Halloween

     Halloween was a great celebration at Poly.  All of the preschool, pre-kindergarden, and kindergarden students dressed up in various halloween costumes.  Although there was some variety, there was an overwhelming amount of Spider Men and princesses.  The male teachers had secretly ordered costumes for each other and did not find out what they were until the day of Halloween.  They were good sports about their costumes.  I was fortunate enough to have Sean send me a Queen of Hearts costume.  The students did not know quite who I was, but they loved the costumes.  It was also a big hit with the Korean Teachers (KT's).  They were taking my picture all day long.

My Male Co-Workers!

     The students had a very busy day.  They started the day with a short power point presentation on the background and history of Halloween.  Next, they voted on a face for their jack-o-lantern and the students each took a scoop of pumpkin guts out of the pumpkin.  The teachers worked together to carve the pumpkin (actually, I did not help at all). 

     Throughout the day, the students stayed with their KT's and went to various stations.  The stations included, face painting, a bat craft, halloween game, trick-or-treating (the businesses in our building), and the Haunted House.  Each teacher was assigned a station to work at.  I was lucky and got to be in the haunted house!  The only reason I was picked, was the fact that I was the only one small enough to fit in the coffin. 
     The haunted house was amazing and really scary.  There were four other teachers in the room and we each had a part.  My job was to pop out of the coffin and grab the students.  We had a riot.  We scared the kids so much that some of them cried and it took at least 20 minutes for a student to even enter the haunted house.  Some of the features included: a moving bloody hand, hands grabbing student's feet, and student with their head missing (dressed in the Poly gym uniform).

     The end of the day included a celebration.  The students voted on the best jack-o-lantern of all the classes and a teacher costume contest.  I made it to the last round, but lost to the giraffe.  A few of my students in the elementary program dressed up in costume.  The KT's delivered candy to them, while in class.  It was a great day.

DMZ

     On Saturday, October 23, 2010, I traveled to the DMZ (Demiliarized Zone).  I am very fortunate to experience this current piece of world history and cold war.  The experience was surreal and allowed me a personal perspective into the North Korean territory and mindset.
     North Korea is one of those issues that we hear a lot about in the rest of the world., especially before I came to South Korea.  I definetly had my reservations about this life changing experience, due to the high threats from Kim Jong-il.  I asked a few South Korean aquantances their feelings about the current situation.  All of my friends could not believe that I was visiting this place and had no desire to go near the DMZ.   However, there are mixed feelings. Most Koreans of the older generation see nothing else but eventual reunification, but, the younger generation have various opinions.
     The dress code is strict for the tour.  Flip flop, shorts, tank tops, baggy clothes, torn jeans, and writing on your clothes are prohibitted.  One of the first protocals that must be followed at all times.
     I started my trip from the USO office in South Korea.  It was about an hour drive to the first check point.  It was at this point that reality struck me.  I was going into an area that is heavily guarded on either side and could strike at any time.  Checkpoint one and two consisted of both barbed and razor wire.  There were South Korean guards on watch and a few baracades. 
     Once we arrived at the United States and South Korean base camp, we signed our lives away.  Literally.  Next, we had a briefing (with a US military rep.) and boarded another bus.  This bus is kept on Camp Bonifas, where it can be searched for and deemed clean (no guns, bombs, etc.) for the tour.  Our bus driver was a South Korean soldier (armed) and the tour guide was an American soldier (armed).  Both of these soldiers are part of the United Nations Command military personnel.
     The first stop was the MAC (Military Armistice Commission) building.  This was the best part of the tour!  You climb a set of stairs and walk through the building, to the outside.  When you come out, you are staring at a North Korean soldier.  He is atop a set of stairs directly across you.  I was not able to make any eye contact, gestures, or point our cameras at him.  We were briefed that he may wave, take out binoculars, and make gestures to us.  We were under strict orders to not make eye contact.

     These are South Korean Soldiers.  They can be identified by their black armbands.  The North Koreans are required to wear red arm bands to be identitfied; however, they have recently discarded this rule.  Notice the position of the South Korean soldier, half covered by the building- this is to make it easier for him to duck behind the building in case of enemy fire. The soldiers are stationed here largely to aid defectors.

