is an “s” on the word bill. Chase and I played these games until our wallets were empty, and that’s no exaggeration. Standing and shouting at these machines caused an audience of watchful and animated Koreans to join our cause. Our now crowd of watchers (and followers) gave many “ohhs!!” as we won and lost. It was an experience worth the amount of money spent.

Photo by Chase Chisholm

We won a total of 10 stuffed characters and animals that day. It wasn’t the actual toys that made it an unforgettable day. It was the excitement of the game, the near wins, and the bonding moments of two friends. Since our time in Hongdae, I have won another toy from a machine in Cheongju with more excitement and more crowds. These moments in Korea I love and I look forward to many more! I may also need to enter rehab. 🙂

 Some addictions are bad, some are healthy, and some are just strange. What is your strange addiction?

A European Experience, Day 24-26

January 14, A Night in the Red Light- London to Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Being my last day in London, I had one main goal. This goal was to see the infamous “Changing of the Guards”.  Even though I had a lot left to explore in London, leaving London without seeing men with tall hats walking around would be a shame.

Hello Palace Guard

At Buckingham Palace, I quickly saw literally thousands gathered around the front gates to view the daily procession. Using my new pushing skills I learned in Korea, I quickly pushed my way into the front and near the entrance. The show would last for forty minutes with instruments playing, soldiers with tall black hats walking around and men with skirts bagging their pipes. It was interesting to view. However, with the large crowd acting as though these people were celebrities, I became ready to head back to the hostel. I did enjoy the police force on horses yelling at the spectators. “Get back! Keep moving! Clear the area!” the police would say. I can still remember one policeman in particular whose job it was to clear the path for the bagpipers. This man constantly telling people to stop taking pictures and keep moving was more entertaining than the actual parade.

The rest of my day in London was filled with uneventful events and spending the rest of my British Pounds on useless souvenirs (Oh I did buy more Reeses which did not actually make it out of London…Yummy!). I had a flight to Amsterdam that evening, and I did not want to miss it!

The Paparazzi, or just tourists

 I had arrived at the London Stansted Airport with an hour and half to spare. However, going through security was the worst experience in an airport for me. Even though I quickly went through the metal detectors, the bag checking process took over forty minutes. For some reason, they were checking every passenger’s bag. I stood there for twenty minutes as the security officer checked EVERYTHING in my bag. I had a ton of belongings in my bag but every piece of paper, every electronic device, anything containing atoms was looked at carefully. Before I put all my belongings back into my bag, I felt a little embarrassed as my items were scattered across the table. There were others needing to get their bags checked too so they could also catch their flights. Thankfully I was able to catch my flight.

 Goodbye English speaking land. I was now in the land of the Dutch for the second time this trip. It was the perfect place to end a fantastic journey. I was met at the airport by my friends Remco and Astrid. Seeing them made me love Holland even more. Being in Holland again, I realized I truly love this country.

Equity Point in London, My hostel

 In Amsterdam, finding my hostel was a priority. Walking the stoned streets of Amsterdam was a test for my suitcase. It succeeded! Where was my hostel? It was in the well-known red light district. The area covers a large part of the city and is known for prostitutes and sex. It’s a culture shock for many people including the Dutch who don’t live near it. Women, who make money for sex, stand in windows to show off their bodies to receive clients. Last Spring with my university, I was in this area for a tour given by a prostitute herself. Coming back for a second time brought back the old feelings of sadness for me, but at the same time was less shocking.

Walking past a few girls in windows were the steps to my hostel. It was a haven in this part of the city. This hostel was a Christian hostel with an environment completely opposite of the outside. Inside there were scriptures on the walls, bibles for easy access, and prayer meetings. Some may find this strange location, but for me, I found peace in a chaotic place.

 Remco and I left the area and found a place to eat. We found a small empty Italian restaurant. Even though it was only nine o’clock, the owner wanted to leave shop early. However, we convinced him I was hungry and wanted to eat while the others had a drink. I truly enjoyed the meal with great company I will always have friendship.

 I had to say goodbye to Remco and Astrid outside my hostel. It was the last of my friends to say this too. I felt a true sense of friendship with them and I promised to return. I can truly say a part of my heart is in the Netherlands, true friends can make one feel this way. I had one more day left before I flew back to Seoul. I did not want to leave.  

