a brief update, first sounds like a joke. An Irishman, A New Zealander, and an American walk into a bar in South Korea. To make a long story short.
The feral hobbits were a little rowdy this week. Felt very Uruk Hai. The computer my life line to the west has been on the fritz. So I have been answering e mails when I can. On my off nights when I am not training. I am studying Korean and my brain goes into a switch mode on the days I don’t allow myself to speak English. Learning to read again has also proved challenging.
One of the local bartenders only English is the term SecShi Guy, or in English Sexy Guy. So one the street she saw me and yelled SecShi Guy!. I responded with some of my new Korean. Arrayo, I mean “ I know”. She couldn’t stop laughing.
Still waiting to get paid. I have been made the mascot of a Cho Gu team. It’s a sport that combines volleyball and soccer. I was just watching the game and the coach bummed a tambae from me. So I celebrated a bit with them. One of the players scored a point with this amazing bicycle kick. I yelled “ Nice!” so the rest of the game when points were scored were followed by a chorus of “ Nice-uh”. I’d love to learn the game but after some practice I realized it wasn’t the sport for me.
I’m looking forward to some traveling and plan on doing a little this weekend. Suwon has many cultural treasures to explore.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
p.s. does anyone here kapish
I found Warner Brothers cartoons at 4 a.m. on a Satrurday, even dubbed in Korean they are still funny. Actually stumbled upon the " Does anyone here kapish " toon, and the toon with the Big red monster. It's funny to hear " Monsters are such interesting people " In Korean. Been reading a collection of the New Mutants getting nostalgic for the eighties and remembering why I had a crush on Rahne Sinclair. Some of my best relationships have been with superheroines. The fact that they're fictional notwithstanding. Right now watching an intalian soap opera subtitled in korean. Figured what the hell, fry my mind in two languages.
Met some more foreigners since I've been here. Alicia a lovely young woman from delaware, who is borrowing my copy of princess bride. Lady Leonine Overbeek has been a goddess as far as contacts and has supplied me with some much needed venting and reading material, and Barry an Irishman who may be able to play rpg's with me. Still lonely most of the time. Been studying Korean. But my boss thinks after a month I should be fluent.
Met some more foreigners since I've been here. Alicia a lovely young woman from delaware, who is borrowing my copy of princess bride. Lady Leonine Overbeek has been a goddess as far as contacts and has supplied me with some much needed venting and reading material, and Barry an Irishman who may be able to play rpg's with me. Still lonely most of the time. Been studying Korean. But my boss thinks after a month I should be fluent.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Gorilla Hulk vs Great Giant Fire Ice Dragon or Observations
Week 6 – Observations
Well good news, Soy had her baby. I ran into Dragon hanging out in the arcade under my apartment. In a quick pantomime, he gave me a thumbs up. We will see the baby soon.
An observation about culture. After being here awhile I drew some parallels, culturally and historically between between a few countries, China is like France is a continental power,a unified country. With a series of external wars. The French and Chinese feel the grandeur of their unique culture and language. Japan is England an island nation, the funny thing about islands is there nowhere to go but water. The English like the Japanese are polite and try not to get in reach other’s space. Courtesy becomes paramount. Also a hidden seething. A history of internal strife. With figurehead royalty and parliaments. To me Korea is like Italy . Although Italy is not as culturally isolated as Korea was. The values of learning ( Seonbi ) and family are very strong in both places. Unity flows through it. You drop a Korean or Itlian anywhere in the world and they are their country, their family, their heritage.
The kids were good this week, except for a slight brush with the feral hobbits. They attacked my legs. And I was pounced upon from every direction. I felt like my dad when called Igor. I even exclaimed “ Bat signal in the sky, sirens on the street.”
The rest was figuring out options. Been talking to a few of the short timer survivors and some of the stories I have are typical. Like having to make phone calls to homes without actually having the language. That to me has been the most distressing part of work. I’ve been talking to my boss. I may try to get back sooner than expected. The loneliness is killing me. But I survive, between workouts, cooking, matches and routine.