     Next, we went into the building were the North and South Koreans and United Nations representatives hold their meetings.  The main table splits the south and north side (right down the middle).  There are two South Korean Soldiers who stand in a tense, statue like state.  One guards the left window, the other the door that leads to the south.  They stand at this post on one hour shifts 24 hours a day.  There are also mini flags in a glass display case and a plastic UN flag on the table.  They were put there, when the North Koreans decided to shine their shoes and blow their noses in the real ones.  I actually stood in North Korea!


Bridge of no Return

     The Bridge of No Return runs next to the Military Demarcation Line. After the Armistice Agreement in 1953, prisoners of war from both sides were exchanged on this bridge. The name came from the fact that the prisoners of war who voluntarily chose to go to North Korea instead of staying in the South would be unable to return to South Korea

        
     The large pole in the background is a giant flagpole at the North Korean Propaganda Village.   The North Koreans originally built a small flag pole; however the South Koreans built a larger flag pole.  To show the mentality of the North, the had to "out show" the south and erected a giant flag pole.  Although amusing, the village reinforces the grim reality of the country. 

     The reality of the current situation between the North and the South struck me when I went to see the third tunnel.  As with many sites around the tour, photographs are prohibetted, so I do not have a photo of the tunnel.  Four major tunnels were found in the 1970s, all allegedly built by the North Koreans (which the North vehemently denies). Its funny though, because when you walk through the tunnel, you can see the dynamite holes that face toward the south (proving the north built the tunnels).  The tunnels are wide enough for several soldiers to walk and some are wide enough for tanks. Military analysts speculated that the tunnels were intended for a second sneak attack by the North Koreans, allowing them to move large numbers of tanks, troops, and supplies under the DMZ completely undetected.
     You need to be in great shape when going into the tunnel.  It is a long walk deep into the ground.  You need to wear a helmet, because the ceiling is low and you will bump your head.  After a long walk, you come to the end.  It has three baracades to stop the north from penetrating.  It is a little scary, because the end is blocked with razor wire.  Don't slip on the wet ground into the razor wire!  The walk up is rough.  It is a sharp incline and I broke a sweat.  Little did I know that you can take a tram up! Go Figure.  Oh yeah, I drank north korean spring water from inside the cave.  I didn't get sick, so I guess it was ok.

     North Korea.  Photgraphs are stictly prohibitted on this observation deck.  You can only take photographs from inside the yellow square (hence, the far away photo).  If you take a photograph outside of the designated area, the South Korean soldiers confiscate your camera and erase all of the photos!  However, I did sneak a few photos.
     Among the main highlights, I saw the world's most dangerous golf course.  It is a one hole golf course, surrounded by land mines on all sides.  The Pagoda at Freedom House, The sunken Garden, Check Point 3, and the 1976 Ax Murder Incident.  The most gruesome of which was the site of the 1976 Ax Murder Incident.  The incident is as follows:
     A tall poplar tree was near the UNC checkpoint 3 and the Bridge of No Return. The tree limited visibility in the direction of checkpoint 4 for the soldiers working at checkpoint 3. So, five South Korean civilian workers were dispatched to trim the tree under the supervison of a UNC guard force.
     Suddenly, two North Korean officers and dozens of KPA soldiers appeared demanding that they should stop the trimming. When the workers continued and ignored the request, another group of North Korean guard forces arrived by truck and began attacking the South Korean workers and soldiers by wielding clubs and axes. During the incident, the JSA Company Commander, Captain Arthur Bonifas, and First Platoon Leader, First Lieutenant Mark Barrett, were brutally axed to death by North Koreans.

    
What a great Trip!