Astrid and Remco

 January 15, Making the Most of it- Amsterdam to Seoul, South Korea

 Looking on this experience has made me appreciate my friends immensely. I am a truly blessed person with some of the most amazing friends I don’t deserve. I thank God for the people in my life who make every moment remarkable.

This was my last day in Europe and I had to make the most of it. In Amsterdam, I wanted to visit museums I did not previously visit. I visited the notable Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. I do enjoy museums and art but sometimes I pretend like I’m intelligently dissecting a certain piece of art to look well-informed. It’s fun to move your finger at an object in a painting and say a comment. If you are ever with an art enthusiast, they will talk about the style and placements of objects in a painting as there is a “meaning” in every stroke of paint. However, I enjoy art as art and what it means to me.

RijksMuseum, Vermeer Painting

 After museums, I strolled the quiet streets of Amsterdam.  As for architecture, I say Amsterdam has some of the best preserved buildings in Western Europe. This is my opinion though. Before leaving the city, I pigged out on Turkish kabobs and Dutch fries one last time. I want some more right now as I’m typing this.

 I was about to leave the country and go back to my second home of Korea. I was tired, out of money, but full of great memories and experiences. The airport in Amsterdam is unique in that’s its one large terminal. My gate area was full of Koreans and a few white folk. It was a small taste of what I would experience back in Korea.

 The airport security in Amsterdam is unique in that each gate has its own security area. With a large flight, this was time consuming. However, I made the flight in time. I sat down and was greeted by my flight attendant. She was the exact same flight attendant I had when flying to Europe. It was like seeing an old friend.

I AMsterdam

 On the flight I saw a very interesting show. This show wasn’t on TV but in the seats in front of me. There was an American girl sitting next to a young Korean man. Read this is broken English. “I don’t speak Korean. I teach English but I don’t know Korean. I know hello and thank you” said the girl. Within twenty minutes, the Korean man and American were locking lips and tongue. Yes, they were making out. I was in shock! It was like, “Hello, how are you? My name is _____. Let’s make out.” I found this a funny story to tell to people who know the modest Korean lifestyle.

 I had an eleven hour flight to survive. Thankfully I had another week of vacation to recover.  

Beautiful Amsterdam

 January 17, What am I doing here? Seoul Korea

Finally, we landed in Korea. Unlike the first time arriving in Korea, this time I knew what to do once arriving at the airport. Near the exit, I was approached by a Korean man. He asked, “Where are you going?” I told him, “Cheongju”. He said, “Oh Cheongju. No bus. Full. I take you to terminal with many bus to Cheongju.” Knowing he was lying to me, I said, “Haha, I live here and I know this is not true. I will take a bus from here”. It’s so nice to be greeted in Korea with a scam. Welcome back!

Within ten minutes, I was on a bus back to Cheongju. With loud Korean trot music, my tired body, and bossy Korean ladies, I wondered why I am in Korea. I just wanted to get off the bus and into bed. It took almost four hours to arrive in my bed. I flopped in and I didn’t want to leave. In fact, I didn’t for a long time. Jetlag was now my worst enemy.

It seemed my other enemy was Korea. As my friends in Korea can agree, I was quick to point out Korea’s many flaws and compared everything to European living. Many of these feelings died down but to be honest, many are still present. It took about a week for me to recover from this busy trip but it took longer for me to respect Korea again.

 I discovered many people find themselves in the same situation when leaving Korea. Especially traveling back to the West, teachers arriving back to Korea question, “What am I doing here?” Even though I am now content with my life in Korea, it took time to adjust back to Korea and her many culture differences.

I had the best experience in Europe but I was back to life in Korea. I had more time off which would lead to a surprise trip to another country. Now, I am thankful to be back in Korea with a job I love and with people I love. I have learned to adjust even when it’s difficult at times.  Thankfully, I had the time and friends to help with my adjustment.

