The Masquerade

Hello my dears:
Ok, this is a fun one! The Masquerade Party! Let me just say that this was an opportunity that doesn't occur frequently in Korea. The occasions for which you're able to put on a nice dress to go out are scarce to say the least. Not that I had too many chances to do that in the States. It's a bit sad how informal we've become at home. What ever happened to fancy parties where everyone gets to dress up and enjoy a sophisticated evening? So when I was out with some friends and they mentioned that there would soon be a Masquerade held at the Marriott Hotel, well, you can imagine how I jumped at the chance. Literally jumped. Imagine.

BIWA, Busan International Women's Association, was the host to this grand event. Let me say that they're a bit different from my women's group that I told you about earlier (see post below). Their focus is event fundraising for various social welfare organizations in Busan, such as orphanages. The group membership is composed mostly of wives of expats working as engineers, company executives, and the like: the "real jobs" for foreigners here. In other words, they have a bit more money to work with than our group, composed entirely of (what else?) English teachers. So my group is the poor women's group. Pierre joked that we should take them on in a fight. But I said we're a peaceful group, not all about street fighting... still, we could take 'em.

Alright, since I'm a girl, and at times quite a girly one, let me begin by telling you about my dress. For Christmas of '04, my mom sent me a box full of goodies, including this incredible dress from Banana Republic. I mean, yummy. But the trouble was that I had no place to wear it. It's tough to put on a dress and then work with Kindergarteners all day. No, that wouldn't work. And my church simply does not require that level of formality. So it hung in my closet just looking pretty for quite a long time. I must credit my mom with some incredible foresight, however, because I had no other considerations for attire when this event was mentioned. Thanks mom.

The next obstacle was finding a mask. Korea does not celebrate Halloween, especially not in May. So finding a store that carried masks was a daunting task. Altogether, shopping in Korea is difficult. There appears to be no rhyme or reason in the way in which shops are organized. If you want something even slightly out of the ordinary, good luck. My only options were some rather silly looking children's masks (ghouls or dippy super heroes) that I found in Mr. Chun (a dollar store). But Pierre came to the rescue; he knew of a costume store near his work and procured a very fine mask for me. Much better than anything I could have bought or made. Thanks Pierre.

Jess was over one night during the week before she left and we went through the typical high school pre-prom routine of trying on the outfit and figuring out hair and jewelry. Fun, girly stuff. You know.

So I was set. Picture time!
I went with Pierre, Saeyeon, and Richard: good friends of mine here in Korea. I'm guessing that, despite being cleverly hidden beneath the mask, I needn't identify myself; take a guess. I don't know if I've told you anything about these friends. Well, we're all part of the yoga group. So that already makes us exceptionally cool. Pierre is French; given my mild obsession with the culture and language, it immediately endears me to him. Richard is from Britain, which, given our respective countries, provides us both with a great deal of fodder for poking fun of each other. But I like him anyhow. Saeyeon, a Korean girl, I've known of from church since originally coming to Korea, yet did not have the wonderful opportunity to get to know her until returning here. She's an English teacher, too, and one of the most fun, delightful people I know. Aren't we just a great looking group?
This is Saeyeon and I with Anna and Sebastian. She's Spanish, he's Swedish. They are one of the most fun couples I know. Anna actually made their costumes. Not to mention that she made a Batman and Robin costume for some friends of theirs. And she is a part of BIWA, so she played a central role in putting together the event. Anna is incomparable. Actually, she reminds me of you, Trace, with this genuine warmth, an ever-ready sense of fun, and irrepressible energy. You should have seen her in that outfit on the dance floor. Oh, I wish I had a picture. Later, she went around putting her wig on us. I'll post my picture (but my camera's being funny... I'll add it later... these others are all from Saeyeon).

Here are some other fun pictures from the night. I'll probably add more later.

Saeyeon and I dancing together. The mask kept falling down over my eyes and I had a hard time seeing. Thankfully I didn't trip, though.





Me with Liz and Saeyeon. Both are dear friends of mine from church. I think we were trying a Charlie's Angels look or something. I added a little "flair" by doing the Korean "victory" sign. They do it in most photos. I like it.

Me with Richard and Pierre. With such great looking wonderful guys, I'm such a lucky girl. They're sporting beards due to a bet made with other men from their company. Not sure exactly what the bet was, except that they all had to grow facial hair. Boys.


Saeyeon and I again. Isn't she beautiful?

That's it for now. I'll update and maybe add more later when the computer I use is being more camera friendly. It's getting annoyed with me now.

