Home Is Where the Heart Is...Where Ever Home May Be

Well, I'm officially back in the homeland. After an interesting 18-some-odd hour journey, I am once again surrounded by all things familiar. I expected a lot more culture shock than I'm receiving at the moment, but I'm sure more is yet to come as time goes by.

I had been warned that upon returning home, I might feel, simply put, underwhelmed. I might miss the food, or the cheap drinks, or the ridiculously easy to navigate subway. I'm not sure if I feel that way just yet, but I do have to say that I'm feeling quite the opposite of underwhelmed.

The whole time I've been gone I've been busy squeezing every ounce of cultural experience out of my stay in Korea. What I forgot to keep in mind is that no matter who you are or where you go, life goes on without you. Within 24 hours of stepping foot on US soil, I found out 3 of my friends are currently pregnant, a baker's dozen are getting married, and everyone and their mother has bought a home.

I feel completely overwhelmed. I feel like every hour I could burst into tears. I just wish people could stop growing up for just 10 minutes so I can catch my breath. Don't get me wrong I am incredibly happy for everyone and excited about the lives ahead of them, I'm just curious why I don't feel any of those same things.

I've already been told that I'll probably be different, and people can see me being satisfied with life by myself. Is that an insult? Am I really going to be a crazy cat lady? Because I was just joking about that, it's not really a good look for me.

I feel somehow left behind from this whole "movement". I never know what I'm going to do next or where I'll be, even for a week. I always felt I was too young to be making any sort of complicated decisions. Now it seems there is this tremendous pressure to be serious and get my life sorted out. I need long term goals...I need to say the word "finances" a lot...I need to take multivitamins.

I'm not cut out for this.

Upon returning home, I went straight to Valparaiso, Indiana...my home town. During my time in Korea, my childhood house that I grew up in, was sold. So coming back was ...well...uncomfortable. I'm still not really able to cope with losing the home that shaped me.

I got to see all my family, attend my sister's wedding reception, and enjoy some home cooked food. My family was none too happy that I became a vegetarian, considering they planned a bbq for my welcome-back party. Woops.

The lack of culture shock in Indiana was made up for when I went back to my second home, Chicago. The melting pot that's been home to my college years and young professional life brought me back to an American reality. It seems no matter how hard I try, I can't fight the butterflies I feel everytime I come up from the subway stairs and step into the rush of people, music, and high hopes.

I'm constantly finding something I've forgotten with my time overseas. PayDay candybars, anything that cooks in an oven, electrical prongs, single family homes, chipotle, real mexican food, TARGET! The list goes on...

I wanted to wait a good amount of time before posting my last update, simply because I didn't want to write something based off my first reaction. Now, I miss Korea. I miss the people, as crazy as they may have seemed. I miss my students tremendously. I am sending them a care package soon. I miss the food, I miss the music, I miss the shopping. I came back to America and sadly I felt that we could learn A LOT from that tiny little country I called home for the year.

I've been interviewing and getting prepared to start the next chapter of my life. This experience on my resume actually has given me a leg up over other applicants. I'm living in the city and for the first time, viewing it with adventurous and open eyes.

I encourage anyone that's thinking about taking the trip to seriously, DO IT. This experience has forever changed the way I see the world, and the way I see myself. It's not all going to be easy, but it will all make sense when it's over. Thanks for all the kind comments and followers. Stay tuned for my next blog, to be posted soon.



-C

The Last Hoorah: Jeju Island

What better way to spend the last week in Korea than on white sand beaches or a volcanic mountain top? Jeju Island, called the Hawaii of Korea, is a short 45 minute plane ride away. We booked rooms at a hostel and for once in my life, I packed a weeks worth of clothes in a carry on bag.

We stepped off the plane and all I could think to myself was "holy hell, I'm in an oven". It was humid like I've never felt before and it was just plain hot. So, we didn't waste any time and hit the nearest beach.


The beaches in Jeju are amazing and they are all different. White sand, black sand, volcanic rock, port-side, or in a theme-park. One thing they all had in common: clear, clean, warm water. A big upside from the dirty Han River.

relaxing, right?

