Second Nature

Learning a new language, well trying to at least, takes a ton of time.  It can be frustrating and rewarding, similar to a big jigsaw puzzle.  (This is not a great reference since I hate puzzles.  You build the puzzle then put it back in the box, useless if you ask me).

I study everyday.  I also try to use Korean as much as I can.  In such an English friendly place as Seoul it can be easy to just use my native tongue.  However, using the locals is great practice and a must when trying to improve.  I have noticed some leaps in the last few weeks.  At first a new language sounds just like garbled up noise, especially languages such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese.  As you progress in your understanding and your vocabulary builds things start to click.  The pieces start to reveal themselves and you begin to see the whole picture, (key word is begin).  You start with the basics, letters, sounds and simple words.  It feels like an impossible task but as you build your knowledge it does get easier and things do not seem so foreign. It is just like a light bulb turning on and you get it.

Now there is a big gap between communicating to fluency.  I can communicate, no problem, with most people in Korean.  However, without context, slowed speech and someone willing to not speak in slang I have problems.  I can understand my kids in school much better than the adults.  The adults speak so quickly in normal conversation it can drive you bonkers.  You feel as if you are grasping at straws.  It does drive you to keep going.

I am going to grad school here.  It is not a decision I came to lightly.  I miss my friends, family and home.  If I do not take this grad school opportunity I know I would regret it.  I am going to miss so much.  I am missing some of my best friends weddings, new additions to my family, and all the little things that gave me such a great life back home.  I only hope the strain I place on these relationships strengthens them. 7000 miles away and 14 hrs. time difference is a burden to say the least. This blog is my attempt to keep all those I miss at home in my life at their convenience.

I hope you all keep reading and get skype if you can.  I enjoy your smiling faces.

Some of the kidos I am leaving

He saw my brother on Skype one day and now asks for him daily.  Where is Sam brother? ()

The best kids ever.  The girl in the pink is possibly the sweetest little girl I have ever met.  

I am not sure if these hats would catch on in America.  I have to admit they are clever.   I believe I mentioned everything is  cute in Korea.    

All the kids wear these hats over here in the winter time.  There are hundreds of characters they choose from.  I had to try one on!

Random acts of kindness make the world go round

Amongst all the anger and hate spewing form people right now I believe there is still more good than evil in the world.  Why do I say this you might ask.  It really has nothing to do with family or friends.  Most people have loved ones and friends.  Even the crazies like Saddam, Hitler, and Mussolini had families.  Is is the random acts of kindness we all experience or do for others.

Today I was walking out of a convenience store at the bottom of my building (it was around 12:15 am).  I had not left the apartment all day. I had studied Korean, worked out, boxed and and talked to friends on Skype.  Not too eventful.  I was heading to the elevator when I saw one of my students.  He ran up to me, gave me a big hug, and wished me a happy new year (that is Lunar New Year by the way).  He then insisted I meet his extended family.  I went with him to the coffee shop and was greeted with warm smiles, handshakes, and laughter.   They then gave me a mocha coffee with whip cream.   (I love whip cream by the way, more so than the coffee part of the drink.) I spoke broken Korean, they spoke broken English, and we all said goodbye.  The entire ordeal lasted no more than 10 minutes but it made my night.

(Some background info)
I have been taking the time to train this young man in my apartment after school.  (There is some monetary gain involved). I have been teaching him how to exercise, box, some tricks I have picked up with self- defense, and English.  He has to join the military, as all young men do, in a few months.  I have not been in the military, so I know I can not begin to help him with the mental aspect of everything.  However, I can harden him physically.  He is a great kid and I am really glad I met his family tonight.  I more than likely will not see him again after this month.  I am moving to a new part of Seoul.  However, I hope what he learns from me will help him on his way.

One cup of coffee tonight was a great way to say thank you and keep me up studying!

Korean Dean!

There is no Hunger issue in Korea. :)

I do not go to the grocery store very much here in Korea.  I only really eat the essentials (eggs, milk, tuna, fruit, and veggies) when I am at home.  If I am not making food I just simply go to the nearest small mom and pop restaurant.  You can eat a very filling meal for under 6,000 won ($6).  Or I act like a typical foreigner and get a pizza (6,000, $6 US!)

Today I ended up going to the grocery store.  It was awesome.  I was very hungry when I entered  E-Mart (never go shopping when you are hungry unless you are in Korea).  I left with a full stomach and only 20,600 won worth of groceries ($20.60 US).   This is because it is Lunar New Years all over Asia.  It is a very big holiday in Korea.  This led to the best part of my day...the free samples!  I walked down every aisle just to taste the free food.   I was completely full when I left.  It was fantastic.  There were over 30 stands with everything from coffee, dumplings, breads,  meat, seaweed, potato pancakes, and really traditional Korean food.

(I had done this once before when I first came to Korea. My bank back home and I have had issues over the years.  Nothing big ahem..... just theft, fraud, irrational excuses for credit card limit lowering and rather shady amazing offers.   I simply wanted to take my money and transfer it into my new Korean account. They would not do it.  Of course my wonderful mother saved my butt again.  She persuaded them gracefully to give the money to her.  I will not mention them...............but their name is bigger than 3/5rd , uh I mean 3/5ths)


Anywhoo,  like I said I have done this once before when I first got here.  I was way way short on cash and went to the store to get some cheap noodles and milk.  I ended coming out full and happier than a pig in poo after all the free samples they give here.

Needless to say you will not starve in Korea.  Just go the store and sample what they are giving away! 

Deano so hungry