Fall 2011: My Birthday!

In Korea, I was so lucky to have great friends, teachers, and students who went out of their way to make my day memorable.  I believe I was treated to about 4-5 cakes!


In school:

In school, the teachers in my conversation class treated me to a little birthday party.  (In this class, we usually celebrate/eat every week, but it was nice to be sung to!)


Night Class:

My night class surprised me with a cake and candles.  It was so wonderful!

My night class of 2nd graders.  I usually only have 1st grade students, but the principal opened a night class for only 2nd graders.  I was happy because it meant I could really get to know the students.  Its difficult with my 440 1st graders.

Korean students are eternally hungry.  4 minutes flat...

Fall 2011: Halloween

I accompanied my three friends out for Halloween to a popular expat bar for a party.  The pictures speak for themselves.  It was very entertaining.

underground crosswalk

Yukhoe (육회)

 yukhoe (육회) is hoe made with a raw beef and seasoned withsoy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine.

The verdict:  It was pretty delicious.  The white strips in the upper left are pear- they complimented it well..... however, I prefer my meat cooked.

Fall 2011: O-World School Trip

O-World is one of two theme parks in Daejeon.  It has a small theme park, a zoo, and a flower/garden section.  One Saturday was dedicated to small field trips around Daejeon.  Many of the homerooms decided to go here.  I had a wonderful time!  It is nice to see the students in their "street clothes" and enjoying themselves.

The Entrance of the Theme Park.

One of my Co-Teachers and her homeroom.  She always invites me to come with her.

Some of my favorite students.  This is their usual demeanor at any hour of the day.

Flower Land

Wolf

Bridge Entrance to Flower Land

I forced the students with me to watch the whole show.

Hungry????

My neighborhood street

This is the view of my street.  My apartment is located all the way down on the left.  The tallest building.  My street is unique for Old Downtown in that it is tree-lined and has lots of parking.

New School Update

I have moved into the new school building.  As of right now it is 1/3 complete with the other two sections currently being constructed.  While my office is in the new school, most of my classes are still in the old buildings.

The school has also been in the process of bringing in all of the old plants and trees that were once temporarily transplanted elsewhere during the construction back to the new school.

This tree garden is located in the back of the school.

Daejeon at Night

The View of Daejeon at night:

School Band

Daejeon High School is famous for many reasons since it is the oldest in the city.  One such reason is its rich band history.  The competition season just started and they have won their first two competitions, winning new instruments and about $7,000 USD along the way!

Patbingsoo (팥빙수)

Pat bing su is a famous ice dessert in South Korea served during the hot summer months.  Some of my fellow teachers took me for some after one of my conversation classes with them. 

The dish includes ice, red beans, syrup, different fruits, cream, and a cherry on top.  Its wonderful!

Expo Park Bridge at the beginning of Fall

 

Smart Village Apartments (the most expensive in town)  and Expo Park Space Needle in the background

Beach Video

Gwangalli Beach

Gwangali beach is a bit more tame, but just as beautiful.  At night, there was a water/lights/laser show outside the train station.  Our hotel was very close by.

Haeundae Beach ----- Busan, South Korea

Stacie and I decided to visit the city of Busan to enjoy some time on the beach.  Busan is the 2nd biggest city in Korea and is very famous for its many beaches which are located right within the downtown areas and city limits. 

Haeundae Beach - The most famous beach in Korea.