The Sorting Hat

As my mom said, I've gone from being Leah Teacher to Leah Student! I'm officially back at school and very happy about it. I had my first class on Tuesday, after Labour Day, and am already jumping right in. My professor took out about seven different hats, SORTING HATS, and we had to walk to the one that "spoke" to us, about what it means to be a teacher. Anyways, we were one of the smaller groups. About 6 of us chose the construction worker hat. "Building foundations, building communities, and building futures" was our main theme. I was nominated to speak for our group to the class (as I was a bit of a leader in the group). And that's that.

Enough about school. I likely won't keep up this blog too regularly, now that I'm back in school and will be extremely busy. I do want to wrap up my final time in Korea though!

The last week was a blur. I was averaging about 5 hours of sleep per night: working all day, dinners, socializing, cleaning, packing, repeat. It was emotionally challenging. I cried a lot my last two days. Leaving the kids (especially Venus class) was really hard!!!

My last Tuesday, a group of 14 of us went out for dinner (Shabu Shabu). One of the students from our school (one of the 5-year olds) came in with his parents. When we went to pay our bill, we were told that it ALL BEEN PAID FOR BY THE FAMILY. NO WAY!!! How generous and unexpected is that?? Amazing, really. A perfect example of the overall kindness in Korea.

Tuesday dinner

Tuesday evening...a business man passed out drunk. A VERY common sight, every weekday, between 9-10pm.

Wednesday BBQ with Kammy!!

And makgeolli, of course (Korean rice wine....mmmm)

Last Day of School Pictures....

With my Venus monkeys

The entire last week

Julian - Leah Teacher, when you come back?

Leah - I don't know Julian.

J - How about August thirty-one? Or September one?

J - I love you, Leah Teacher!

Saying goodbye was the worst. I was already in tears. As Julian hugged me tightly, he said, "See you next Wednesday, Leah Teacher!" It broke my heart. I told him that no, I wouldn't see him. And that was that. (I got an update this week that he told Selina Teacher he wants to quit school because I am not there, and that he is going to come to Canada).

I cried in Venus class on Thursday, even before the last day, just telling them that Friday would be my last day. I just love those kids SO MUCH!

My Pluto kiddies

Shana Teacher (my co-teacher for Pluto) had the kids write me letters, and she put them together all in a book. This, of course, made me cry too. Kids say the cutest and darndest things.

Mercury B1 elementary kids

Mmmm....rice cakes

Pat bing su at the airport, with Christian!

Thursday evening was dedicated to packing, packing, packing, and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Friday a few friends came over and we hung out in my spotless and empty apartment. Karen and Romo met me Saturday morning to help me get my stuff to the airport shuttle, and Christian came with me to the airport.

Arriving at the airport and up to the counter to check my bags, I was informed that I could get to Tokyo, but that my flight from Tokyo to New York was cancelled, due to Irene. Stranded in Tokyo? We'll see when I get there.

Arriving in Tokyo, I waited in the AA line, and the guy was super helpful. He told me I could fly directly to Toronto the next morning, and wait overnight. THEN he said I could wait on standby for a flight to Texas. He already secured me the Texas to Toronto link. Sure, why not try? The flight it leaving in 30 minutes (only half an hour after my original flight was scheduled to leave). My goodness, when they called my name, it felt like I won the lottery. Only two people were called. So, the rest was easy.

I had a lovely week at home with the family. Laying low, catching up, running, and trying to get into a regular sleep pattern.

And here I am now. Back at school, three years after graduating undergrad. A new city, a new adventure, and it feels really good.

I'm a Liar

I feel terrible.

Last Thursday:

Leah - Julian, I am going to Canada August 26.

Julian - Why?

Leah - I miss my family. I want to see them.

Julian - For vacation?

Leah - ......yes.

Shit. I flat out lied. I couldn't stop myself. I think I would have cried otherwise.

This is how the follow-up went.

Last Friday:

Julian - Leah Teacher, when do you go to Canada?

Leah - August 27.

Julian - Leah Teacher, yesterday you said August 26.

Leah - You're right, Julian. I made a mistake.

(Man, he's swift.)

Today:

Julian - You go to Canada August 27?

Leah - Yes.

Julian - September what [date] you come back?

...moving along now. HE THINKS I AM COMING BACK.

Julian really started my final week off right. When I walk into Venus class this morning, he takes a board marker, draws a heart on the board, and says, "Leah Teacher, I love you!"

I had a great final weekend. Friday evening I had a drink with a friend. We stayed local and I saw a bunch of people that I knew; it's nice when that happens unexpectedly.