When we weren't soaking up the sun or watching the Koreans wade around, fully clothed, we were exploring the natural wonders Jeju has to offer. For example, the hallobang. Sure, it just looks like an orange with an outie bellybutton. But under that peel is sweet deliciousness. It's like orange, pineapple, and banana all in one. A-maz-ing.

ugly, but delicious

We went on a day tour and our first stop was Sunrise Peak. A volcanic crater, draped in fog, and covered in exotic flowers was picturesque to say the least. I think I lost a couple pounds on the way up, but the view was worth it. I couldn't capture the crater well due to the fog, so you'll just have to climb it yourelf to find out.

that sign says danger, by the way

all the tourists hiking away

We visited a folk village, where 13,000 Koreans still live, carrying on the traditions of decades past. We also learned about the women divers of Korea. Diving 10 meters below water in nothing but a cotton onesie and a plastic face mask, these women supplied all the shell fish and sea critters the island had to offer. They still dive to this day.

amazing view over the water

We roamed through the lava tubes, created by the volcano's erruption millions of years ago. It was freezing inside and absolutely beautiful. I picked up some lava rocks for souvenires.

B in the lava tube

The biggest wonder of the island is Hallasan, the volcano that created Jeju. It is the tallest mountain in Korea....and being a big talker, I said I would climb it. However, when the alarm went off at 5:30am, I was a bit less enthusiastic. Luckily, we beat the heat and managed to climb to the top in 3 hours. The last hour was monumental...something out of a movie. We walked straight into the clouds, it started to rain, the wind howled, and I swore I had stepped into some Lord of the Rings remake.

on the way up

almost to the top

happy dance in the clouds

The top, where the lake inside the volcano can be seen, was not able to be seen, thanks to the heaping white puffs of cloud. Fortunately I was still elated to climb that beast of a mountain that I didn't really care. The 3 hour hike down was painful. So we ordered pizza and relaxed on the beach the rest of the day.

beautiful Jeju flower

We just got back to Seoul today. Double checking my bags and taking care of last minute business. The flight leaves tomorrow at noon, and thanks to the lovely time change, I arrive in Chicago on the same day, at 2:00pm. Bring on the jet lag.

I will be sure to post again, after arriving in the US. I'm sure it's going to be strange re-adjusting. Hoping for a safe and easy flight...

-C

"When are you coming home?"

Friday was my last day teaching at school and well, I wasn't exactly looking forward to it.Now, I am NOT a kid person. They've always got an even number of fingers up their noses and despite not having eaten a pb&j in the past week or so, there will always be jam in the crevices of their tiny hands. Gross.

Despite public belief, I was once a child myself. I know, it's true. Strange how I identify more with an abnormally tall 5th grader than I do with most of the adults I've met in my lifetime. You really want to marry that drummer in your favorite boy band? Yeah, me too. Sister read your diary? Let me help you with some key hiding spots. A boy pushed you on the playground? KNOCK HIM OUT! Joking.

It was hard to say goodbye to some students and thankfully, I was able to keep it together for the most part. Some students gave me cards and small gifts. My favorites were a kitty hologram passport holder from Susan, and giant drop rhinestone earrings from Grace (she picked them out herself).

I had prepared this sappy end of the year "go after your dreams" speech, but never quite got around to it. All of the students were asking questions about what I was going to do next. Sara, a 5th grader who I'm incredibly attached to asked "When are you coming home?". I corrected her and said "when are you GOING home". She put her head down on her desk and didn't look at me for the rest of class. Then I got it. When am I coming home...back to Korea. There go my heart strings.

Another student who doesn't attend our school anymore came in to say goodbye. I hadn't seen her for a month, but she remembered when I was leaving. She just walked up to me, lip a tremble, and waited for me to hug her.

WHY do they have to do that? It's not a good look for me.

I was incredibly moved by the little things they said and just how sincere they were. My little buddy, Robin, promised to email me every week to make sure the American's were being friendly to me.

Teaching has been fulfilling in every sense. There are teachers from my past that I guaruntee have shaped me into the person I am. I hope, or maybe I'm just wishing, that I did that for a student or two. I think a lot of Korean teachers are ass-holes. Flat out. Telling students they're the dumbest in the class and shouldn't be smiling for the rest of the year?? That's a quote, by the way. I spent most of my classtime boosting their confidence and explaining to them that despite what their parents have told them, there are more career choices than doctor, lawyer, or CEO.

