Daejeon James

PEACE I'm OUT

2007-04-30T01:38:00.000+09:00

Its been 12 months. My brain is tired. I'm ready for reverse culture shock. The above photos were from my final night/morning out with my foreign community. I don't have anything to say other than its been an adventure. Hope you enjoyed following this chapter. Daejeon James says "ThankYou Korea".

PEACE

A shout out to all my robots

2007-04-24T15:37:00.000+09:00

Last week we went to the zoo with our kinder students. The animals were malnourised and looked like they had mental diseases. Otherwise it was a fun outing. You can check out my latest video of my youngest students imitating robots by hitting the JimmyYs Video Store link.

PEACE

2007-04-22T22:16:00.000+09:00

I had such a refreshing time at the beach last weekend that I just had to go again one more time before I go home. Last weekend I was on the East Sea. This weekend I headed West with Colin to the Yellow Sea to meet up with some of the foreigner community from Daejeon in Boryeong/Daechon Beach. Colin and I decided last minute at last night that we would take a chance to try and catch a bus out there...but to no avail. So we split a 90,000 won cab fare ($90) over the 1.5 hour drive. It was worth it.

Here's some of the guys cooking over the BBQ.

I know its hard to believe but I assure you the smoke's from the BBQ. IT sucked a little cause it was rainy which made it a little bone chilling...but it was fun nonetheless.
Here's Colin modelling in our motel room. The beds are on the floor...but it was the best sleep I've had in almost a year....love it!

Breakfast on the beach.
Our hotel room view. Sweet deal for 40,000 won.
Colin was drunk so I made him sit on the chair and pose for this masterpiece. I think this is the best photo I've ever taken.
Of coise I bought some more fireworks....it was a little less fun in the rain.

Sunday morning Colin and I went off on our own. WE found these rock clusters where families were gathering to collect shells and look at the marine life left from the tide. A lot of baby crabs.
You could rent these bad boys (the ATVs)...but they looked really slow and boring. Although these guys seemed to be diggin it.

Colin and I really wanted to take a boat ride but we kept missing the dockings. Finally at 3:00 we got there just as the boat arrived. Of coise the captain said the tours were finished for the day...BUT after seeiong the pathetic look on our faces he decided to let us help him load the portable dock onto his boat and take a ride to drop it off at the bigger port. SWEET!
Here's the dock attachment process. Because of our help we got a free ride AND a coffee when we hit port.

You could purchase "chuk seok sacheen" or as they eloquently translated "Poralode"

Colin and I were perplexed at the meaning of the word...so we dictionaried it up and realized they meant "Polaroid".......hmmm.

Where's Waldo?

Thats the dock we hitched to the side of the boat on the right.
Korean dock workers.

PEACE

2007-04-21T12:21:00.000+09:00

This add really makes me want to drink soju.

PEACE

2007-04-16T13:02:00.000+09:00

Welcome to "Dynamic Busan" This was my second trip to Korea's second more populated city. It was great to be on a beach again. I met up with my friends Josh and Jackie to check out the beaches, towers, markets, and Russian red light districts. No photos of the last one but believe me it was a head trip.

Jagalchi market.

Ok...I'll let you guess what these are...WTF IS THAT?

WE took a sunset cruise around the harbour...probably the highlight of the trip.

Haeundae Beach. Much less crowded than last summer.

WE decided to be baller and eat crab on the ocean...it was like eating heaven.

The longest bridge in Korea.

I printed some of these photos out for Josh ad Jackie as a going away gift...the lady at the harbour photo shop asked me if she could use it as a display sample...sweet. I should have asked her for some crab.

We got some fireworks. They're cheap AND legal.

Gwangalli Beach--more of a younger hipper crowd here. And the beach is bigger.
On Sunday we went on a ferris wheel a top the 7th floor of Lotte Department store

ANNNNDDDDD---that was my last big vacation in Korea. See you all back home really soon!

PEACE

More Classtime

2007-04-12T15:14:00.000+09:00

I will miss my children.