Love you all!
Aub

Saying Goodbye

Hello everyone:
Over the past couple of years, I've grown quite accustomed to saying goodbye. Especially given that the foreigner community in Busan is so transient, you even make introductions with a hint of a farewell. "How long have you been here? When does your contract finish?" This repetition of parting desensitizes you to the pain that is expected at such times. Now, there are probably numerous reasons for this tendency. I can think of two obvious ones. All you who are much smarter and more insightful can probably come up with many more. But I have the keyboard.

(1) The relationships lack the depth to truly cause deep hurt at parting. As I said, we know from the beginning that we will say goodbye; we thus often insulate ourselves by subconsciously allowing for an emotional gap in the friendship. I could never claim that this is always true. Some people can break through such self-protective measures. Yet even in those situations, the general year spent here in Korea does not allow for the power of time to work slowly and mystically, fostering trust and dependency. We do need time spent together to inherently know the other person. This is not to say that we can't become close to a person quickly; rather, time will further deepen a close friendship.

I was talking with some friends the other day (is there a more general statement than that? I absolutely cannot recall either who or when it was) about relationships. Actually, now that I've spouted that generality, I think I was out to lunch with my small group a couple weeks ago. And I think it was my friend Mike who said it. I think. If I'm wrong, I'll quickly blame the hair color. So Mike mentioned that his mom (or someone else's ) believes strongly that two oppositely gendered people (assuming they are also heterosexual) will, when spending copious amounts of time together, develop feelings for one another. Like some inevitable chemical reaction or something (hey, I'm not a scientist, ok?). And I think there's a lot of truth in that. Proximity is essential for relationships. Who hasn't at one time felt themselves unavoidably and sometimes unwillingly drawn to someone with which they are constantly around? Yikes. Digression. I'm not sure why I wrote that except possibly in an attempt to illustrate how time with another person deepens feelings, romantic or platonic, for eachother. Ah, yes. There you are.

(2) The second reason I considered applies moreso to currently established relationships. Namely, people at home. I remember leaving for Korea, saying goodbye to my dear friends and family, and being mildly surprised that there was not more distress at the prospect of not seeing them for over a year. Admittedly, I was excited to go. That's the magic word, isn't it? I was the one leaving, I was the one headed for new adventures, I was the one facing life-changing experiences. When you get to go, it's the exciting possibilities of the future that lay so heavily on your mind. Of course, I knew I would terribly miss Michigan at times. And I do. But not when I was leaving.

Well, I just had quite a different experience with a recent parting. Jessica, who if you don't know her is mentioned in my India travels below, has become over the past year and a half one of my dearest friends. I certainly didn't come to Korea expecting to make so many amazing friends (and to anyone in Korea, yes, I do mean you). I also didn't expect to make another best friend. Tracy, Tamara, Alyssa, and Jo have long been my dearest friends. And it's been far too long since I've been able to spend real time with you! Such is life. With Jess, however, we have been together nearly continuously for all our time knowing eachother. At SLP, my old school, we worked together; our desks were next to eachother. We lived in the same apartment building. We hung out together. Then, after both of our contracts ended, we went to India together. After a brief return home, we both came back to Korea together. One day apart, actually. In brief, we’ve spent a lot of time together. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a single best friend near by. I have amazing friends, but their (your) lives naturally have numerous commitments. With Jess, it was just her and me. I came to depend on her.

Uh oh. I think I know where this is headed. If you guessed it, then congratulations; you get the prize. Yes, she announced that she was leaving. For various reasons, Jess decided it was time to go back home; she had been planning on going home for a wedding, but was supposed to return a week later. Instead, I discovered the Monday before the Saturday that she was leaving that it would be for good. I found myself suddenly and fully to be on the other end of leaving. I was being left. And not by someone I had planned on leaving. Imagine the effect it had. Yeah, about like that.

So I had a learning experience this past week. Not the best I've had and not the deepest insight either, but I believe it leaves me with a bit more insight at being the one who's left behind. I don't fault Jess at all, by the way. She did what is absolutely necessary. I'm just learning to adjust to the change.

Ok, put it on a happy note again. I'm now going to spend probably about the same time I took to write this in attempting to attach some photos. We had a really fun evening on Friday, going out with friends to Ganga, our favorite Indian restaurant, and then U2, a close-to-the-beach bar. If I get the pictures on, it will give me a chance to brag about some friends, too. Here goes.


