Remember how excited I said I was for their release?

They came out yesterday. I got some today, when I closed my bank account and withdrew allll my money (in cash). I was only allowed 500,000 W worth of 50,000 W bills. I tried to get more by telling the bank teller that my Dad invented the security strip, and even showed her his business card (which also has the same kind of technology on it) but she couldn’t give me any more. Because it’s so new, there isn’t that much in circulation yet, so tomorrow I’ll go back to the bank again to try to exchange for 500,000 W more to take back home.

As far as I could see the only other K-blogger who mentioned the new currency release is Brian in Jeollanam-do.

In other news, I have three days left in Seoul before going back to “my hometown” for good.
After traveling for two months, I’ve just been relieved to be back where I know what’s going on, it hasn’t really hit me that this time I’m flying out and not coming back again. I can’t even start to list the things I’ll miss about life here, or the things I’m looking forward to in the next stage of my life. Hopefully I’ll get better about writing again as I’m able to decompress.

Dear Readers,

If any of you are left - I’m now in the Phillipines. Cambodia was amazing. So full of history and beauty and well, contrasts, that it was exhausting. That’s even without the heat.

I stayed in Siem Riep for just a few days and met a lovely Korean family who I traveled with while there. I had a much better time because of their company, and we ended up becoming good friends. I’m actually writing from their house in Baguio now!

After Siem Riep - I went to Pnomh Penh, which was even hotter. I saw the Grand Palace and the Riverfront. I went to eat at a cool cookie botique that helps street children, and ate at it’s sister restuarant that helps an orphanage. I saw a shadow puppet show, and met the nicest most articulate taxi driver on the way to the airport.

After Pnomh Penh I headed to Kuala Lumpur. I was planning on eating and enjoying civlization but I ended up getting really sick instead. I couldn’t really eat anything. I was exhausted and burned out. I explored a little bit, got whistled at for no reason, was approached by a fortune teller and scammed by an imitation monk. I found a Borders - which made me really happy, even though I didn’t buy any books there. I went to see Wolverine, and spent a lot of time in internet cafes.

I like Kuala Lumpur and would like to explore Malaysia, I wish I had been feeling better.
I decided to come to the Phillipines, versus Indonesia, because of the lovely family I met in Cambodia. They offered to let me stay with them and “take a rest” which I needed pretty badly. So here I am. I was in Manilla few nights too, just resting and recovering, but I’ve been here four nights already.

Actually three nights, one night was in Sagada, 7 hours by bus north of here. =D Which is another story entirely.

Tonight I’m taking a night bus to Manilla, then flying to Cebu and heading to the small island of Malapascua to dive with thresher sharks and all sorts of other assorted marine life.

I feel rested and excited again. I’m really happy, I’m looking forward to the last leg of my trip (Hong Kong -> Beijing) and going back to Seoul.

I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye. There are a lot of people in Seoul I didn’t say goodbye to, because it was just too hard. I’m not good at goodbyes. I cry a lot. But I will enjoy seeing my friends again anyway.

My life is changing, again, but I think I can handle it. I’m even a little excited, even if it’s colored around the edges with sadness.

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, I’m not exactly sure how it got that name, but it’s true that most situations in Thailand are dealt with using a smile. Like in Korea, losing face is bad, and the prefered way to avoid conflict is to smile and keep going. (similar to The Yes-but really-No in Korea, or the Maybe-which-means-NEVER)

I even found a link about different kinds of smiles in Thailand.
Which I think is interesting because each smile has a specific name. I’m pretty sure that other cultures use these facial expressions as well, but at least in American culture, they don’t have individual names.

Although I haven’t exactly been immersed in Thai culture, I’ve been here long enough that I subconciously expect to see smiles. When I didn’t see people smiling at me (for example at the Full Moon Party) I found it really disconcerting.

Obviously foriegners (farangs, although in my head I still think Waeguk) have a harder time understanding which smile is being presented. At least that’s what the guide books all say.

But I wonder if it’s really that different. I’m reminded of a study in a book I read about people being able to distuinguish genuine smiles and fake smiles, and another study about learning to read people’s expressions by studying the facial muscles. I wonder if there are expressions that cross culture boundaries (sadly I can’t recall the book at the moment!). Does the “I’m-being-forced-to-smile-even-though-I-don’t-want-to” smile cross cultural boundaries?

I’m curious.

Anyway. The reason I’m thinking of this is because my shuttle-van driver and I were chatting on the way back to my hotel.

(His name is A, he’s 30 and seems more genuine than other drivers I’ve talked to.)
At the end of our conversation he told me I had a really beautiful smile (not in a I’m hitting on you way), a Thai smile. “Same Thai smile.” he said. “Like when you don’t know but you smile anyway, Ok Ok, I understand. But maybe don’t.” (slight paraphrasing - but you get the idea right?)

I told him I learned that smile in Korea, and thanked him for the compliment.