A Day of Pampering and Shopping Korean Style

     On Sunday, I went into Seoul to look for a shock proof/water proof camera.  After eating in Itaewon, my friend and I took a taxi to Yongsan Electronics Market.  It is an electronic shoppers heaven.  It is this giant building with floors that are seperated by categories.  There is a camera floor, tv floor, phone floor, bridal floor (weird), etc.  The best part is that there is little stands or seperate stations, so bargining is a must.  You have to bring cash, because it will allow you to bargain even more.  Oh, and always walk away.  I went to one stand who wanted 250 for a camera.  I walked away, the third stand wanted 230.  I said I have cash, after everything, I got the camera, charger, usb disc reader, camera case, and memory card for 220. 
     After the the camera, we went to What The Book?  It is an english book store in Itaewon.  I love it.  They have a great children's book section and english magazines!  This is the new best find.
     Ok everyone, I finally got my hair done at Green Turtle.  The name scared me, but everyone at work swore it was a great place.  Well, it was an expeirence.  When you walk in, you leave your shoes at the door and put slippers on that are four sizes too big.  Next, they give you an oversized t-shirt to put over your shirt (an extra precaution, if your getting your hair dyed).  They guy that does everyone's hair is korean and hysterical.  He only dyes your hair, cuts, and styles it at the end.  The women do everything else, they wash it, give a head and shoulders massage (fantastic) and dry your hair.  It is just a funny experience.  Too girls dry your hair, one on each side.  They speak korean, so they are probably making fun of you, but I'm used to it.  I was very nervous, but my hair turned out really good.  Also, the only customers are foreign.
     I ended this day with my first steak and potatoes at Outback Steakhouse (lol).

When In Rome Do As The Romans Do

     For those of you that know me, I will try anything... even if that means eating a bug.  On Saturday, October 9, 2010 Seoul hosted the international fireworks competition.  It is an event that has representatives from countries all over the world.  It has the worlds best fireworks and is a must see.  So, my friends from work decided to go see them.  We jumped on the bus, thinking it would be 30 minutes top.  Well, that is without South Korean traffic.
     After an hour on the bus and only two bus stops, we decided to pass the gridlock and try our luck on the subway.  That was an expierence.  I think the entire population of Seoul was going to the fireworks and decided to take the subway as well.  It was crowed, crazy, and quite amusing. 
     Eventually we arrived, after the fireworks show.  The police closed down the subway entrance, so we decided to wait for our other co-workers.  Mean while, my stomach was growling.  There were plenty of street vendors available, so I mosied on over.  The first thing I arrived to was a vat of silk worm larva.  One of my korean friends said they were really good.  I said why not.
     After much debating, I put it in my mouth and ate it.  Yes, you feel the legs (lol), but it is cooked.  Actually, besides the mushy texture, it tasted like absolutely nothing.  It could have used a little honey.
     The subway station opened up, so we went on our way to the chicken restaurant.  Funny thing, they only serve rotiserie chicken and beer.  That is it.  I don't know if the chicken was really the best chicken I ever had or the fact that I was starving (you have to wait till they roast it - 40 minutes), but it was delicious.  It was stuffed with rice and a weird root.  No one knew if you eat it, but we tried. lol.  One more note, you eat on plastic tables in the street and there is a cat on a leash outside.  Only in Korea.

Silk Worm Larva

Yummy

My Co-Workers in the Subway

Chicken and Beer

Yumm, beer! I'm not drunk, just a really bad picture.  But I thought it was pretty hysterical!

Deoksugung

     On Wednesday (Chuseok), I went to Deoksugung Palace.  It is a palace in the heart of Seoul.  It was an easy bus ride and a taxi (about an hour).  It is quite odd though, this beautiful palace and grounds, surrounded by sky rise buildings and the bustling of a city.  It is also right next to city hall, which is presently decorated for the G20.  The building is wrapped in pictures of people.  I decided to become one (notice the picture I posted). 

     Conveniently located next to the palace grounds, is a Dunkin Donuts.  I grabbed a hot chocolate and was on my way.  The entrance gate is beautiful and is called Daehanmun.  It is surrounded by a wall and is quite breathtaking when you walk through the gate.  To top everything off, it was free!

     A little history on the “Palace of Virtue and Longevity”:  The palace was built during the mid-1400s as a private aristocratic villa for Prince Wolsan, but when the Japanese Hideyoshi invasions of the late 16th century left all of Seoul’s palaces burning, the villa was converted into a temporary palace until Changdeokgung became the new royal residence.  It became a secondary palace when King Gojong moved in.  Gojong lived here until he died in 1919.  His son, Sunjong, reigned as a puppet emperor until the Japanese brought the Joseon dynasty to an abrupt end after more than 500 years. The palace was originally comprised of about 180 structures and over times, now is about one dozen buildings. The current palace has influences of russian and japanese arcitecture.



The throne in Junghwajeon Hall



Junghwajeon
The stone mythical creatures (haetae) next to me, are to protect the palace from fire.
 In 1904, they must have fallen asleep, because the palace burnt down.

