It's no secret I have my objections to my place of residence while working in Hongcheon, South Korea. It's never easy learning to live in a 15' x 15' box, especially having been raised in America (the land of big yards and broad spaces)! Yet, I've learned to cope with my situation. I've come to accept that I live in a space that forces me to chose between sleeping, cooking, or doing my laundry (as I lack the floor space to do more than one of these things at a time). I've even come to enjoy the cozy climate as the winter season has settled in swiftly here in my mountain town. The small space is much easier (and cheaper) to heat in the face of -15C weather.
But what I cannot abide by is mold.
Mold is disgusting, debilitating, and discretely makes its way into the corners and crevices of your home. Mold happens to have been festering in the considerable space behind my headboard for the past three months! I was shocked to find the bottom foot of my exterior wall, covered in fuzzy black mold. This quiet, and uninvited companion has been spreading more and more as the winter season has set in. Though I managed to peel the fuzz off the wall with a sponge and a copious application of distilled vinegar, I am still unsettled about the cause of this infestation in my walls.
For whatever reason, many Korean apartments are constructed very simply. Mine has one central room, plus two small closets that make up my kitchen and bathroom. My walls are covered with wallpaper, that has been laid over the bare concrete of the building in which I reside. For this reason, my room lacks considerable insulation and retains heat through the combined effort of the heaters in the tenants rooms surrounding mine. In a way it is good for me, because I benefit from their heat. But it is bad because my exterior wall is ice cold. This draws all the moisture in the room to condense on that wall, drip towards the floor, and create a stomping ground for mold.
Because of the building's construction, there is no way to prevent this. My only solution is to buy disposable dehumidifiers and periodically spray the wall with vinegar. This is likely my best hope to control the mold problem in my home. Because of the construction, the lack of ventilation, and the nature of Korea's climate, mold is another inevitability when it comes to living in Korea. I hate to imagine this (who really accepts black fuzz growing behind their bed?) but it is not another fact of my apartment experience overseas. Of all the issues I have encountered in my experience living alone in a closet of a living space, this is the most irritable.
Well, this and coupled with the fact that I cannot move without breaking the lease on my closet. Due to the way Korean rentals work, I have been informed that I would have to pay through the nose to change apartments at this point in time. Though I am unwilling to do this quite yet, I am considering the expense given my difficulty maintaining good health during my time abroad. I can never seem to shake this perpetual cough and cold that surges up every few weeks! I suspect my living conditions may have something to do with it. Should my health remain in hiatus, I will pursue the proper course to break this lease and find a more suitable place of residence.
In the mean time though, I've stocked up on vinegar and become much more diligent when it comes to vacuuming my apartment....
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
An afternoon with Vincent
The other weekend found me in Seoul, visiting a friend from my excursion to Dokdo and enjoying a little culture in the form of one of my favorite painters. I am referring of course to Vincent Van Gogh, who is currently being featured at the Seoul Arts Center. Though I was not permitted to photograph the exhibit itself, I did indulge in a few photos of the Arts Center ground before entering the exhibition.
I enjoyed my experience in the Seoul Arts Center. Van Gogh is forever a favorite of mine and I cannot help but be enamored by his work. This exhibit featured much of Van Gogh's work from his time in Paris, the intention was to show a historical progression in the artist's style. I would love to say more about the content of this historical examination, but the exhibit's notes were featured only in Korean (I suppose that should not surprise me). The exhibit also boasted the largest collection of Van Gogh's self portraits on traveling exhibition.
Altogether, I found the exhibit to be much smaller than I had hoped. I have a particular favorite Van Gogh at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (their only Van Gogh) which is a spectacular landscape. Many of the pieces in this exhibit were smaller subjects and portraits. Not my favorite, but excellent pieces to be sure. The exhibit definitely did demonstrate a shift in the painter's style over the years he spent in Paris.
Though the exhibit was quite crowded, as most things in Seoul are, I was able to enjoy getting close to several paintings to take in their content. I rather love Van Gogh for the texture of his paintings as well as the clever way he utilizes color. I distinctly recall enjoying one of his self portraits in which he used teal, blue, orange, and beige for the color of his own skin. I see a great sadness in the self portraits of Van Gogh. It's a deep and calm sadness. Like the sadness I feel when a beautiful sunset has just slipped down from dusk into night, and is gone forever.