I had award shows in my classes and honored them for being their cooky, zany selves. I hope they stay that way.

-C

You Can Ring My Bell: Suwon Fortress

Trying to absorb as much of the history as possible in our last few days, B and I jumped on the subway and headed to Suwon. The Suwon Fortress, or Hwaseong Fortress, was built in the 18th century to honor the remains of a prince. The prince was ordered to commit suicide by his father, and when he didn't , his father locked him in a rice chest. How's that for a soap opera!

A large wall was built to surround the center of the city. Upon seeing the stairway leading up the wall, I wished I wasn't wearing skinny jeans and flip flops. The climb to the top of the path brought back "thigh master" pains and gave me a nice sweaty glow.

steps up to the top of the wall

There were quite a few people roaming the path and enjoying the hot day. I am always jealous at the way Korean's treasure their country. Most landmarks in other countries are filled with tourists and families relentlessly trying to get the winning picture for their Christmas card. In Korea, monuments and national treasures are as commonly visited as corner coffee shops.

it ain't easy bein cheesy

B taking a breather

Upon entering the park, there was a giant Korean style bell. Everytime I see one, I have the urge to step behind the "do not enter" gate, and give it a good whack. To my surprise, for a mere 1,000won (about 90cents), I could give it three good whacks. I couldn't hide my happiness!

Yes!

The wall surrounding the palace is about 3.5 miles long. There were various look outs and watch towers, all carved out of stone with beautifully painted doors. I'm really awestruck by old Korean paintings and architecture. I love the way they cut shapes into the doors and even though they are simple to pick open, the locks on every door were all uniquely inspiring.

lookout ceiling

locked gate

more hand painted symbolism

Walking along the wall of the fortress was a great way to take in the ever growing city. Amidst the mountains, apartment high rises and theaters stake their claim. I wonder how long it will be until condos and miniplex's take over this beautiful country.

We got back to Seoul pretty late. Started the endless chore of packing my life into a suitcase. I'm no stranger to moving and actually enjoy it. Nothing like seeing your life in the bed of a pick up truck or coming down the belt of a baggage claim. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be able to pick a place and stay...

my life in a truck bed.. moving from downtown Chicago to hipsterville, Wicker Park

-C

So hard to say goodbye...

I'll miss you, Manjoo, my go to street snack. The smell of these hot corn cakes drifts down subway tunnels and into the shopping markets, making everyone slober, just a little. They are filled with a sort of custard, and paired with a cup of coffee, these little guys were a pick me up on a crappy day, or a good day, or any day that ends in a Y.

So, thanks, little bag of Manjoo. We've had our ups....our downs...it's been an emotional journey.

-C

Rainy Weekends: Random Trips

This rainy weather is SERIOUSLY affecting my weekend agenda. Come on, Mother Nature! But I didn't let a little slightly acidic rain get in my way. B and I grabbed some umbrellas and hit the streets to do some shopping this weekend. We needed to get some gifts for friends and family back home, as well as visit a flea market I've been dying to check out for awhile.

The Seoul Folk Flea Market is truly a hidden gem. I enjoy thrifting and antiquing, so this 2 story hodge-podge of goods was like my version of a candy store. Unfortunately I can't share photos of the place. I don't want to spoil my surprises.

I have a bad habit of shopping for myself when shopping for others. I'm sure most people share in this self indulgence, but if I work hard picking out gifts for others, shouldn't I be rewarded? Probably not. BUT! You must see my finds!



I about died when I saw these box sets of records. It was hard to decide between dance party and cocktail piano time, but I couldn't resist the song selections of coctail piano time. A 5 record box set for around $8 ??? SOLD. I also found a Fleetwood Mac record for a little over a dollar. I can't WAIT to bust these out at home.

On Sunday I finished up the last of my shopping and went to Ilsan to visit my friend Elizabeth. We sat at a coffee shop and talked, her favorite. Her friend succesfully scared the crap out of me, talking about 2012. Ugh. Then, we got dinner and said goodbye. It reminded me how much I hate the whole "saying goodbye" thing. Only 3 more weeks...

