On my walk to work
Red chillis left out in the open to dry, it's all
honour system here.
On the way to work again.
Work was fun this week. I taught my lessons on Canada and knowing me, I have to tie wildlife into everything. So I drew this huge map of Canada on my wall and taught them allll these wild mammals and my kids allwayyys impress me. I teach them how the antlers between a Caribou and Moose are different, that the head of a Beluga is called a melon and all that. They quite sharp, Justin, Annie and Dino especially.
This week I recieved two new students, Annie and Rose. Two strong little girls, Annie's dominant like Sally and there's conflict there and Rose's strength is more subtle. She doesn't care about somethings but she'll resolve what needs resolving. I'm glad to have both in my class. Bruno is still my handful, he gets distracted soo easily but he has a charm about him, he's a sweet kid. Justin is my little genious and needs constant stimulation, I need to get more activities for him to do when he finishes his work early...which is all the time. Dino and Sally both rock, they get along sooo well and they can cheer anyone up at anytime. Then there's Nathen, what a joy to have in the class. I recieved a most welcome letter from his mother saying how much he loves the class and how 'Adam Teacher loves me very much'. It was so sweet to read.
Dino and Justin trying to play with Crazy Hair
Teacher Adam
My map! and you can see me next to Cape Breton
with my afro..the kids love it..
Gingko on the walk home.
We had a long weekend here and we planned on going to a bamboo forest and doign some hiking, but unfortunately the busses here were all booked solid.
On Friday morning we had planned on going to another destination but we couldn't get there either. Lauren and I were both awake 5 though, so at 7 we went for a walk around Lake Park and on our way back we saw a 'disturbance'. This couple and a cab driver were arguing over something but the fight was soooooo non violent. There was yelling and this kind of ritualistic butting of shoulders between the men...but no punches thrown. It reminded me of Giraffes in heat and the males competing for the female. So we lingered around a little bit to watch this..come on..it was better than tv here! Eventually the cops came..with their almighty whistles..and took the couple away in their cars. It was a hoot. Then to Starbucks for a chai tea! MMM
Lotus in Lake Park
A lion in Lake Park
So on Friday, Asim, Lauren and I went into 'Old Seoul' or Bukchong, for some photography. They're both great people and I think I'd be lost without them here. Asim's a photographer, still using film so I'm learning a great deal from him, and I hope he does from me. He has a great eye and I'm genuinely impressed with his work, which says alot. Lauren is the sweeter of all my coworkers, but all are great. It was definetly a good day. We went to a place called Insadong, a street market filled with people, Korean and foreigners. Then to a Buddhist temple, the largest in Korea. There was a collection of lanterns there..soo many. They were arranged to say 'OUT' to the Korean President (or prime minister...whoever) because of his Christian hiring techniques. He basically only hires other Christian Koreans. Korea is mainly Confucious but many Buddhists here.
Orchids at a little Art gallery
More orchids, the owner of the gallery was rather
entertained by my fascination with the flowers
rather than the art work
Shannons heaven, a great tea shop!
Tea shop again
Old Seoul Roofs..or Rooves?
I liked this one..
Old Ladies roasting chestnuts
A Buddhist monk..on his cell
The Lanterns
A huge bell at the temple
Cool flowers
After getting home that night Lauren and I went to Lake Park to try and find some festivities and we found a Chinese orchestra playing...soooo amazing. The music was beautiful. We showed up late becuase we went to the huge musical fountain first. But, when we got there I had my camera out and this realllly nice guy let us in through the barrier. He was either really nice or thought I was press! He gave us up close seats and water and all that. It was lovely and pretty much pushed me up front to go take photos. I'd love to meet that guy again.
Lake Park Fountain..it's huge
The conductor
I loved this guy
Then on Saturday I went on a palace spree. I saw two palaces in Seoul, and the names..are.....umm...hold on while I find them. Oh there we go, Changdeokgung and Gyeonbukchung. Both were very impressive, but as Asim told me...you see one temple..you've seen em all.. It's true tho, the architecture is pretty much the same throughout. Still impressive though. I got free admission to the folk museum as well and then decided to go home after my solo adventure.
Some of the palaces
Japanese Maple..i think
One of the guards, such vibrant reds
The Chinese Zodiak figures
Sunday was a harder day for Lauren and I. We tried to get to a Korean Folk village but we were too late for that and then we went to a Fortress in Suwon which was ok. But I was unfortunately cranky and just decided to go back home..a two hour subway ride ..oy vey..but kudos to Lauren for sticking with me. I wanted to go home because there was a show called 'Hydro Sapiens' that I really wanted to see..we got there a littllle late..barely..if that...and it was PACKED. So we had to go to the edge and push to see something. Unofortunately, they weren't that impressive and our angle was poor so we decided to leave and head back home.
The wall at Hwaeseong Fortress in Suwon
The HydroSapiens..this was the best part..
unfortunately..
From my window on Sunday night was able to see the fireworks for the Korean Foundation Day..which is why I had a long weekend.
So, I wait until next weekend..who knows!
1 comment:
I LOVE your map. So adorable.
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