The Van Gogh in Paris Exhibition will be at the Seoul Arts Center until February. Should you find yourself in need of some culture and happen to be on the south side of the city, drop in. I'd say it's worth the walk, but the rest of the Arts Center was lacking in exhibits enjoy. It does not seem that the Hangaram Art Museum has much of an in house collection of arts to enjoy, so it won't make for a long aesthetic indulgence. It will, however, sate an appetite for a world famous painter. If only for a little while.
 |
| Just outside the exhibit being held in the Hangaram Art Museum |
 |
| Just outside the Arts Center Opera House |
 |
| Inside the Opera House! |
I enjoyed my experience in the Seoul Arts Center. Van Gogh is forever a favorite of mine and I cannot help but be enamored by his work. This exhibit featured much of Van Gogh's work from his time in Paris, the intention was to show a historical progression in the artist's style. I would love to say more about the content of this historical examination, but the exhibit's notes were featured only in Korean (I suppose that should not surprise me). The exhibit also boasted the largest collection of Van Gogh's self portraits on traveling exhibition.
Altogether, I found the exhibit to be much smaller than I had hoped. I have a particular favorite Van Gogh at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (their only Van Gogh) which is a spectacular landscape. Many of the pieces in this exhibit were smaller subjects and portraits. Not my favorite, but excellent pieces to be sure. The exhibit definitely did demonstrate a shift in the painter's style over the years he spent in Paris.
Though the exhibit was quite crowded, as most things in Seoul are, I was able to enjoy getting close to several paintings to take in their content. I rather love Van Gogh for the texture of his paintings as well as the clever way he utilizes color. I distinctly recall enjoying one of his self portraits in which he used teal, blue, orange, and beige for the color of his own skin. I see a great sadness in the self portraits of Van Gogh. It's a deep and calm sadness. Like the sadness I feel when a beautiful sunset has just slipped down from dusk into night, and is gone forever.
The Van Gogh in Paris Exhibition will be at the Seoul Arts Center until February. Should you find yourself in need of some culture and happen to be on the south side of the city, drop in. I'd say it's worth the walk, but the rest of the Arts Center was lacking in exhibits enjoy. It does not seem that the Hangaram Art Museum has much of an in house collection of arts to enjoy, so it won't make for a long aesthetic indulgence. It will, however, sate an appetite for a world famous painter. If only for a little while.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
That's right kiddies! It's CHRISTMAS TIME!
As much as I have loathed the holiday season in previous years (working retail will do that to you), I have been experiencing a new found pleasure in the Christmas season. Though South Korea has a substantial Christian population, Christmas is not the massive, in-your-face marketing monstrosity that I am accustomed to seeing in America. It's rather refreshing to listen to listen to Christmas carols when I want to, rather than whenever I go to a place with a PA system. But the laid back approach to the celebration of Winter Solstice is not the only thing I've come to experience in this December.
It's only the second week of December and practically everyone has "checked-out," proverbially speaking. Last week, the last of my middle schoolers had their final exams. Which means they have nothing left to learn for the remaining three weeks of school.
So what are we to do?
Whatever we damn well please, as far as I can tell. With no textbook lessons left to teach and students experiencing an extra dose of apathy, I'm encountering a liberation from the obligations of textbook teaching. In fact, many teachers simply show movies at this time of year, something I am reluctant to do (mainly because I want to save films for when I have to teach the little buggers without a co-teacher). It's a little exciting to talk about something other than text book expressions that make no sense. It also liberates me from having to construct so many lessons. Students at all levels can appreciate a Christmas lecture, add in a few games, and you're free from lesson planning for the month! (well you would be if you only had middle school to teach, alas....) Now I have a hoard of time to myself at my freezing cold desk to plan for winter camps, spring semester, travel plans, and oh so many more things!
At least that would be the case if yours truly hadn't been hit by the "Christmas-time-can't-give-a-damn" bug.
I've collected most of my lessons for this month, I still have lots of planning left to do, not to mention I need to start learning Korean (yes, I've been here for four months, I should have started earlier)! But do I have the energy or interest to do any of these things?
Well, no, not really.
Like so often, I am full of good intentions and ideas of how to occupy my time with productive work. Yet, for some reason, today I just can't muster up the nerve to buckle down and work. Maybe it's the -15 C weather, or my waning patience, I'm not sure. One thing is for sure though, I'm shivering, settled up, and finding new ways to fritter away time!
As much as I have loathed the holiday season in previous years (working retail will do that to you), I have been experiencing a new found pleasure in the Christmas season. Though South Korea has a substantial Christian population, Christmas is not the massive, in-your-face marketing monstrosity that I am accustomed to seeing in America. It's rather refreshing to listen to listen to Christmas carols when I want to, rather than whenever I go to a place with a PA system. But the laid back approach to the celebration of Winter Solstice is not the only thing I've come to experience in this December.