New Video

2007-04-11T11:37:00.000+09:00

Visit http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g200/jimmyy252525/ for my latest video with my babies. We started a new school year last month so we got a whole new basket of cute kids. Here's a little clip from my science class.

I've been feeling better lately although my tonsils have shrunk my one has remained swollen due to a canker sore.. I HATE canker sores. I used to get them on my gums when I was a kid only because I ate too much candy. But I don't eat candy ...I don't think I've had a hard candy in 5 years. I may have a chocolate bar once every two months...but thats it when it comes to sweets. I hate CANKERS.

Although...to keep it postitive..cankers are better than cold sores....YUK.

PEACE

I'm Sick

2007-04-09T21:43:00.000+09:00

Its almost hometime.

I've been sick lately.

My throat started hurting when I was singing at Bobo Bar.

I woke up the next morning with a swollen thoat.

I hiked in the rain

I woke up this morning barely able to breathe.

It hurt to drink water and talk.

I took the day off work.

I went to Dr. Bang's Medical Practise (He takes English lessons at our hagwon)

He diagnosed me with severe Tonsilitis.

I got an injection in my ass.

I take 4 different pills three times daily.

I'm feeling minutely better.

PEACE

A Day on the Town

2007-03-26T22:08:00.000+09:00

My roomate and I went on the Daejeon City Tour Bus this Sunday. For 2,000 won ($2.00) we were promised a 4 hour drop and stop ride on the bus. BUT the bus smelled of homeless men...because there were two of them...one of whom was dressed to the nines in army attire. This guy kept punching me and touching my chin in the currency museum. I gave him alloted him three strikes...he's lucky he forfeited after the second.

Here's a no parking sign (pronounced--choo cheung cha geum chee)

Colin tolerating the rank of B.O.
The currency museum was boring for the most part but some interesting things like this ancient "knife currency" intrigued me.

"How much for that bag of rice good sir?"

"6 knives per kilo"

"Shinan hacheoyaseo Balgool doeen Chong gook Dong cheonkoo leomee"

Translated to English through my elementary skills--Chinese bronze coins used for merchant trading. Notice they're threaded through a rope for easy carrying capacity.
Therefore--the coins in this era had holes through them. They would be counted and roped. Each set of rope would be a certain amount.

Here's my entry for the "Signs of Spring" March photo addition. I thouhgt about the flower one at the bottom of this post...but I figured that was too cliche. Although teenage love may also be as well. I call this one "Waiting for the bus with my girlfriend"

SEcond stop on the tour was the Science museum at Expo Park.

Korea and China and Japan land locked together millions...maybe billions of years ago...
Japan starting to break away.
Today.

It was actually a sunny day. It looks cloudy because this time of year is when the "Yellow Dust" hits the Korean peninsula. The winds pick up sand and dust from the Chinese Gobi Desert and scatter Korea with a muddy haze. Many people at this time wear masks.
A very windy day.
At the science museum they had robots made for the different signs of the zodiac. Here's my sign. The year of the robot dog.

Colin and I quit the tour after the science museum because we couldn't stand another trip on the B.O. bus and to be honest the tour was pretty weak. But for $2 what could we expect. It was better than sittingin the apartment all afternoon.

PEACE

Fighting

2007-03-24T17:10:00.000+09:00

Everyone has to join the army at some point before or after university. Around the age of 21-22 years of age most join. Men are the only ones obligated but some women join too. Here's a future GI-Joe....mmmm GI-Jin I caught mucking around the streets with his AK 47.

PEACE

Repatriation

2007-03-22T22:00:00.000+09:00

I hate counting down. I hate numbers, and I hate the world...not really the world..but the prior two I do. I used to count down the days until Christmas as a younger version of myself. I look back and wonder why I would tormet myself. I never had an alarm clock before I was 9 or 10 years old and would wakeup at 2 am, 3am, 4am, 5am, 6am, on Christmas day because I had anticipated the day so much.