The first touch of the poet takes up the quill.
I love my Friday classes all phonics and vocabulary. The feral hobbits and I play games. And within the new game is the pass game. A game where I theow a small ball and do vocabulary practice. The words today included gorilla, hulk, which the students pointed at me and giant,great, ice, fire, dragon.. SO I got to slay at least a linguistic dragon at least. Another few dragons await.
The studying goes on. The martial training ,intense as hell, goes on. And I keep thinking of the incoming dragons.
The first dinner with Chin Teh, with Sang Mi his wife, and Su Wa his 4 year daughter. Su Wa thought I was a ghost from Korean mythology. A ghost who beats monsters with a stick. Gods know how close it is to the true. It was a great night, and made me feel less lonely/
Well good news, Soy had her baby. I ran into Dragon hanging out in the arcade under my apartment. In a quick pantomime, he gave me a thumbs up. We will see the baby soon.
An observation about culture. After being here awhile I drew some parallels, culturally and historically between between a few countries, China is like France is a continental power,a unified country. With a series of external wars. The French and Chinese feel the grandeur of their unique culture and language. Japan is England an island nation, the funny thing about islands is there nowhere to go but water. The English like the Japanese are polite and try not to get in reach other’s space. Courtesy becomes paramount. Also a hidden seething. A history of internal strife. With figurehead royalty and parliaments. To me Korea is like Italy . Although Italy is not as culturally isolated as Korea was. The values of learning ( Seonbi ) and family are very strong in both places. Unity flows through it. You drop a Korean or Itlian anywhere in the world and they are their country, their family, their heritage.
The kids were good this week, except for a slight brush with the feral hobbits. They attacked my legs. And I was pounced upon from every direction. I felt like my dad when called Igor. I even exclaimed “ Bat signal in the sky, sirens on the street.”
The rest was figuring out options. Been talking to a few of the short timer survivors and some of the stories I have are typical. Like having to make phone calls to homes without actually having the language. That to me has been the most distressing part of work. I’ve been talking to my boss. I may try to get back sooner than expected. The loneliness is killing me. But I survive, between workouts, cooking, matches and routine.
The first touch of the poet takes up the quill.
I love my Friday classes all phonics and vocabulary. The feral hobbits and I play games. And within the new game is the pass game. A game where I theow a small ball and do vocabulary practice. The words today included gorilla, hulk, which the students pointed at me and giant,great, ice, fire, dragon.. SO I got to slay at least a linguistic dragon at least. Another few dragons await.
The studying goes on. The martial training ,intense as hell, goes on. And I keep thinking of the incoming dragons.
The first dinner with Chin Teh, with Sang Mi his wife, and Su Wa his 4 year daughter. Su Wa thought I was a ghost from Korean mythology. A ghost who beats monsters with a stick. Gods know how close it is to the true. It was a great night, and made me feel less lonely/
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Week 5 - English I thought I dreamt hering it
Week 5
English I thought I dreamt hearing it, yes I'm feeling a bit like Khan from space seed.
I finally met a group of english speakers at the wa bar in dongtan. Good people, lively conversation. I was good to have flowing conversation.
Another bonus a young lady who worked at wa bar saw me help the old lady on the bus. She said I was a very nice young man. Two things I haven't been called in awhile. Nice and young.
A mother three sheets and a duvet cover to the wind tried to hook my up with her painfully shy daughter. The girl had been to new york, she was so embarassed. So to save her sanity. I said I was married.
Writing this post from a PC room because my computer is going insane. Much like it's ownner. Viola will survive.
Went to suwon twice, trying to figure out navigation, to make my plans for next weekends visit to the palace of the nine gates and some bhuddist temples. My phone takes pictures Chin Teh is going to help me fix my computer and download programs to transfer the pics to my computer. So pics soon.
Went to some more rural parts of korea and saw the cutest pack of puppies which began to follow me. But remebering that they are livestock made me keep them at arms length. They followed my around, I eventually named them Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch aand Afternoon tea. The classic gallows humor of my people still intact.