A European Experience, Day 1-4

December 23- An Unbelievable Experience- Seoul to Amsterdam

What an incredible trip I was about to have! To me, this trip would exceed the qualities and adventures many people have in their entire lives.  Sitting at the Incheon International Airport, I was about to embark on an adventure many have taken, but few will experience like I will. This was my second European travel in that year. In Spring of 2011, I traveled to France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium with my University. This trip would be just a busy but would be completely different. This trip was unique to me in that I will meet good friends, stay with local families, and truly live the culture of the places I go.  Staying connected with friends is important to me and has allowed me to learn about others and myself.  I had an eleven-hour flight ahead of me and my adrenaline was full speed. However, in the airport, I had a peculiar sense. I was leaving Korea for three weeks and I was already missing the country. I guess it shows part of my heart truly is in Korea.

Incheon Airport Ice Skating Area

In the KLM flight, I was served quite well by a beautiful Korean flight attendant. I know she must have been tired but her smile never ceased. She continuously walked up and down the aisle. Consequently, she was my flight attendant for the return journey to Korea.  During the flight, I learned Koreans love wine, especially the cheap airplane wine. The man next to me must have drunk ten of the small bottles. I could smell it from his scowling breath.

The dark winter skies of Russia quickly came into view as we flew the night (or daytime), causing many people to go “nighty night”. It was still day in Korea so how could so many people start sleeping and snoring?

Did I sleep? If I could sleep in an upright crammed chair then yes, but I can’t sleep in that position so I enjoyed watching movies and television to pass my time. The plane ride could be considered forgettable but as I previously posted, that can sometimes be a good thing.  I had many hours to go before I arrived to Amsterdam but I was excited for what would lie ahead.

December 23- Welcome back to Western culture- Amsterdam to Eindhoven

I arrived in Amsterdam around 6:30 in the afternoon. It was dark outside but inside my body I was fully awake and excited to start my adventure.  With the best and quickest customs ever, I rapidly walked into the luggage area. There, behind a glass wall, I could see my friends John and Gerard. John was wearing his “Oklahoma” hoodie he bought with me at Wal-Mart. John and I have had a great friendship after his stay at my University in 2010. Since, we have seen each other three times. His friend Gerard and I met while Gerard stayed with me for a week when he came to visit John. We have all kept in contact since. In the airport, I had to communicate with them through a phone near the glass wall. I felt as I was in prison. After some time, I retrieved my luggage and after a big hug, we were off.

If you ever want to travel Europe by train, the best option is a Eurail Pass. I had one, which saved time and money. I used my ticket numerous times making it one of the best ways to travel. Leaving the airport, I finally took a breath on the quiet train heading for Eindhoven in the southern part of the country.  On the train, I was able to talk about South Korea and how coming to Europe would be a counter-culture experience. I did not realize how living in Korea changed how I greeted or applied several customs.

Gerard and John

I arrived in Eindhoven and was greeted by John’s father and sister. I quickly noticed the fresh air, the clean streets, and how everything seemed quiet but still alive.  In the town of Veldhoven, near Eindhoven, we arrived at John’s home. It was such a lovely, clean, and spacious home. I entered the home and paused on whether or not I take my shoes off. I didn’t know what to do since in Korea you take your shoes off in most restaurants and in all homes. I also bowed at John’s mother as she came to greet me with three kisses. Within one minute, I experienced culture changes on entering a home and greetings. I explained my situation, which was a laugh.

For the night, the whole family and I gathered around in the living room for drinks while I ate a typical Dutch meal, rice and chicken. Yes, that last part was sarcasm since I was expecting not to eat rice for a while.  It was still delicious, as was all the food I had there. I was tired, so going to bed wasn’t a problem. I slept in a spacious upstairs room with a mattress that was remarkable. Sleeping on hard Korean beds gave me such an appreciation for that bed. I fell asleep quickly, but jet lag is a real and horrible thing.

December 24- A Short German Christmas Eve Experience-. Eindhoven to Dusseldorf

“Real Cheese! Real Butter! Real Bread!” Those were my words the next morning for breakfast. You would have thought it was my first time to eat. I pigged out and I did not regret one moment. John’s mother fed me so well I was like a cow needing to be fattened with simple delicacies.