This is Jess (center) and me (right) with our friend Leah (left, obviously). Just before the picture, we noticed we're all in pink. Kyra said that pink is a sign of femininity and tenderness. Naturally. We're at Ganga, enjoying the Palak Paneer that is better here than anywhere we found in India. You know that's good. Belvey gave Jess some garbanzo beans as a gift. Did I mention that this was for Jess's birthday?



To the right is the "yoga group." All of us have directly or indirectly been roped in through Jess. We all go on Tuesday nights together. Lots of fun, of course. I'm wondering right now if the guys will be mad at having their picture posted on the internet identifying them as yoga attendees. Hmm... maybe let's just keep the site quiet from them. And yoga is definitely for men, too. How could you argue with these masculine guys?




I love this photo. Richard grabbed my camera and got some really good ones. This is my favorite.

The whole night I found my emotions wavering dangerously between a euphoric excitement at enjoying this time with great friends and an ominously threating sobbing that I could sense creeping throughout my body. It was such an intensity of emotions; it's amazing how close a fervored happiness and total despondency can be. Thankfully I went for the former. But I had a good cry the next day after she left. This was a good night. I have tons more good pictures. Maybe I'll post them when I have more time to talk about the people.

For now, that's about all I have to say about that. I love you all. I'm looking forward to seeing you again, believe me. But then, I'm not really looking forward to saying goodbye.

Love you,
Aub

P.S. I went to a masquerade with some friends the Saturday that Jess left. I'm waiting to write about that until I have some good pictures. They really tell a better story. See you soon.

Women's Group

I didn't tell you yet that I'm in a women's group here in Busan, did I? The only criterion to participate is that you have to be a woman; so after some intense scrutiny, they declared me acceptable (for the group, at least).

When I went to the first meeting, I was entirely unsure what to expect. To me, the term "women's group" sounded like a great idea, but with the possibility of angry overbearing feminists disparaging men and society in general. An extreme assumption, I know. But it gives a nice effect, don't you think? Actually, just by the girls who are in the group, there was no possibility of that situation occurring. I mean, they're really wonderful girls. Regardless, I went to the first meeting without a clear picture of the group's purpose.

Well, it was incredible. We decided to make it a potluck, so everyone brought delicious food. When the meeting began, we started by introducing ourselves. Aisha, who was leading, told us to do so by telling what we are passionate about as women. The discussions it generated were amazing! I'd try to explain, but I would do it such a horrible injustice that it's not even worth it. From this meeting I felt so much support and encouragement as a woman, rather than the competitiveness that so often arises amongst women. We even remarked how different the meeting would have been if even one man had been present; to vie for a man's attention is a natural reaction.

This past Saturday I led what was the third meeting. Rather than telling you about it, I'll give you the link to our blog (wow, I went from neglecting one blog to being able to neglect two!).
http://champerslatte.blogspot.com/ "The Currency of Beauty" from Friday, May 26 is the post to which I am referring. It's a bit long, but not a bad read, if I do say so myself (you know I never miss an opportunity to brag...). The entire blog gives a good overview of what the group is about.

Oh, and I am under a different user name for that blog, simply because I am entirely technologically disinclined, and so rather than use the same name for both, I could only make two. Sigh. 민 망해 (min mang hey). Oh, that's this great Korean word I learned meaning "embarrassed." My friend actually explained that it means "being embarrassed by a compliment." So it's not totally appropriate, but I figure it somewhat abates my shame at being so computer hopeless. Somewhat.

It's really a good word to have for life in Korea. Merely because I'm a blonde foreigner (or as they say, "Way gook. Yellow hair."), I get an excessive amount of compliments. As I walk through the halls of my school, I hear excited exclamations of "Oh! So beautiful!" "Hair is pretty!" "I-ee LOVE-uh YOU!" The last is a little odd when said by the boys or the other teachers (no, I'm not lying. I have certain teacher who seems a bit enamored). I've kind of chuckled and said, "Really? Ha ha. Thanks." So this new word is perfect. "Min mang hey-ra!" And they squeel with excitement at my somehow comprehendible attempt at Korean.

By the way, every single foreigner in Korea experiences this. They're compliments which, at first, are a boost to one's self-esteem, but quickly become old hat. Sometimes it seems better to just walk around and say, "I know, I know." We just get the attention because we're different. Not that I'm complaining, actually. I like the incessant compliments. It's fun. Like you're own personal fan club. Feel free to join (It's free! Any Dutch people will appreciate that!). I need some members in America (or where ever you may be...)