Invented a new game where I throw a tiny basketball at the students and they give me an english word. It seems to be working. I will now remeber now to give the ball to my class of feral hobbits, recipe for disaster.
Been doing oral interviews this week, much better than phone interviewing the kids at thier home calling people when you don't speak a lick of korean is awkward and nerve wracking. Talking to the other teachers helped clarify alot for me and clued me in on my options.
Been training like mad. Master Kim appreciates it.
It was valentines day this week. The girls at the school gave me chocolate and paper hearts. Yeah I'm a big softie. I miss my girl.
English I thought I dreamt hearing it, yes I'm feeling a bit like Khan from space seed.
I finally met a group of english speakers at the wa bar in dongtan. Good people, lively conversation. I was good to have flowing conversation.
Another bonus a young lady who worked at wa bar saw me help the old lady on the bus. She said I was a very nice young man. Two things I haven't been called in awhile. Nice and young.
A mother three sheets and a duvet cover to the wind tried to hook my up with her painfully shy daughter. The girl had been to new york, she was so embarassed. So to save her sanity. I said I was married.
Writing this post from a PC room because my computer is going insane. Much like it's ownner. Viola will survive.
Went to suwon twice, trying to figure out navigation, to make my plans for next weekends visit to the palace of the nine gates and some bhuddist temples. My phone takes pictures Chin Teh is going to help me fix my computer and download programs to transfer the pics to my computer. So pics soon.
Went to some more rural parts of korea and saw the cutest pack of puppies which began to follow me. But remebering that they are livestock made me keep them at arms length. They followed my around, I eventually named them Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch aand Afternoon tea. The classic gallows humor of my people still intact.
Invented a new game where I throw a tiny basketball at the students and they give me an english word. It seems to be working. I will now remeber now to give the ball to my class of feral hobbits, recipe for disaster.
Been doing oral interviews this week, much better than phone interviewing the kids at thier home calling people when you don't speak a lick of korean is awkward and nerve wracking. Talking to the other teachers helped clarify alot for me and clued me in on my options.
Been training like mad. Master Kim appreciates it.
It was valentines day this week. The girls at the school gave me chocolate and paper hearts. Yeah I'm a big softie. I miss my girl.
Friday, February 6, 2009
week 4 or doea anyone kapissh
Week 4 or Does Anyone Here Kapish
Just like the dog lost in Italy in the old warner brothers catoon. As he was holding up the leaning tower of Pisa “ does anyone here KAPISH !!!!”
Well I’m the dog.
That also when cartoons could be a little politically incorrect, all the cops in the cartoons were Irish with outrageous accents. And I still love the accents on the Italian cooks in “Lady and the Tramp”
Holidays, today in one of my advanced classes I taught a section on holidays, and I thought it would be interesting what Holidays the kids would make for themselves. The girl’s made Friendship Day, Music Day, Book Day. The boys made Sleep Day, Playing video Games Day and Food day. Despite their differences the entire class agreed that on their respected holidays they would serve as special food, steak, pizza, ice cream, and cake. At least there we have common ground.
Everything here is so small. There is a red lantern on the second floor stairs of my building which I keep clunking into. I’ve been ambushed by a couple of doorways. I always stand on the bus. My first two classes on Mondays and Wednesdays are my youngest students. This morning class ran a little short and the coloring went awry and degenerated on a celebrity death match between the western giant and a savage group of feral Korean hobbits. They just like it when I pick them up. Of all my classes they can be the most fun or silly. When David and Peter just decide to talk to each other. My dad did it with us when we were kids. It’s called Igor.
Buying a pair of escrima sticks and a basketball soon. Found a court near my house. I’m a lousy shot but it relaxes me. Thinking about a pet. Problem is getting the critter back to the states.
The second class that day is the rowdy too many kids in a small room class. There are islands of sanity and I get the lessons taught. I instituted an “English Only Policy” which seems to be working. And since I have to phone their parents every so often I have leverage., when they want to speak. Poor Brad, my hero, plays translation duties and every night on the ride home, I give him English lessons. He teaches me Korean. His Korean name is Jin Teh. We teach each other slang on the trips home. What is said on the ride home. Stays there.