That day, my itinerary was Dusseldorf. The city near the border of Germany and the Netherlands has truly come a dynamic international city. I came to this German city to visit more university friends, Anja and Hermann.  We started a friendship only a year ago but we connected well. They went on my famous Oklahoma City tours and Anjadid a Tulsa Tour. John had to work this day so it was perfect to spend Christmas Eve with more amazing friends.

Hermann and Anja

Getting off the train in Dusseldorf, I could see a lost girl searching. It was Anja. I quickly yelled her name and shared hugs. Eventually, at what would be my meeting point throughout the week, we found her boyfriend Hermann at McDonald’s in the station. McDonald’s as well as Subway, Burger King, Starbucks, and many other American influences can be found throughout Europe (and the world). McDonald’s is my favorite in they truly are different in every country while still having the usual Big Mac, McChickens, and other favorites. Another things about McDonald’s are the free restrooms. While in many European cities, you must pay to use the restroom, McDonald’s are the best option to use the toilet. I also am not a fan of paying for water either. Why is water in Europe cheaper than beer?

In Dusseldorf, the streets were becoming empty as people closed shop to go home for the holiday. We did find a restaurant serving German favorites. I chose a pig with potatoes and sauerkraut. When I say a pig, the ham was half my plat. I was in pork heaven! It was so good and of course I ate most of it.  After dinner, we all explored the streets of Dusseldorf and saw the buildings of old and modern. It was such a nice experience except for the wind and sudden chills.

My Ham

It was Christmas Eve, which meant gifts. Anja gave me a coffee mug with homemade cookies and she gave Hermann an iPod touch. Apparently they weren’t exchanging gifts so it was a surprise.  I gave them simple gifts of Korean chopsticks. Having only a carry on luggage, I had to limit what I brought.

Hermann, Anja, and I in Dusseldorf, Germany

Later, I said goodbye and told them I would return a week later. I traveled back to Eindhoven and John’s home. This meant more food; I was always ready to accept. I took an early rest and woke up at well, 2:00 am. Jet lag is a killer, and I will always believe this.

December 25- A Dutch Christmas- Veldhoven

Merry Christmas! This was the first Christmas of two days of Christmas’s celebrated in Holland. However, the big festive time is during Sinterklass Day on December 5^th. This meant Christmas day is less celebrated but still a special day. I enjoyed the day resting and getting caught up on sleep. Breakfast was served around 11:00 am. That’s my type of holiday! As a gift, the family gave me a book titled “Don’t Blink”. It was quickly read on the remainder of the trip. Staying with the family was a gift enough but I was very much appreciative.

Christmas main course

I was able to Skype with my family at home as they celebrated Christmas. It was nice to see everyone as I was so far away. For dinner, John’s sister Samantha prepared an amazing four-course meal of delicious foods and deserts. In my mind, I was at a 5 star hotel. After the meal, the entertainment started.

John's amazing home

John and his family for Christmas Dinner

We drove to a house in another neighborhood for a local Christmas light show. It wasn’t extravagant but a show a man put together with music and lights on his home. It was still fun and brought back many memories of lights from home. The biggest disappointment for the night came when we drove to a street known for its lights. However, there were only a few strands of lights. I was thinking “Oh, um… nice lights?”

A favorite part of my day was visiting John’s grandmother. She was a wonderful Dutch lady that has been going through a tough time in her life. It was a year ago when she lost her husband. I was happy to come visit her and brighten up her day a bit. She offered many drinks and cookies. I ate even though my stomach was full. I couldn’t resist cookies and paprika chips.  She spoke little English but could understand what I was saying and I could understand some of her Dutch.  What I couldn’t understand was her talking Santa Claus which spoke some gibberish in English. It became a laugh we all shared as I tried to decipher the secret Santa code. After the night, I was told she really enjoyed seeing me and later thought of many things to tell me. I hope I can see her again so she can tell me what she had to say.

Santa Claus for the day

I had a superb Christmas. Even though I was away from my family, it was nice to have a family take care of me and accept me as one of their own. I will always remember my first Christmas away from home and the people who made it memorable.

True Beauty

After living almost three months in Korea, I feel Koreans are some on the most naturally beautiful people in the world. I asked the question to my students, “Which country has the most beautiful people?” The majority yell “Korea! Korea!”. I do hear a few “America! Russia! Japan!”. 