     I enjoyed a self guided tour.  It was very peaceful.  The architecture and roof tiles are interesting to view. I enjoyed my hot chocolate, while I looked into buildings through their wooden screens.  Surprisingly, there was not any furniture or displays set up in the buildings.  So if you go, bring your imagination. 



The Front Gate

      I had arrived in the evening, so I unfortunately did not get to see the changing of the guards.  I plan to attend this in the upcoming weekends.  I would really enjoy the opportunity to witness this and compare it to the changing of the guards in London.  I also would like to visit the art museum that is on the palace grounds. 

Bronze Statue of King Sejong

    



















      After the visit to the palace, I went to a free concert in the city.  It was right across from the palace!  It was a Chuseok concert.  They had drummers in the traditional colors of yellow and blue.  They put on a great show.  They twirled ribbons, balanced plates, and played along with an orchestra.  The show also included traditional korean singers and a single drummer.  One odd thing: Nobody brought chairs.  They passed out little mats, to sit cross legged on. 




Drummers from the concert balancing plates











 *If you are interested in Deoksugung Palace, you can visit the website:     http://english.cha.go.kr/

I Love Cookie

I Love Cookie - This is my secret find!  It is a little store about two blocks from my school and everything in it is imported from America.  Can you believe it!  A store that has every item of food in english!  I saw macaroni n cheese and grabbed the last box.  They had campbell's chicken noodle soup and Hamburger Helper.  They also have real deodorant.  Korean's use a spray on deodorant and the kind that I am used to is hard to find.  Don't worry, Koreans do not stink.  I was so excited about this find, that I went to work and showed everyone my Macoroni n Cheese.  They all laughed and the next day, one of my co-workers brought me in a box.  He said that he saw how excited I was, and he didn't need it (he brought it back with him, after visiting the states).  It is funny though, everytime I visit the store, there is always americans in it.  I guess the secret is out!

Lotte World

     Lotte World is a mini Disney World. It even has a replica of the Disney castle!  Lotte World, was like no other amusement park.  It has a unique design, where half of the amusement park is inside and the other half is outside.  The infastructure is huge!  The ceiling is entirely glass and it has multiple levels.  The bottom level has an ice skating rink, bowling alley, and shooting range.  The next floor is comprised of restaraunts.  The remaining floors are the amusement park. 
     I traveled by subway a total of 40 minutes, with only one transfer.  The subway station is located in the bottom of Lotte World, so you do not have to worry about finding your way through the city.  My companions were two fellow teachers and their Korean girlfriends.  We had such a great time.  We recieved half off the ticket price, with a coupon and our AR (residence) card.  For $22 we had an all access pass to the park. 
     The inside structure included an upside down roller coaster, hot air balloon ride (takes you around the inside on the ceiling), mini monorail, and numerous other rides.  It was very modern as well.  Similar to Disney World, you watch a movie (which I could not understand) or walk through great scenery while you are waiting for the ride.  They also have what is called a fast pass, where you can skip the line.  The amusement park had a lot of adult rides, such as The adventures of Sinbad, Jungle Adventure, and Pharoh's Fury.  The last one mentioned, is a jeep that moves throught adventure scenes (similar to the dinosaur thrill ride in Disney). 
     At night, they have an electric parade.  They turn off the lights inside, and everyone lines up on the street.  They then have an amazing parade go around.  They have characters, floats, and dancers.  It was amazing!  I ate with my friends at Pizza Hut (lol) and had a great time.  You do not have to worry about snacks.  They have hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, any type of carnival food that you can think of. 
     There were only two negative points.  The first was that the inside structure is not air conditioned.  It was a very hot and humid day.  I drank three bottled waters alone.  The second, was that it rained all day.  Parts of Seoul actually flooded, so I was not able to go to the outside portion of the park. 
     We spent the whole day there.  I learned about korean history in the korean folk museum and learned great tips from my co-teachers and their korean girlfriends.  The two male teachers have lived in Korea for 3 and 5 years.  So, they gave me a lot of great tips.  Their girlfriends also said that they are willing to help out, translate, and take me around town.  They also invited me to a traditional korean dinner. 
     I have posted Lotte World's website on the right side.  Check it out!