Three Days of Teaching

September 1, 2005

Well, I have 3 days of teaching under my belt. The High School will be a challenge although the teachers seem great and welcoming in spite of the language barrier. One of the English Korean teachers decided he didn't want me to come to his class the other day and when I asked my co-teacher about it, she took me aside and quietly said, "In my opinion, he is too old and is not comfortable with the foreign teachers in his class." Too old, where does that leave me then? Oh, that's right, you're only as old as you think or in my case, only as old as you act!!

My English Korean teachers at the Girls' Middle School took me out for lunch today, especially for me, they said. It was really nice and we had a good chat although from time to time they would chat in Korean. Oh well, although they are English teachers, they are not fluent for sure. We had Bibimbap - vegetables, noodles, egg and red pepper paste. Very tasty and not too spicy.

A few of the non-English teachers have said they want to learn to speak English and come to talk to me. They are so cute and embarrassed by their lack of speaking ability. Almost all of the Korean people who I have complimented on their English have said, "oh, no my English is not good."

Many of them seem concerned about my wellbeing and give me tea and rice cake, etc.

One of the English teachers told me that I was a magician because I was able to get one of the shyest, quietest girls in her class to stand up and say, "My name is ..............." She says the girl never talks in class so maybe I am making progress!!

My friend Sheilagh is back in town after being home in Hamilton for 5 weeks for her son's wedding. She brought me some more clothes that dear Keerlin gave to her for me. I met her at her school and we walked to her favourite pizza place. It has couches and the pizza reminds me of Pizza Hut so I was in heaven. That will be my home away from home!! She and I are going into Gwangju on Saturday to the downtown area and maybe to see a movie. There is nothing in Yeonggwang.

Well, time to sign off. Hope you enjoy my BLOG. Would love to hear from you.

Kimchi Baer