Korean Beauty

I also asked my students, “What is a beautiful Korean?” They ALWAYS answer “Big eyes, light skin, ‘v’ shape face, high nose”. These are the same answers every time.

If I asked someone in America the same questions, they would give me hundreds of different answers. I would probably say the most beautiful people live in South America and outer beauty depends on the person. This is not the case for Korea as literally everyone thinks beauty is the same. I ask myself, “Why is this?”.  It seems so skewed to believe that outer beauty is limited to big eyes, light skin, and high noses. 

I have learned a beautiful face is one of the most important aspects of a Korean’s life. Face then money, status, and then personality. Are we the same in the Western world? To a point we are yes, but however, it’s to the extreme here in Korea. Never have a seen men look at themselves in the mirror as much as I do here or women constantly looking at their phones to see their makeup. Did you know Koreans get more plastic surgery than any other country? Every year, 74 people out of 10,000 get plastic surgery. In the United States the number is only 42. In subways and stations, I see numerous large advertisements for plastic surgery. In Oklahoma, these ads would probably be laughed out for their quick reference saying plastic surgery is the way to look beautiful. Let’s all remember Michael Jackson for a moment.

The point of my lesson was not about the importance or unimportance of outer beauty but the importance of inner beauty, personality, and passion. If my students truly believe Koreans are the most beautiful people in the world, then why does everyone want plastic surgery? As a teacher here, I wanted to inspire students to strive not just for outer beauty, but for inner beauty. Take Mother Teresa for example. No one thinks Mother Teresa was a “sexy lady” but she was beautiful because her heart was beautiful.  

After teaching this lesson about beauty, I learned more about myself as well. As we all strive to be beautiful on the outside, the beauty that withstands time is not on our face but is within our heart. I hope to strive for this type of beauty in my life.

Weekend in Seoul

Seoul has become my second home. It’s the only place in Korea where I feel I can get anything I want or need. My wants are Mexican food, my needs are Mexican food. I was in Seoul for two days and I had Mexican food twice. Thankfully for Americanism, I was able to enjoy delicious fajitas at On the Border. I say it’s where I can treat myself once a month even though I have been there twice this month. It’s so good though. This weekend, I met my friends Chase, Bryan, and Lisa for On the Border. It was Lisa’s first time to enjoy the delicious tastes of Mexican food since she is from Northern Ireland. To me, On the Border is a taste of home so it’s a comfort food to me.

As always, I sleep in the same hostel in Hongdae. Hongdae is one of my favorite areas in Korea. It’s fun during the day and night as there are literally hundreds of coffee shops, restaurants, and small trendy stores. It’s definitely a “lived in” part of Korea. I notice many places in Seoul and in Busan are very modern with tall metal skyscrapers. Hongdae is different and well not so perfect. For a young person, it’s a perfect mixture of new and used. I love the thousands of people who come  to visit the area as well as the live music in the streets, street food vendors, and random people dressed in costume. For this reason, it’s one of my favorite spots in Seoul and maybe Korea. You never know what you may discover in Hongdae.

This past weekend was filled with unexpected surprises  but at the same time was fulfilled. Originally my plan was to go to a birthday party, however people ended up sick and of course, I was disappointed. However, I met many new and old friends realizing how small Korea truly is. At one point, I was at the home of a Korean friend’s friend cooking pork chops and wondering, “how did I get to this point of cooking pork at a stranger’s home?”. Yes, I always say “Life is an adventure!”.

In Korea, I am losing my comfort zone. As with many situations in life, we may feel awkward or uncomfortable with a situation. Here in Korea, due to language barriers and culture differences, I am faced with that everyday. I guess the difference between now and where I was three months ago is that now, these awkward feelings and situations do not bother me as they used to. I just go with the flow and have become not just tolerant with this situations but comfortable with them. So far, this aspect of going with the flow and being a person without limitations is something I have appreciated about my time in Korea.  Here is a video of the Seoul subway that I find funny because the tune is the actually subway song.

I would say this boy from Oklahoma has met a lot of challenges and situations in Korea producing a better person out of me. It’s a weird feeling coming from big open spaces and small cities and then feeling comfortable in the world’s second largest metro region. I love Seoul, I love Korea.