It's only the second week of December and practically everyone has "checked-out," proverbially speaking. Last week, the last of my middle schoolers had their final exams. Which means they have nothing left to learn for the remaining three weeks of school.
So what are we to do?
Whatever we damn well please, as far as I can tell. With no textbook lessons left to teach and students experiencing an extra dose of apathy, I'm encountering a liberation from the obligations of textbook teaching. In fact, many teachers simply show movies at this time of year, something I am reluctant to do (mainly because I want to save films for when I have to teach the little buggers without a co-teacher). It's a little exciting to talk about something other than text book expressions that make no sense. It also liberates me from having to construct so many lessons. Students at all levels can appreciate a Christmas lecture, add in a few games, and you're free from lesson planning for the month! (well you would be if you only had middle school to teach, alas....) Now I have a hoard of time to myself at my freezing cold desk to plan for winter camps, spring semester, travel plans, and oh so many more things!
At least that would be the case if yours truly hadn't been hit by the "Christmas-time-can't-give-a-damn" bug.
I've collected most of my lessons for this month, I still have lots of planning left to do, not to mention I need to start learning Korean (yes, I've been here for four months, I should have started earlier)! But do I have the energy or interest to do any of these things?
Well, no, not really.
Like so often, I am full of good intentions and ideas of how to occupy my time with productive work. Yet, for some reason, today I just can't muster up the nerve to buckle down and work. Maybe it's the -15 C weather, or my waning patience, I'm not sure. One thing is for sure though, I'm shivering, settled up, and finding new ways to fritter away time!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Soraksan 2012
Of my many illustrious adventures during the month of November, none was as scenic as my weekend in Soraksan.
Soraksan is South Korea's largest national park. It occupies a considerable amount of space between the cities of Inje and Sokcho. It is famous for Sorak Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea. Soraksan is also riddled with monasteries, temples, and other historical sites. Soraksan is an extremely popular vacation spot, particularly in the fall when the trees are changing color. Because of this, trails can get bogged down with hikers, forcing one to literally wait in line to climb a mountain. I experienced some of this, particularly at the higher points of the first climb where one can only climb via a narrow metal staircase, but more on that later. What you need to know is that Soraksan is big, beautiful, and crowded in the fall.
I did not attempt this journey on the fly, but in fact arranged it through a travel group called Adventure Korea. This is a company based out of Seoul that helps foreigners form groups to do various activities throughout Korea. Adventure Korea handled booking the hotels, arranging for charter buses and even some of our meals. For a weekend trip, it was nice to not have to do any of the planning. In addition, it gathers together many foreigners living throughout Korea and (you guessed it) almost all of them are English teachers. So, traveling with a tour group allowed me to meet a few new faces as well as tackle a few mountains.
I embarked on this adventure to the outdoors with fellow Hongcheonite Franke, who accompanied me to Inje where we met up with the bus from Seoul carrying the rest of the group. At Inje, we hopped on Adventure Korea's charter bus and rode another hour or so into the park.
Our first day we were given two options: a hard hike or a really easy hike. Given that we had come a considerable distance, Franke and I both jumped on the chance to do the difficult hike. The hike we went on was to the peak of Ulsanbawi (or as we pronounced "Ulsan-Bowie"). It was a fairly difficult hike that took us up past several temples, a hermitage, and a giant-ass statue of Siddhartha Buddha. Along the way we befriended a couple other teachers Alex, and Margaretha. The former of which I am about to steal pictures from for this blog (as he is a considerably better photographer than I, kudos for being awesome man). So without further ado, photos of Soraksan!
These were all photos form our first hike, on Saturday. Needless to say, the next morning we were given two options on hiking. A hard hike and an easy one, we took the easy one. Hiking down from the peak of Ulsanbawi I recall pausing for a moment and feeling my legs quivering beneath me. I have never been so literally knock-kneed in my entire life!
Though the second hike was easier, it was raining steadily the entire day. So I decided to forgo taking any pictures. My new friend Alex, however, was willing to risk his rather lovely camera for some exceptional shots of the scenery (i.e. more photo snatching to come).
This second hike was a waterfall trek, though in the summer it is said to dry up. I must admit it was rather a boon that we hiked this trail in the rain as the waters were high and the river flowed with at a vibrant pace. Though this made an easy trail somewhat precarious, I thoroughly enjoyed hopping around on slippery rocks and trails to see the course of the ravine we were hiking.
