Well it has been some time since my last post. I can’t believe winter has come and gone, and now spring has arrived. Currently I sitting in my house with all my windows open listening to an Asian spring downpour! It is becoming much hotter outside during the day, but it is nice because we then get showers which cool the day down. I’m sure I will appreciate these showers much more in the summer. I am also learning to appreciate Korea’s naturally beauty now that the dark, winter days are over! Everything is in full blossom and I’ve been travelling more frequently these days allowing me to see more of the country. Korea may be small, but it seems there are endless possibilities for travelling on the weekends. 

School is also still going well. I have really taken a liking to my new 5 year old kindergarten class. There are five kids. Kyle, Andy, Peter, Lina, and Jessica. They are all crazy, but we always are having a great time! They are also very much obsessed with my beard. The often call me 수염 선생님 which means “Beard Teacher.” Usually when I walk into the classroom, they just scream and all hide under the desk and laughing because they think they are doing a good job hiding from me. They are definitely still keeping me young. 

I guess more excitement has been North Korea’s little stunts. I’m sure most of you have been keeping up with the news about North Korea’s failed rocket attempt, then getting angry with South Korea about certain military actions. At one point, I think there were comments made by officials in North Korea saying they will make South Korea “ashes.” Sounds scary, but in reality, it is just another day on the peninsula. South Koreans seem to take no concern over these threats and they happen so frequently that many people seem to be used to it. Of course, anything can happen on any given day, but I’m still defending my opinion that South Korea is the safest country in world! 

Lastly, I would just like to express my joy for summer to be arriving because so many people will be visiting me. Starting in a couple weeks, I’ll be having six friends from university coming to visit randomly throughout the summer! I’m excited, yet I feel like it will make summer pass much quicker which means my time in Korea will be over before I know it :-( But I’m still looking forward to sharing this amazing country with some of my best friends!!! 

Above, I have posted many pictures from the last couple of months. Enjoy and I’ll try not to go so long next time before posting! 

(via travellinginspiration)

Easter!

I am still amazed how so many people move abroad and travel to countries where the same language isn’t spoken. I think it is particularly interesting how people can just move to a county and not speak the native language. I have been thinking about how unconcerned with being able to effectively communicate with all those around me. Of course, this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to communicate. I wish nothing more than to be able to learn every language I can to communicate with others. I just never seem to feel major frustration with language barriers. I was thinking the other day about my first experience with another language. I was in Puerto Rico with my parents and I remember we were trying to find a bathroom. My dad walked up to a guard and asked in English, “Where is there a bathroom?” Then man didn’t understand. My dad repeated changing bathroom for restroom, then I think the man thought we were looking for a restaurant. It was all kinds of hilarious! My dad tried to imitate someone peeing. I think this have many been the moment where I felt it was important to try and communicate with people in their native language. 

I actually think it is quite the experience to live somewhere that doesn’t speak your language. My brain seems to have to work in a brand new way. And everyday have to struggle with basic outings provides with a whole other level of patience. And then, once do are able to communicate, in the least bit, with locals, they seem to have such a new respect for you. 

I’m not trying to downplay my frustrations with language barriers, but it now just seems like a normal part of my life to be the minority in places. It also pushes me harder to study more and have more confidence when attempting new languages. 

by Robert Frost

I find something exciting about this video…

Thank you coffee. I love you.