Insadong

Saturday Magda and I went into Insadong, in Seoul, this really awesome neighbourhood full of crafty things. I did some shopping, we had lunch, and went for tea at an old tea house. We didn't get home until around 7pm, so we were slower getting out the door to return BACK to Hongdae, Seoul, for my last night out. We arrived at my bar of choice, Exit, around 11:30pm, decked out in vintage dresses, and GIANT bows in our hair, Korean style. It was a really fun night. Again, I saw some folks that I wasn't expecting to; pleasant surprises. I didn't get home until 6:30am!! When in Korea, eh??

Drinking in public, because we can

Sunday I unsuccessfully attempted to clean my apartment. I did get some packing done, and some laundry. I also had lunch with Karen, and met for tea with an old coworker. The weather was FINALLY beautiful. Yes. Gorgeous sunny day.

Last Thursday, when I met up with Kammy, I wanted to get my hair trimmed, so that I look presentable when I get home. (Kammy ended up getting her hair cut too!) They straightened it for me. Koreans are so funny. The next day at work my coworkers all said, essentially, that "you look better now". Haha They are always so blunt. Earlier that day, for field trip, we had gone to Central Park in Beomgye for a giant water gun fight. I was SOAKED from running around in the fountains, along-side all the kids. I felt sorry for the hairdresser, having to go through the mess that was my hair.

This week is going to fly. I have plans every evening - dinner dates with friends. AND I still have to pack and clean! And I still have to work 9:30-6:30. Wish me luck! See you on the other side!!!

I'm Still Here...!

...but THIS is where I'll be soon!!!! Can you believe I will be starting SCHOOL in three weeks?! I am over the moon excited!!!! I am definitely feeling ready to return. I will miss my students and friends dearly, but it's time for the next adventure.

My desk at work.

Julian in the teacher room...on my break. Last Thursday at 12:55, "Leah Teacher. You come to Venus class in 45 minutes." "Yes, thank you Julian. I will be there. Don't worry."

Aka my boyfriend. Or Julian Teacher. I don't need to keep track of time. He does it for me. And he mimics things I say. "Leah Teacher, how about...?" when suggesting something.

Genius.

I would actually love to be his au pere. I would be so happy to teach Julian full-time, one-on-one.

Last Saturday (August 6), I treated myself to a Bikram yoga class in Apgujeoung, a neighbourhood in Seoul. It felt SO AWESOME. I haven't practiced regularly in two years, and my last class was about a year ago. The studio is lovely. My instructor told me she couldn't tell I had been out of the hot room for so long, and commended my practice, saying I didn't need any corrections. I thank my FANTASTIC instructors back at BYKW for my solid foundation.

I actually left my apartment to make it to the 11am class. I couldn't find the studio though. It wasn't a huge deal. I knew there was a 1pm class, so I went to a PC bang (computer room) to check a map. Man oh man...I made it to the studio JUST in time! 12:45pm!! Haha

Enjoying a "me" date after my yoga class...espresso and a smoked salmon sandwich. Sat down JUST before the rain came. I had the balcony to myself.

Saturday night was eventful...Selina's birthday AND the last Seoul Shindig/motown party!

Me and Karen

Family - birthday girl Selina, sister Elly, and hubby Jerry

Magda and me at the Shindig

Last Friday, we had another cooking class at school. We made Vietnamese spring rolls. Not such a hit with the kids - they mostly picked the veggies out of the rice paper rolls - but DEFINITELY a hit with the teachers!!

Pluto class at work...

This past weekend was a long one! Friday night Karen, Colin, Romo, and I had an impromptu Indian dinner out. It was nice. Karen and Romo surprised me with this beautiful stuffed elephant I've been eyeing since I got to Korea. I almost cried. It was so thoughtful of them. I love it so much and it is making a perfect snuggle buddy!

Saturday Christian and I went to Seoul for lunch. We went to an Arabic restaurant and ate the most delicious falafel I have ever had. Seriously. It was heavenly. Saturday evening the rain came and I stayed in for a cozy night, and watched a couple films. (I FINALLY watched "Life if Beautiful". Beautiful really is the only word to describe that movie. Wow.)

Sunday morning I got caught in the rain on my run (Saturday's run was dry)! Oh well. Then I met with Karen for lunch. Sunday evening Magda and I had a sleepover at her new place: wine, movies, pizza, and giggles. It was perfect. The next morning we moved a couch into her place, one she had spotted a few days ago at the side of the road. Purple, very retro, very cool. We had a slow morning, over coffee and another movie. It was really great. Then when I got home I started to PACK!

I love packing. I know it's a bit early, but my weekdays are busy with work, social things, and sleeping...so I thought I'd take advantage!

And here I am now, Tuesday evening. I ran the stairs after work. This rain just WON'T STOP! I think it's been all month so far? (Thank goodness Jeju was sunny!) Elly called and we ended up grabbing some kimchi jiggae (kimchi stew) for dinner together. It was really nice to have a chat and eat together. Her wedding planning is keeping her quite busy, so it had been a while since just the TWO of us had some time.