-C

Oh, Snap! Cassie Teacher!

I'd like to share with you some of the ridiculously cute faces that I teach everyday.

This is Nancy. She always claps and cheers when I come into class.

Jake, the most terrorizing first grader. Ever.

Sun & Philip. They have a bromance. I taught them how to say "oh, snap"...hand motion included.


the boys half of my international class. the boys and girls refuse to sit next to eachother and on this day, the girls were camera shy.

Wacky Jacky! He wants to be a tap dancer, but I'm not supposed to tell anyone. Shh.

And this is Amy. She didn't want her picture taken. She only likes to talk about money and boyfriends. She has a bright future ahead of her.

Englishee?

Despite how learner friendly the Korean language is, I have failed at falling back into my studious ways of my college years. I know the basics, which will get me where I need to go, but speaking in 2 word phrases just makes me feel like a caveman. For example, "straight, thank you" or "rice, one". Me hungry, make sandwich! I hope this habit doesn't follow me back to the States.

No matter the language, I usually only remember the words I will never need to use in a public setting. I know how to say pigeon, gambling, and pervert in Korean. But I'm not sure I'll ever have a run in with a perverted, gambling pigeon.

I know how to say cat, heart, and house slippers in Spanish. And really, I hope I never wake up to a cat heart in my house slippers.

In German, the words that come to my mind first are butt-head, sweet, and rye bread. Do you see my problem???

Perhaps I should invest in Rosetta Stone, or I could continue to grunt one syllable words at my taxi drivers.

Grunting it is.

-C

Crazy Contraptions That Will Be Missed

The Umbrella Slip: I will sincerely miss this contraption. I hate it when I have to lug my sopping wet umbrella into work, or a shop, or the subway. These gadgets can quickly and painlessly cover your umbrella with plastic, saving yourself from a slippery fall on the floor. No matter the size of your umbrella, this invention has you covered.

T-money: This is genius! Attach a small ring to your phone, key chain, or bag, and have access to all sorts of products without reaching for your wallet. Subway rides, taxis, vending machines, and convenient store stops...all take the t-money currency. It's a preloaded ring or card that is reusable and stylish. Unlike the metro cards back in Chicago, this puppy can be used for more than just the commute to work. I'll miss you, T-money....

vending machine that accepts T-Money

T-Money cell phone charm

Cell phone Coverage: Korea has got the cell phone business done right. There is a multidude of options, as far as the kind of cell phone you would like. They may have been late to get the iPhone, but really there isn't much of a need, with all the other smart phones made here. But my favorite part of having a cell phone is NOT paying a good portion of my paycheck for my service. I've never counted minutes or texts, because they are too cheap to worry about. 1 text message costs 1 penny. I hear thousands of American jaws hitting the floor. I don't even know what my plan covers, nor do I wish to find out. My bill is approximately $30 a month. The logic is, the more affordable cell phones are, the more the public will buy. My 1st graders have cell phones, so I'm guessing it's working.

my Korean cell phone

The Water Sound Button: I had seen these buttons around in the subway bathrooms, but was always too scared to push one. I didn't know what would happen and didn't want to make a fool out of myself. Finally, one day when I was alone in a bathroom, I pushed the button. It's located next to the toilet in the stall. Don't worry, I'm not writing this from a toilet seat. As soon as I pushed the button, the sound of a toilet flushing rang out of the box. I won't go into detail about what it's for, but I hope you get the idea! The courtesy flush, without wasting water. Gross, but a crazy Korean invention none the less...

the water sound button

When I first started seeing these baby slings, I was reminded of those little backpack animals. Unzip the Giraffe and stuff it with your pencils and snacks...ect. I think baby slings are somewhat dangerous and I still can't manage to understand why strapping a baby, legs-split, to your back, serves a purpose. These are really popular in Korea. Wonder if this will catch on in the States...

for the mom on the go?

This next contraption isn't really new to me, but I just get a kick out their location and step-by-step instructions. These gas masks are situated in every subway station. Granted there are only 12, and there are usually dozens of people in one station at a time, it defintiely give you the feeling of "hey, we care about you"...or at least 12 of you. In the case of chemical warfare, just grab a mask and get to steppin'!

get em' while they're hot/available

In times of chemical bombing, remember to read the directions thuroughly!

don't forget to breathe?