Thanks again to Alex for the photos I am more or less stealing!
So there you have it! A weekend in Soraksan, complete with photos, friends, a more than a few unforgettable moments!
Soraksan is South Korea's largest national park. It occupies a considerable amount of space between the cities of Inje and Sokcho. It is famous for Sorak Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea. Soraksan is also riddled with monasteries, temples, and other historical sites. Soraksan is an extremely popular vacation spot, particularly in the fall when the trees are changing color. Because of this, trails can get bogged down with hikers, forcing one to literally wait in line to climb a mountain. I experienced some of this, particularly at the higher points of the first climb where one can only climb via a narrow metal staircase, but more on that later. What you need to know is that Soraksan is big, beautiful, and crowded in the fall.
I did not attempt this journey on the fly, but in fact arranged it through a travel group called Adventure Korea. This is a company based out of Seoul that helps foreigners form groups to do various activities throughout Korea. Adventure Korea handled booking the hotels, arranging for charter buses and even some of our meals. For a weekend trip, it was nice to not have to do any of the planning. In addition, it gathers together many foreigners living throughout Korea and (you guessed it) almost all of them are English teachers. So, traveling with a tour group allowed me to meet a few new faces as well as tackle a few mountains.
I embarked on this adventure to the outdoors with fellow Hongcheonite Franke, who accompanied me to Inje where we met up with the bus from Seoul carrying the rest of the group. At Inje, we hopped on Adventure Korea's charter bus and rode another hour or so into the park.
Our first day we were given two options: a hard hike or a really easy hike. Given that we had come a considerable distance, Franke and I both jumped on the chance to do the difficult hike. The hike we went on was to the peak of Ulsanbawi (or as we pronounced "Ulsan-Bowie"). It was a fairly difficult hike that took us up past several temples, a hermitage, and a giant-ass statue of Siddhartha Buddha. Along the way we befriended a couple other teachers Alex, and Margaretha. The former of which I am about to steal pictures from for this blog (as he is a considerably better photographer than I, kudos for being awesome man). So without further ado, photos of Soraksan!
 |
| It's a BIG Buddha |
 |
| Guess where we're headed? |
 |
| This hermitage is carved into the mountainside |
 |
| Hiking buddies (compliments to Alex) From left to right, me, Margaretha, Franke, and Alex |
 |
| Oh, and did I mention it got a wee bit steep? (photo by Alex) |
 |
| Don't let the smile fool you, all I an think is: DO THESE STAIRS EVER END!?!?! (Photo by Alex) |
 |
| Another fantastic photo by Alex |
 |
| Photo by Alex |
 |
| On top of the wooooooooooooooorld! |
 |
| Oh, and you can see the sea from Ulsanbawi |
Though the second hike was easier, it was raining steadily the entire day. So I decided to forgo taking any pictures. My new friend Alex, however, was willing to risk his rather lovely camera for some exceptional shots of the scenery (i.e. more photo snatching to come).
This second hike was a waterfall trek, though in the summer it is said to dry up. I must admit it was rather a boon that we hiked this trail in the rain as the waters were high and the river flowed with at a vibrant pace. Though this made an easy trail somewhat precarious, I thoroughly enjoyed hopping around on slippery rocks and trails to see the course of the ravine we were hiking.
Thanks again to Alex for the photos I am more or less stealing!
 |
| Only the most stylish dress for the rain |
 |
| The waterfall... and a life preserver... God help whoever actually needs it |
So there you have it! A weekend in Soraksan, complete with photos, friends, a more than a few unforgettable moments!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Back to the blogging
Well December is finally here and I'm back to the blog.
Where have I been?
NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month, sponsored by the Office of Letters and Lights, is a "contest" among writers to see who can crank out a 50,000 word novel in 30 dreary November days. There are no rules, other than it be original, it begin on the first of November, and that you finish by midnight on the 30th. So, can one actually achieve 50,000 words in a month (while jugging all other obligations)?
I did it in 29.
Granted that meant I spent most any spare moment typing away at my computer, whether I was on the bus, at my desk, between classes, and sometimes late into the night while curled up in my bed. Can't say I wrote a prize winning piece, but I can say I've written a novel in less than a month!
Last year's NaNoWriMo project I failed to get past 48,000 words. I'm happy to say I made it to 50,010 words (though I still haven't come up with an ending yet, so it'll be more). It is really nice to accomplish this goal.