These days I don't anticipate as extremely as I did in my adolescent past. These days when something exciting is coming up I sedate my mind and go into a sort of coma so as to not think too much about the exciting times ahead. It really helps the time to pass I'll tell you.

So I'll do my best from now on to not talk too much about coming home...just to save my own sanity.

I wonder if I'll be culture shocked..

PEACE

Apartment lingo

2007-03-08T21:44:00.000+09:00

There are certain Korean words that my roomates and I tend to use quite often. Above you will see the word "Saregee" written in Hangul. Its almost second nature to throw in Korean words into our conversations. BUT...Saregee is our favorite. Pronounced "S-a-r/l-eg-ee", this term means trash/garbage/waste. Whenever something shitty happens to one of us the term is often thrown out there.

I don't have anything else special to talk about....hmmmm....thanks to everyone who sent me a birthday wish through mail/email...they were much appreciated.

PEACE

Rainy weekend

2007-03-04T19:29:00.001+09:00

This will be a short entry. But I felt inclined to express that on rainy days I feel the most peace. I feel inconspicuous as I shuffle through the allys and main roads sheltered by the medium sized brim of my umbrella. I don't have to pretend I don't notice people staring at me. Its really nice.

On a side note I went to church today twice. The first was a foreign church run by an international Christian school...the other was Hyung Soo's church...but the talk was in Chinese...hmmm...it was fun. My friend Hyung-Soo graciously drove me around in his 1995 mini industrial van...I don't know the make...I feel renewed, healthy, and full of life these days.

Another side note..Hyung Soo gets really angry when people cut him off or park selfishly on the side of the road. He likes to keep rotting fruit and an egg in his cup holders for such occasions...not joking.

PEACE

Jangtaesan Revisted with a Vengence

2007-03-02T23:02:00.000+09:00

Summited Jangtaesan...Colin and I climbed the tourist route of the adjacent mountain then spotted this one. There was no trail so we had to rough it up through the dry thorny brush, and at times on all fours grasping to any rock ledge that we could. What a rush to reach flat ground..
Colin on the easier trail climb.
DOG FARM! (Said in a forceful and aggressive tone of voice)
The weather was spectacular.
Climbing down the first moutnain...trailess...love it.
This is the second mountain from halfway down the foist.
Rock clusters litter these mountains. I think if you add to the pile without it collapsing you'll live a long full life...if it does collapse.....instant DEATH.

WE made it!

These little Buddahist shrines were also scattered throughout the second mountain...which makes one wonder why there wasn't any trails. Empty and full bottles of soju are left for the spirits???...I don't know.
The brush was honestly like climbing up fibre glass.
The road dividing the two mountains deep in the valley.
I met a friend on my way down. We had a GREAT debate over who we thought was more attractive: Scully from the X-Files or the girl from CSI Miami.
An old outhouse. Comfortable.
The exterior of the outhouse.
More scratches.
People also leave little trinkets for their loved ones who are buried in the mountains. This person must have loved travelling.

PEACE

The "FUCK YOU" Kid

2007-02-25T14:05:00.000+09:00

Today I will tell you a tale.

A true story, told from the third person, with few embellishments impregnated with intrigue, mystery, and drollery.

So without further or do....the story of the "FUCK YOU" Kid.

James had survived almost 10 months in the Republic of Korea. He lived on the second floor of an enormous set of block apartments owned by the Hyundai Company in the fairly large city of Daejeon, a five minute walk from his comfortable job at a private English school.

(Chapter 1)

One leisurely afternoon, after finishing being glued to his favorite TV program on "OnStyle", James decided to go into work five minutes early. Approximately one minute into his journey he came across two elementary school boys walking towards him. James didn't recognize them as his precious students. Expecting a sincere "hello", as most young children express in the area when James walks by them, the moment he passed them the shorter of the two said "FUCK YOU" under his breath.