Smiles from Thailand

Landed in Phuket yesterday. I haven’t seen much of it. Yesterday was spent getting here.

I had arranged a ferry ticket and flight from Koh Samui but somehow the travel agent put the wrong day for the flight despite having a lengthy conversation assuring me that waiting for three hours at the Koh Samui airport wouldn’t be so bad because there is “shopping”.

The flight I thought I was taking was full, and I had already paid for my room here in Phuket, so I was pretty stressed about waiting on standby, even if I was the first one in line.
I ended up on the very last seat on the plane (literally, it was right next to the door!) and made it to Phuket anyway. Thank goodness.

Had a bit of hassle at the airport, the meter taxis wanted to stack on another 100 baht to the 50 baht surcharge, which I was too annoyed to deal with after the irritation of waiting on standby for three hours. I went in a limo/fixed rate taxi instead. He pulled over about 1/3 of the way to the hotel at a travel agency to “sign something”. A woman came out and tried to “recommend” a different hotel to me and ask how long I was staying. I pretended to be ditzy and lied that I was meeting people and I wasn’t sure, and I knew it wasn’t right in the middle of the action and that was fine with me. I was a little annoyed by the whole thing - but I’ve learned to just take it in stride. I managed to get here fine.

When I finally checked in (my bags were carried to the room for me! luxury!) and unpacked I realized that I had forgotten my camera charger and converter plugged into the wall at my hotel in Koh Phagnan. Ugh. I eat camera batteries.

I was able to get hold of the hotel, and they found my charger and converter, and I faxed them my contact information here. It should be here in two days at most and I’ll have to pay for the delivery but that’s easier than buying/finding a new charger and spare battery. So *phew*

Next I’m going exploring in Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi hopefully.

Whops. Looks like I have to call back. I’ll post more later.
Here are some pictures in the meantime from my Zooomr account, haven’t been able to upload to my Gallery while traveling.

Read the complete article »

After spending entirely too long in Bangkok I made my way up to Chiang Mai for jungle trekking and cooking class. I like Chiang Mai. I got crazy blisters from trekking and skinned my arm falling down in the jungle, but it was a lot of fun.

Then I headed back to Bangkok to take a night bus to a ferry to Koh Tao for scuba lessons. I’m not good at sleeping on buses or trains. I’m pretty much over them. Koh Tao was busy busy busy. I spent the first four days getting my Open Water Certification (PADI) and then decided to stay an other day and a half to get the Advanced Open Water Certification. The second certification definitely was more fun, less skills, more diving.

Unfortunately I got seasick on the night dive. I ate a bunch of junk (we had approx 15 minutes to find and eat food before heading out for dive number three that day) and then the sea was extremely choppy. I threw up on my way back from the dive sight while still strapped into my gear. Oh embarassment. I had to sit in the middle of the boat, and retch until getting back to shore. I was a sad sad diver.

The next morning the seasickness came back, I guess once you give in it’s easier to get seasick again, and I felt really naseuous between dives. Once underwater everything is peachy, it’s the bobbing up and down, and inhaled boat exhaust that makes you feel really sick.

Anyway despite the seasickness I had a lot of fun and I’m really glad I stayed for the Advanced Certification. I miss my dive instructor, my dive buddy and my other dive friends. I arrived on Koh Phangan two days ago for the full moon party, in the pouring rain. The hotel didn’t send a car for me, so I had to take a 100 baht taxi with a bunch of other people. Everywhere on the island is 100 baht it seems. I’m wondering if I should just rent a scooter.

I headed to the Full Moon Party at about 11:30, some English girls who I had met on the night bus (same travel agency) ended up on the same taxi. The ride is pretty hilly sittng on the back of a pickup truck. I’m glad I was sitting towards the front, where I had enough things to hang on to so I wouldn’t fall off.

The girls grabbed me after I wandered around the Full Moon Party, and we hung out for a bit at the Full Moon Rave but I ended up going off on my own. They were really sweet, but I got tired of them being concerned that I wasn’t having a good time, asking me to drink buckets and such, and they were staying in one place. I came back later, but didn’t see them. I hope they didn’t spend too long worried about me.

The music was anthemy and cheezy in some places and not always in a good way. There was some decent jungle, and I danced for about an hour there. I ate some good food, and got tired of watching people drink themselves sick. A lot of kids were carried off the beach by their slightly more sober friends, it got depressing. I’m just past that stage in my life. I don’t need to drink myself silly to have a good time. Not to mention that the “buckets” tasted like cough syrup. Ick. I left around 4:30 or 5, and had to wait for a taxi to fill up before getting dropped off at my hotel. I was up in time for breakfast - where someone asked me if I stayed at the “rave” until sunset (they meant sunrise) but were still drunk. I explained I had just finished nine dives in five and a half days and was sunburned, old and tired, so no, I didn’t stay for sunset. ^.^

When did I get so old?

Still, I’m glad I went to the rave, but I’m also glad I didn’t stay longer, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it. Sunrise on passed out kids is not something I haven’t seen before, and it’s not magical because it’s on an island in Thailand. I’m jaded.