Only EIGHT work days left!!! LESS THAN TWO WEEKS until I'm home!!!

We'll Always Have Jeju

I am so happy I spent my summer holiday on Jeju Island in Korea. The slogan on all the signs is "We love having you here". The population of the main city is about 250000, and the total island is about half a million. All year I had been toying with many plans, mostly to leave the country to venture to South East Asia, but I ultimately decided that I want to savour and enjoy all of Korea while I'm here. As much as I love it, I cannot see myself taking a holiday in Korea. My reason for return would be to work. (And if I do, I totally want to live on Jeju Island!)

I arrived on Tuesday evening, to a beautiful red sky. It was nice to escape the never-ending downpour in Gyeonggi-do (the province I live in). The hostel directions were bang-on: I made my way on the local bus from the airport to Jeju city, and on to the next bus from there. Destination: Geumneung-li, on the northwest part of the island. The hostel staff were awesome. I dropped my bags and headed to the hostel bar for a drink. Then an early night to bed...ahh. I slept so well!

I started my Wednesday morning with a jog to check out my surroundings. Because it was grey, my plans for a beach day were nixed. It worked out nicely though; a guy at the hostel was looking for company to the Mangjanggul cave, a kilometer-long portion of the World Natural Heritage site that is open to the public. There is an extensive lava tube system on the island. In fact, the entire island was created by a volcanic eruption. The cave is located on the northeast side of the island.

The "turtle"...or a model of the island; lava formation

Lava column - this is when lava pours from the ceiling and congeals. At 7.6 meters, this is the largest one known.

After the caves, we checked out a maze before heading back to Jeju city (this is the connecting point for most buses). We were told the maze would take 10-30 minutes. We were SO confident we could do it in ten....30 minutes later, we made it to the victory bell!

30 minutes later, we made it to the victory bell!

Met up with D at the bus terminal, then enjoyed dinner in the city.

Thursday we rented bikes to check out some sites on the island. Single-lane roads, minimal traffic, secluded areas, perfect conditions. We covered about 25km at a comfortable pace in the heat. First stop, the O'Sulloc Tea Museum and green tea fields. We got to sample a green tea that they roast right on location. Fantastic.

Green tea treats: yogurt and green tea ice cream, green tea latte with red bean, and cookies.

Our next stop was the Glass Castle Museum. We had no idea what to expect.

Mirror maze

Glass town

Garden party

Orange tree

Heart

We were very pleasantly surprised, to say the least! Glass everywhere, different techniques, from all over the world.

Our third stop appears to be along the side of the road...and it was! There was a little restaurant on one side, with a makeshift platform for outdoor dining across the street! So quiet and peaceful. Delicious too!

Stretching out...

En route

Our final stop was to a modern art gallery and artists' village. Unfortunately only one of the modern art exhibits was open, so the lady let us in for free. It was an amazing collection though, so we weren't left too disappointed.

Outdoor art installations

Thursday evening we ventured to the infamous Jeju Loveland. Think penis park...but so much more. Consider this your warning.

Romantic smooch

Friday we opted for a relaxing beach day...Geumneung Best Beach. The water was SO inviting. The tide really changes throughout the day. We wanted to swim to the little island, but there were buoy-lines and patrols preventing it. At one point, it seemed we could have walked half-way there! There were so many sandbars, such that people were able to picnic out in the water and build sandcastles! We were going to rent an umbrella, but a Korean guy was kind enough to share the one he rented with us. He asked us if we were on our honeymoon. Haha

Is this paradise or is this paradise?

Stunning

Friday evening, Magda arrived and we had a girls' night, sitting by the beach with a glass of wine. On Saturday, she and I conquered Hallasan - the highest point in all of South Korea. 9.6km trail, 1950 meters up (we hiked about a 1200-meter vertical), nature and fresh air.

We made the checkpoint in 2 hours and 5 minutes! You're expected to take three hours.

Almost at the top...

Success! Total ascent time: 3 hours and 3 minutes. (4.5 hours is expected). Total descent time: 3 hours and 8 minutes. We are champs.

Sunday we checked out and headed back to Jeju city: D with a flight to catch, and me and Magda a full day ahead.

I couldn't NOT go to Loveland with Magda....!

Mandarin sorbet stop

The park is actually quite pretty and tastefully done, especially from a distance.

Happy ending: Indian dinner on a beautiful outdoor patio. High on life, love, nature, everything.

It really was a wonderful holiday - so many laughs, amazing memories created, stunning location, and the best company. I feel so lucky. What a way to go and end my time here. Only three more weekends left!!!