(Chapter 2)
James, a sensitive and kind hearted soul, felt a sense of betrayal in his heart and a darkness emerged in his veins. Blackness filled his entire being. He clenched his fists, puffed his chest, and turned around grinding his teeth like Scar in the Lion King. "ILLOWA"!! he said in a strong yet poorly pronounced Korean voice. The two young boys continued to walk, away with quicker quantitative strides. The instant they turned the corner the innocent friend popped his head out and claimed his innocence with the words...."not me"...."not me".

(Chapter 3)
Two weeks later the incident had been forgotten. An uneventful Sunday morning led to a decision to hit the gym earlier than scheduled. The weather had cleared up and it started to feel like spring had finally arrived. James was in high spirits as he walked along side his long time roomate. They discussed what they planned to do at the Sportcentre when an unprovoked "FUCK YOU" came from the jungle that is Hyundai Apartments. Like a sniper in the jungles of the Vietnam War they were hit.

(Chapter 4)

The black blood flowed through James' body once again. The voice of a young boy stired rage. James fell to the level of his nemesis yelling immaturely into the Hyundai wilderness. Unable to see his enemy James shot out wildly with no target in sight. James wanted to stand face to face with this coward...but it wasn't to be.

It would have been an exhausting task to weed out the thorn that was damaging his ego. The moment his blood turned red...the unexpected happened...

(Chapter 5)
The ghost in the darkness taunted James with one last hit. "SHUT UP" yelled the young boy. James sighed with defeat. "Touche" ,he replied, as he walked dismally, with his head hanged, to the gym.

THE END

PEACE

ECC Festival

2007-02-22T11:07:00.000+09:00

Last week our Kindergartens put on a variety show for their parents. It was an elaborate overthetop production but was absoutely precious. You can see some new videos at JimmyYs Video Store.

The "Gym Teacher", My Director, Jim Teacher, and Charlie Teacher at the after party.
The after party.

PEACE

2007-02-10T15:33:00.000+09:00

These are my two new friends who I met naked at the JimJilBang a couple weeks ago. To your left is the quieter yet funny and unbelieveably dangerous Young-Suk. To your right is the jovial and equally as immature as me Hyung-Soo. We travelled about 45 minutes north to Independence Hall. Here you will see Korea's triumphs over the Japanese imperialist rule in a pleasant museum with many blatant reminders of Japan's cruelty during the Second World War.
In the words of Hyung-Soo.."I will Forgive, but I will NEVER Forget"

Some staged dummies to represent the types of torture Japanese soldier inflicted on Korea men and women who fought for independence.

The first Korea stamp. I think myself and Papa are the only ones who could ever find this photo interesting.

The father's of Independence...
Plus two.

PEACE

Have a Good Weekend

Love James

Field Trip to Komdori Land/Work

2007-02-07T22:50:00.000+09:00

My 3:00 class. They're always a good group to teach at the start of my day. They're funny, respectful, hardworking, ande frequently give me treats. For example, three warm M&Ms, one piece of sticky hard candy out of its wrapper, and a handful of fish flavoured chips from the bottom of the bag. MY favorite students...so they're worthy enough to grace the pages of my blog.

Self-explanatory
Christmas gear was still abundant at Komdori Land...Santa is being hauled away by pirates into the slave trade.
My Homeroom kindergarten class. From left to right, top to bottom: Krista Teacher, ME, Cassie, Ryan, Ben, Julie, Livy, Karen, Matt, Ian, Tyler, Theo, and Max.
Colin and Charlie hard at work.....................?
Myles, Colin, and Charlie. My desk is to the left of Colin. With the pink file folder.....JIM JIL BANG....(said in a flamboyant and giddy voice)

Back to Komdori Land...there were kindergartens from around the city here.
I managed one run...but it wasn't good for the strained neck I managed the night before at the gym.

Komdori Land is a full out themem park in the warmer months.
This kid needed a "Cert"

PEACE

Stay tuned for photos from my trip to Independecne Hall...they're controversial and shocking....