I spent most of yesterday catching up on my sleep and drinking water. I ate a really fabulous dinner of steamed red snapper stuffed with lemongrass and ginger and other aromatics, with rosemary garlic potatoes and steamed, buttered vegtables. I went back to my room to digest all that yummy food and devoured a book.

It’s noon now here, and I’m not sure what I’m doing today. I caught up with the SO on Skype,
and need to figure out my money and get my bearings.

I think I’m supposed to check out tommorrow morning. Not sure where I’m headed yet, so I might have to extend by one day or so. I’m ready to move onto other countries, been in Thailand since April 23 or so.

I might renew for another day here before heading out to other places. I’m still sunburned on my arms, but not so bad it hurts anymore, but I don’t really want to get burned again anytime soon. It’s been overcast, but I’m not sure I want to go snorkeling or diving for a day or two more just in case.

I think I’m supposed to check out tommorrow morning. Not sure where I’m headed yet, so I might have to extend by one day or so. I’m ready to move onto other countries, been in Thailand since April 23 or so.

I wish I had pictures to share - but it’s been a real pain in the ass trying to upload photos. Hopefully I’ll find a nice, reasonably priced Internet cafe with air conditioning and I can get my photos up.

Dear Readers,

I’m on day two in Thailand. It’s hot hot hot, but I’ve been exploring the area I’m in and eating nommy food. There are tons of Internet cafes, so later on I’ll be uploading some pictures hopefully.

Although I didn’t do what I had planned on today, I did get some really pretty pictures.

N Seoul Tower all but gone in a rain cloud.

Plants always seem so much greener after the rain.

Wet Azalea blossoms.

Azaleas remind me of home, I was surprised to see them here my first year.

Someone recently described Spring as “The season when Seoul smells good, intermittently.” Which is both true and hilarious.

Flowers blooming all over the city perfume the breeze, until the wind shifts and picks up the sewage/garbage smells. Still - it’s a lovely time of year.

I think it’s neat that I’m beginning a new stage in my life when all of Korea is bursting back into bloom and it’s nice to have the free time to be able to enjoy it.

Earlier this week I was looking at Namsan (남산) (it’s the view from the apartment I’m staying in), and could see all the cherry blossoms (벚꽃) in bloom.

I suggested taking a walk to see the flowers, as I’d missed going to Yeoiudo for hanami with friends earlier this past weekend.
I heard it was ridiculously busy there this year, and I’ve gone to the Yeoiudo Cherry Blossom Festival twice already,
so maybe it was all for the best.

Anyway - Dan, Hubble and I ended up taking a hike up Namsan mountain and enjoying the flowers. It was nice to see cherry blossoms in a different area and with my friend Dan and his dog Hubble.

Here are some pictures.

A lovely tree in the parking lot, with magnolia like flowers had just opened it’s blooms.

The same tree.

Dan and Hubble.
We stopped for some kimbap (김밥) before heading up the mountain.

Lunch!
Chamchi kimbap, Gochu kimbap and Keiran Kimbap (the egg one)
Click through for more pictures! Read the complete article »

Dear readers,

I am still around and kicking. I’ve been busy transitioning from a “Teacher in Korea” to a “Bum in Korea”. It sounds easy but it’s hard work.

I moved out of my school provided officetel, mailed off a large percentage of my possessions, and have moved the rest of them to a friend’s house where I’m staying.

I’ve been busy getting ready for my SE Asia Adventure, running errands, sorting through and tossing the rest of the stuff i brought with me, and so on and so forth.

I was supposed to head to Jeonju today (actually I was supposed to go Monday or Tuesday but I got lazy and didn’t want to pack my backpack (I hate packing more than anything)) but I opted out today because I didn’t feel well. The rain wasn’t helping much either. I might get it together and head out later tonight. Maybe. If not then I will go early tomorrow.

That would give me most of tomorrow and a good bit of Friday to eat delicious food before heading to Gyeongju to visit a friend of mine who is staying at a Buddist temple learning Sunmodo and teaching English. Hopefully I’ll spend the weekend there.

This time next week I will be in Thailand! I’m really excited. I’ll be back in Korea in June to collect my pension, hopefully in 50,000 W notes to take home to my Dad, and to say goodbye to my friends here.

My last day as a teacher in South Korea. Ironically, spent not doing any teaching at all due to National Testing.

I’m going to miss my school. As in the physical place. I’ll miss the co-teachers I’ve bonded with, and the students who I’m very fond of. I’ll miss the feeling of a successful class and the thrill of overcoming communication/culture/age hurdles to connect with my students and teachers.

I’m happy to let go of everything else (ie. stress/culture conflicts/stuff that makes no sense/bad students/etc…)

I’ll probably write about my teaching experiences more in the future - when I can decompress. At least that’s my hope. Even though the experience is over, I have oh so many stories to tell still.