Iris has been getting better about speaking English. Which helps. But doesn’t fully rid me of the cloaking device that seems to go on . I’ve been studying Korean like a madman. My survival Korean is good. But I miss effortless conversation. Will meet a gaggle of foreigners this weekend. It will be so nice. Anyone I’ve talked to in the states have noticed I’m talking slowly.
I tore a hole in one of my pants. I got to get to Seoul. Which may have to wait another month. Until my Korean shapes up and I get a little more money. Found out I’m only getting paid for half of January cause I stated “officially” on the 12th. So I’ll have another lean month but not as lean as the last.
I’ve been writing a lot. Is coming. I’m waiting for Rick to send me his njotes on some of our comic book stuff.
But right now, I just miss home. I’m learning Korean for " Be safe"
Just like the dog lost in Italy in the old warner brothers catoon. As he was holding up the leaning tower of Pisa “ does anyone here KAPISH !!!!”
Well I’m the dog.
That also when cartoons could be a little politically incorrect, all the cops in the cartoons were Irish with outrageous accents. And I still love the accents on the Italian cooks in “Lady and the Tramp”
Holidays, today in one of my advanced classes I taught a section on holidays, and I thought it would be interesting what Holidays the kids would make for themselves. The girl’s made Friendship Day, Music Day, Book Day. The boys made Sleep Day, Playing video Games Day and Food day. Despite their differences the entire class agreed that on their respected holidays they would serve as special food, steak, pizza, ice cream, and cake. At least there we have common ground.
Everything here is so small. There is a red lantern on the second floor stairs of my building which I keep clunking into. I’ve been ambushed by a couple of doorways. I always stand on the bus. My first two classes on Mondays and Wednesdays are my youngest students. This morning class ran a little short and the coloring went awry and degenerated on a celebrity death match between the western giant and a savage group of feral Korean hobbits. They just like it when I pick them up. Of all my classes they can be the most fun or silly. When David and Peter just decide to talk to each other. My dad did it with us when we were kids. It’s called Igor.
Buying a pair of escrima sticks and a basketball soon. Found a court near my house. I’m a lousy shot but it relaxes me. Thinking about a pet. Problem is getting the critter back to the states.
The second class that day is the rowdy too many kids in a small room class. There are islands of sanity and I get the lessons taught. I instituted an “English Only Policy” which seems to be working. And since I have to phone their parents every so often I have leverage., when they want to speak. Poor Brad, my hero, plays translation duties and every night on the ride home, I give him English lessons. He teaches me Korean. His Korean name is Jin Teh. We teach each other slang on the trips home. What is said on the ride home. Stays there.
Iris has been getting better about speaking English. Which helps. But doesn’t fully rid me of the cloaking device that seems to go on . I’ve been studying Korean like a madman. My survival Korean is good. But I miss effortless conversation. Will meet a gaggle of foreigners this weekend. It will be so nice. Anyone I’ve talked to in the states have noticed I’m talking slowly.
I tore a hole in one of my pants. I got to get to Seoul. Which may have to wait another month. Until my Korean shapes up and I get a little more money. Found out I’m only getting paid for half of January cause I stated “officially” on the 12th. So I’ll have another lean month but not as lean as the last.
I’ve been writing a lot. Is coming. I’m waiting for Rick to send me his njotes on some of our comic book stuff.
But right now, I just miss home. I’m learning Korean for " Be safe"
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Ambient Light 2
BETH Ambient Light 2
LETTERS BETWEEN LOVERS
Letter writing is a lost art. Few do it nowadays. That’s how he got me. But that’s also how I got him.
But now my passions need reinvigoration. Where is the fierceness? Like the love lingering after a betrayal. Knowing how weak I am. It’ll soon be time to revisit the past and reinvent it . Where I get all the really killer lines. Memories are tangible things. But the horrible thought lingering like a slow kiss is still there. Where would I be if I was still her.