Collage of Weekend activities

2007-02-06T15:49:00.000+09:00

Snow covered Daejeon form the top of Bomusan
Josh visited Daejeon for the first time. We had a sweet hike up the slippery trail. Its funny watching some Koreans go hardcore with their mountain equipment on such a lesiurely summit. There were several mountaineers who were decked out with hiking sticks and metal ice grips strapped to their boots.
A view of the opposing peak.
There are exercise stations scattered throughout the trail, just in case you don't feel the hike alone is sufficient enough. This Ajemma (married Korean woman) posed hesitantly for me.

Pigeon House
"Go-stop" is a Korean card game popular among the Ajessies (older Korean men). This game was in 5th gear by the time Josh and I stopped in to buy some beverages while on our hike. Josh was offered, and of course he gladly accepted, a few bowls of Maccoli (Korean alcohol) from the owner of the shop.

About 3/4 of the way up the mountain there is a badminton court which of course was being put to good use.

PEACE

MY students

2007-02-04T22:38:00.000+09:00

My students wanted to spread some joy around the world. So this is the skit they came up with. You can view it at the JimmyY Video Store link to the right of the blog.

http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g200/jimmyy252525/

Syd, Julie, Hanna, and Syd are in one of my smaller classes. They're young but their parents are putting a lot of pressure on them and me to make sure they're way ahead of other kids their age in English proficiency.

I hope you enjoy the punch line at the end.

PEACE

Gym/JimJilBang Diaries

2007-01-31T21:26:00.000+09:00

Dear Gym Diary,

The gym has been going well these days. I see the same faces everytime I go. There's a strange relationship between myself and the people I see almost everyday. There's only a couple people I say "hello" to ...but only because they took the initiative first to practise their English skills on me first. Overall I'm content with the friends I've make at the gym. However, there are a couple who I wish I didn't see so much ..only because they completely destroy any rhythm I have going while working out.

I think of the workout session as like a meditation. I CAN'T be disturbed or it ruins my whole focus. I can't lift as much...I become self conscious...etc. But, when I'm in the zone its as if NO ONE is around. Its just me and my body. I can push that extra rep, crunch that extra ab, run that extra 10 minutes.

Dr. JimJilBang Diary,

I love being naked and sweaty in a big Roman style bath with dozens of naked men. There's like an uspoken trust between everyone in the establishment. A brotherhood that is strenghtened by nudity. What a strange yet liberating concept. No one is worried about their fellow brothers gawking at them. JimJilBangs only work here because homosexuality, in my city at least, is strictly condoned as a societal value. As much as I can dream about it...I know they would never fly back home.

Ps...sometimes when I'm taking a nap on the on the heated stone floors I have to be careful of what I dream of....IFFF ya know what a mean.

PEACE

CULT

2007-01-24T00:15:00.000+09:00

I'll make sure to put up some new pictures from the weekend. Josh, old highschool friend, is coming to visit me in Daejeon on Friday. We're planning on going hiking so I'll make sure to take some nice pictures of BROWN korea....its very dry and not green here at the moment.

I've been looking for a place to go to church around here lately...and it was very convenient that a beautiful young korean woman came to my door and asked if I wanted to go...SWEET!

But of course, this being Korea, I misinterpreted what she meant by church. I walked down the street with her and her hunchbacked cronie to the fifth floor of some back ally building where I was greeted with a prestine church. But as I looked around there were no crosses. I was sent into a room where I was asked if I wanted anything to drink. Of coise I told the women I wanted some nokcha (green tea). It took them a while to kind the English video but eventually I was introduced to a bizzare twist on Christianity. The language barrier was passable, so I'm 98% sure that what I'm going to write is what this Christian-sect believes in.

First off. They believe in the Triity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, God...is below Jehovah...but is still equal. And God has a wife. AND she is here on earth right now. Did you know this? Well I do now. She's some old Ajemma (older Korean woman) who lives in Seoul and is supposed to have the spirit of God's wife in her. I'm not sure what her purpose is on earth...but I realized straight away that I wasn't in the church I was hoping to be in.