-C

Redo?

After re-reading my last post, I'm pretty much disgusted. What a horrible post! Woof. Boring, uneventful, and well....there was no pizzazz. I need pizzazz. No, I don't mean large quanitites of pizzas. Actually, that doesn't sound bad either.

So I'm calling a redo. You remember those, right? Playing kickball in elementary school..attempting to kick the ball into outerspace but instead kicking up grass as the ball rolls on by?

RE.DO.

I have been in Korea for a solid year, now. In one years time, I have realized an ungodly amount about myself and the world around me.

Most importantly, I can safely say I know jack shit about life. Trust me, it's not easy to say and it gets worse as I stare at this sentence. I've always prided myself on my ability to pick up a book and get lost in it's text. I love to read. I love books. Even the horrible ones. I am inspired by stories of all kinds. Leatherbound, paperback, off the shelf, or out of the basement box. It's a habit I can't quit. What I've realized in my short year overseas, is that the best stories of my life will be lived under the sun, and not between the pages from my favorite authors. I can read about the bustling lanes of a faraway market, or I can take advantage of free will and experience it first hand. I've surprisingly had a harder time finishing books in Korea than any other time in my life. Probably because I'm too busy living.

Korea has been a wonderful place to call home for the last year. She's done right by me and I'm sure we'll have a heartfelt goodbye. For now, however, I'll continue to explore while I'm still here.

first day in Korea

24 more days.




-C

365 Days in the Life....

Today marks my 1 year anniversary in South Korea. I can't say it's been easy, but I can definitely say it's been a life changing experience.

This is my first time living overseas for a significant amount of time, and I will be sad to leave my temporary home. Over the past year I've learned a lot about myself as a person, a teacher, and more times than I can count, a student.

There were days I just wanted to go home, and days like this, when I realize the end of this trip will come all too soon.

Doing my best to stretch out each weekend....only 3 weeks of teaching left. The thought of saying goodbye to some of my students makes my eyes sting.

As you may have heard, our trip to Beijing fell through. China changed their Visa rules overnight, stating we would have to be living in Korea for 6 more months if we wanted a Visa. So we fought with the airline to get our money back and bought 2 tickets to Jeju Island. Jeju is called the Hawaii of Korea. I guess I'll have to settle for a tropical volcanic island.

Life is hard?
-C

Hello, Kitty!

Korea...sometimes I just want to slap my knee and laugh. Kids do the darndest things, but let me tell ya, Koreans have stolen the spotlight from any child with a speech impediment or knack for losing their clothes at a family reunion.

In Korea, trends are taken to the EXTREME. Yes, I capatilized extreme to make it more....EXTREME.

Take, for instance, the cult classic that is, Hello Kitty. That cat can do just about anything it seems, and it is almost impossible NOT to find her plastered onto day to day products. Chopsticks, tooth brushes, cell phones, toilet paper (yes, toilet paper, how intimate!), and seat covers are just a few random places I've seen her.

I'm not hating on Hello, Kitty...In fact, I think she's kinda cute. And that giant red bow in her hair? How very Marc Jacobs 2010 Spring Collection of her...

On Sunday, I dragged B to the notorious Hello Kitty Cafe. You wouldn't imagine how easy it was to find. Being tucked away on a side street in a busy side of town isn't a problem. The building is painted a bright, happy pink that could, I'm guessing, easily be spotted from space.

When I stepped inside, I felt I was walking into a girlier version of PeeWee's Playhouse. Everything was pink. Obviously.

Every chair was in the shape of Hello, Kitty. The doorways were in the shape of her head. Mini cakes mirrored her cheeky expression. We ordered coffees and wouldn't you know? That cat made an appearance in my latte foam.

SHE'S EVERYWHERE!

I couldn't even pee without being reminded of how cute she was. I was inspired to say things like "look at my bow" that I wasn't wearing, and "love day with Kitty friend". Her English is great!

The latte was surprisingly good. However, I was distracted by a tagged trash bin and had to get a picture of it. So I guess I enjoyed the place, but not more than a creative trash can. That sounds horribly rude...and that is all.



ps- i do NOT condone the message on this trash can

- C