Wisdom if You're Sick

Hey all,
I love being a teacher. Today I've been reviewing our past units for an upcoming speaking test. One of my review questions in class is, "What should I do when I am sick?" It's so they can practice giving advice with saying "you should..."
Most students gave typical answers. "You should see a doctor." "You should go to the hospital." "You should take some medicine." But one student (one of my favorites; he's just so cute and sincere) looks up and goes, "You should drink some wine."
"Some wine?" I inquired, suppressing my laughter.
"Yes," he says, straight-faced. "Or champagne." Straight face. Eyes wide. Expectant of affirmation.
How could I argue? So just remember the next time you're sick the sage wisdom of a Dong-a Middle School student. Drink some wine. Or champagne.
Have a great day,
Aubrey

By the way, I forgot to mention this earlier. His advice was very cung. If you're confused in any way as to the meaning of this word, please talk with my friend Rob.

My Long-Unattended Blog

Hello everyone:
This is probably written for zero readers, in the likelihood that anyone who actually knew of this blog has long given up hope, assuming I was either dead or had lost the use of my hands in a freak ninja attack. Neither has happened, I may assure you. Laziness is the lamentable, and even more terrible, cause of my absence from both the blog and email in general. It's been over five months since I've even looked at this; that was meant to be funny, but it just sounds a bit sad.
Thanks to my dear friend Tracy for her gentle encouragement that I should update every so often so as not to leave friends wondering about the aforementioned situations. I love you, Trace!
So where to update you on everything that's been going on? I could create a lengthy list of all my activities in the past months, but that's pointless and rather boring. Instead, I'll update you on a few things and then we'll all (or both... or just me, as I don't believe anyone else will read this) just pretend that we never missed a beat.
I am, of course, living and working in Pusan... or Busan. There are many English letters that don't translate exactly in Korean. For example, the ㅂ. It is pronounced as slightly between a "p" and a "b" (if you'll listen closely when mouthing them to yourself now, you'll see that these two letters are quite similar to each other). So 부산 can be transliterated Busan or Pusan. Take your pick; you'd see it as both. I do believe that Busan is now the official form.
Some of you will be greatly surprised by my ability to read any Korean, given that I swore all last year I wouldn't learn any more than I needed. Something about not wasting time on a language if I wouldn't live in the country for long. Please allow me a moment's pause to fully chew and swallow those words.... thank you. Seeing as how I came back for a second year, I had a (short-lived) surge of inspiration to learn. So I can now read signs, but can't tell you at all what they mean.
Ironically, I've best been learning Korean from my students (to whom I'm supposed to be teaching English... oh well. I need to milk the job for everything I can get!). This way, however, I'm picking up completely obscure words, like slang ("Asah!" meaning, "Oh, yeah!") or grammatical and classroom terms ("bareum," which is pronunciation; "chureeyuh," which is "attention"). Not terms I can use when speaking with the general populace. He he. Imagine me on the street: "Chureeyuh! Asah, bareum!" One could assume that the Koreans who heard would assume I was a somewhat militant foreigner who was excited about pronunciation. Which is true, I guess.
I'm able to learn words from my students this year (an occasion to which I was strictly prohibited last year) because it turns out a public school is a lot more lenient than a Haegwon (an academy... a specialized after-school institute to which parents shell out exorbitant amounts of money so as to allow their children to sit in classrooms from dawn til dusk, hoping all the while that they learn all knowledge available to man. No small expectations there). It's MUCH more lenient. To be honest, I rarely work. I've possibly worked the same number of days that I've had off. I get annoyed now if I have a work week without a day off. "What?! FIVE days of work in a row?! How absurd!" Yes, please hate me. All my friends here do now, anyway. I never miss an opportunity to brag.
My school's name is 동아 중학교. For all you English speakers, that's "Dong-a Jung haekyo," which means "Dong-a Middle School." Fun! I have 1000 students. Yes, I typed the correct number of zeros there. That's one thousand. I teach 27 classes having between 35 to 40 students apiece. I see each class only once a week. For my third year classes, it's less; I see them every other week. So I'm actually only teaching 23 or 22 classes each week. And if train A left the station at 11:12 am, how many students would I have? Sorry, that was a brief retrogression back to word problems in high school math. I felt like that's what I was writing. But if you take the time to do the pointless and vague math, it comes out to about 1000. Asah!
Alright, that's about it for this post. Here's to hoping that it happens again. See you in another 5 months, I guess!
Love,
Aubrey