I feel wonderful at how easy it is to fit in time for writing. In all honesty, it demonstrates to me that if I fail to find time for writing in my life, I'm not really trying to write. Granted, writing for quantity does not often yield quality, but in the words an unnamed English professor (unnamed because I honestly can't recall her name) the key to writing is?
Shitty first drafts.
In all honesty, she's dead on. First drafts are the worst examples of a person's writing (sadly they composed all too many of my collegiate essays), but until there is a first draft, there is nothing. So I'm pleased to have made this draft of my second attempt at a novel manuscript. Bringing me all the closer to actually composing a novel worth publishing, and yes, I will publish these works at some point in time.
It's gonna happen people.
On the other hand, sitting at my desk at school I realize now how much time I spent writing while on the clock. Throughout today I've noticed that I have all this time. Time waiting for files to download, time between classes, time to just sit when I can't think of anything work related. I realize now I spent a lot of my day writing this damn manuscript!
I'm not finished with this novel. In fact, I suspect I'll be working on it throughout December, but at a considerably more leisurely pace. That and I need to edit this novel's predecessor (something I've put off since... well... last December). Ideally, I'll be able to polish the two books and post excerpts here (or my other blog since these novels have nothing to do with Korea and I haven't posted on that blog in.... yeah).
In any case, my literary marathon is at last ended! I'm happy to report I managed to have a social life, teach classes, and travel throughout November while accomplishing this goal of mine. I consider that to be worth a the proverbial pat on the back.
I'll be releasing stories about my adventures abroad during the month of November in short order (as in when I finish sorting through pictures). As a teaser I can tell you I've been busy during November. I've administered my first Middle School Speaking Tests (which some of my students actually passed!), hiked in the largest national park in Kora, been to and from Seoul several times, and.... slept.
You'd be surprised how difficult it can be getting that last one....
Where have I been?
NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month, sponsored by the Office of Letters and Lights, is a "contest" among writers to see who can crank out a 50,000 word novel in 30 dreary November days. There are no rules, other than it be original, it begin on the first of November, and that you finish by midnight on the 30th. So, can one actually achieve 50,000 words in a month (while jugging all other obligations)?
I did it in 29.
Granted that meant I spent most any spare moment typing away at my computer, whether I was on the bus, at my desk, between classes, and sometimes late into the night while curled up in my bed. Can't say I wrote a prize winning piece, but I can say I've written a novel in less than a month!
Last year's NaNoWriMo project I failed to get past 48,000 words. I'm happy to say I made it to 50,010 words (though I still haven't come up with an ending yet, so it'll be more). It is really nice to accomplish this goal.
I feel wonderful at how easy it is to fit in time for writing. In all honesty, it demonstrates to me that if I fail to find time for writing in my life, I'm not really trying to write. Granted, writing for quantity does not often yield quality, but in the words an unnamed English professor (unnamed because I honestly can't recall her name) the key to writing is?
Shitty first drafts.
In all honesty, she's dead on. First drafts are the worst examples of a person's writing (sadly they composed all too many of my collegiate essays), but until there is a first draft, there is nothing. So I'm pleased to have made this draft of my second attempt at a novel manuscript. Bringing me all the closer to actually composing a novel worth publishing, and yes, I will publish these works at some point in time.
It's gonna happen people.
On the other hand, sitting at my desk at school I realize now how much time I spent writing while on the clock. Throughout today I've noticed that I have all this time. Time waiting for files to download, time between classes, time to just sit when I can't think of anything work related. I realize now I spent a lot of my day writing this damn manuscript!
I'm not finished with this novel. In fact, I suspect I'll be working on it throughout December, but at a considerably more leisurely pace. That and I need to edit this novel's predecessor (something I've put off since... well... last December). Ideally, I'll be able to polish the two books and post excerpts here (or my other blog since these novels have nothing to do with Korea and I haven't posted on that blog in.... yeah).
In any case, my literary marathon is at last ended! I'm happy to report I managed to have a social life, teach classes, and travel throughout November while accomplishing this goal of mine. I consider that to be worth a the proverbial pat on the back.
I'll be releasing stories about my adventures abroad during the month of November in short order (as in when I finish sorting through pictures). As a teaser I can tell you I've been busy during November. I've administered my first Middle School Speaking Tests (which some of my students actually passed!), hiked in the largest national park in Kora, been to and from Seoul several times, and.... slept.
You'd be surprised how difficult it can be getting that last one....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)