I know I love him although thoughts of strangling the toad in his sleep also appeals to me.
LETTERS BETWEEN LOVERS
Letter writing is a lost art. Few do it nowadays. That’s how he got me. But that’s also how I got him.
But now my passions need reinvigoration. Where is the fierceness? Like the love lingering after a betrayal. Knowing how weak I am. It’ll soon be time to revisit the past and reinvent it . Where I get all the really killer lines. Memories are tangible things. But the horrible thought lingering like a slow kiss is still there. Where would I be if I was still her.
I know I love him although thoughts of strangling the toad in his sleep also appeals to me.
Monday, February 2, 2009
it was a dark night
Roving the late night streets in Hwaesong feels like something out of Diashell hammet. Seedy districts, leading to a road of neon. I have this pulp detective monologue playing in my head.
" It was a dark night, in a cold city. Men in business suits escorting ladies to the restaurants like their companions were on the menu. Arcane glyphs in a language I can't read burn into my eyes. As carelessly as an unwatched cigarette. Groups of young men going to the message parlour named Jazz , a place without horns, a place where Ella never sang. But the original meaning of Jazz and it's origins in brothels wasn't lost on the owners. The bars are empty save for a few deicated chasers of the grain. It's a cold night. But the harsh lights warm me in some preternatural way. Challenging me, to read, to learn, to comprehend because I'm from New York. All cities are the same. I already understand."
" It was a dark night, in a cold city. Men in business suits escorting ladies to the restaurants like their companions were on the menu. Arcane glyphs in a language I can't read burn into my eyes. As carelessly as an unwatched cigarette. Groups of young men going to the message parlour named Jazz , a place without horns, a place where Ella never sang. But the original meaning of Jazz and it's origins in brothels wasn't lost on the owners. The bars are empty save for a few deicated chasers of the grain. It's a cold night. But the harsh lights warm me in some preternatural way. Challenging me, to read, to learn, to comprehend because I'm from New York. All cities are the same. I already understand."
first month blues
Listening to Howlin Wolf, and patiently waiting for payday. The kids were good today, and I ran into a few more foreigners. It felt good to speak English at my normal pace. Soy called she hasn't had her baby yet. But when she does she wants me to visit her in the hospital. I am taking her and Dragon out to a shobu shobu joint when I get paid as a thank you. Even though I am abysmal at ping pong, Soy thinks the baby should have a Megookin uncle.
Today we switched books. It would have been nice to have been told, how the lessons were planned. But even though I improvise well. It's a little never wracking when you have no clue. Luckily, thank the gods I was able to muddle my way through. But sometimes being a foreigner, some people talk around you. Makes you feel sentensed to some form of public invisibilty.
That's about the time the migrane hit like Thor on a vengeance kick.
Some stories, it seems like tambae ( cigarettes ) killed the dinosaurs. When I asked for an alternate theory of their extintion. Wasn't that a far side comic back in the day.
My first monday class is my colorings and stickers class with Peter, David, and James. Watching me explain the whole coloring in the lines conceot is kind of tragic. So I just let them go wild.
A lovely elderly woman on the bus smiled and thanked me in English for getting out of my seat for her.
Feel like reading a Russian novel.
Today we switched books. It would have been nice to have been told, how the lessons were planned. But even though I improvise well. It's a little never wracking when you have no clue. Luckily, thank the gods I was able to muddle my way through. But sometimes being a foreigner, some people talk around you. Makes you feel sentensed to some form of public invisibilty.
That's about the time the migrane hit like Thor on a vengeance kick.
Some stories, it seems like tambae ( cigarettes ) killed the dinosaurs. When I asked for an alternate theory of their extintion. Wasn't that a far side comic back in the day.
My first monday class is my colorings and stickers class with Peter, David, and James. Watching me explain the whole coloring in the lines conceot is kind of tragic. So I just let them go wild.
A lovely elderly woman on the bus smiled and thanked me in English for getting out of my seat for her.
Feel like reading a Russian novel.
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