THEN...they showed me some scripture (from the NIV Bible) which, in my mind, was completely taken out of context. If I wanted eternal life I HAD to eat the bread (body) and drink the wine (blood) of Christ. I couldn't just believe in him. AND I had to be baptized IMMEDIATELY. (said in a forceful and aggresssive tone of voice). They were going to baptize me into their "cult" right then and there. The name of the sect is "The Church of God World Missions". The other thing was that in their video they basically didn't say Jesus once throughout the entire thing, and showed all the good works they do, and were praising the "mother"...who is aparantly the wife of the second coming Christ...who was some other Korean dude who passed away a few years ago.

I asked the pretty girl what would happen when the "mother" died. But I think she misinterpreted me when I was trying to convey death with the back of my thumb being dragged against my outstretched neck. Anyways, I'm intrigued. I'm an educated guy who believes in what I was taught...so I'm too skeptical to ever fall into any traps. I told them to come back to my apartment next Tuesday. I think I may get an interpreter and delve deeper into why they believe what they do....ask the tough questions... I like religion...

PEACE

New Computer Screen Saver

2007-01-21T21:20:00.000+09:00

You're looking at the most HANDSOME Kaenada (Canada), Migook (American), and Youngook (English) triple threat in Yuchongdong, Daejeon. We got this done on a whim while shopping in Eunhaegdong (downtown) today. My purchases for the afternoon included three plain white t-shirts, the photo, and an M151A1 Light Utility Vietnam Jeep model kit. I've taken up a new hobby....

...plain white t-shirts.

PEACE

EARTHQUAKE!!!!

2007-01-20T22:17:00.000+09:00

I survived an earthquake in Korea...YEAH YEAH. Where's my sympathy and flowers? I spent a good 4 hours in the emergency room after the 6th floor of the movie theatre collapsed onto the fifth of Say Department store tonight.....

Not really...but while watching the movie "Blood Diamonds", a must see action thriller starring Leo-DeCap and Djimon Hounsou, there was a slight jostling of the seats which didn't seem to bother too many people inthe theatre. Having experienced a small earthquake back in the Toronto area when I Was in middle school I realized what was happening. Sure enough Hyelim recieved a message from the weather centre on her cell phone that an earthquake had just rattled the Daejeon area. After the movie she recieved another message saying it was nothing serious...Obviously...

So there's the story...nothing as exciting as the movie I saw.

PEACE

New Years Resolutions...belated.

2007-01-15T22:31:00.000+09:00

MMmmmm....

I didn't start off as well as I would have liked to but I think I'm starting to get on the right track as of late. First of all I want to get as healthy as possible for my brother's wedding. I don't want to look like the skinny 19 year old I was in Jennifer's wedding photos. So I'm completely dedicating my time and money into health and fitness.

Which means I'm going to do my best to give up drinking completely while living in Korea. It just makes me feel lazy the next morning and it doesn't help working towards a 6 pack. Also, I'm going to invest in buying better food. Eating MORE and MORE. I usually just eat very small meals...so I'm going to eat bigger helpings. There's no way I could ever get "BIG" from the gym...but I can definitely try my best to sculpt.

So...thats my resolution...the big one at least. Minor resoultions include saving more money before coming home...which will be easier now that I'm quitting drinking. AND...reading more books....and keeping the blog updated more....and I don't know how well I can keep up with these things...I've never really had resolution before. I just shrugged off the New Year like I did every other day...including the one year I forgot about my mum's birthday....I suck with dates....

What are your resolutions?

PEACE

A post done in real time..

2007-01-11T23:12:00.000+09:00

I wrote this entry in my gym notebook while sitting eating my dinner at the foodcourt in "Homever"...

"I'm actually writing this blog from the foodcourt at Homever..the old "Carrfour" which I have mentioned a couple times on this blog.

There isn't much more that I feel like I need to do in Korea...wait they just called my number...

I ordered the gravey donkas (fried pork) with spaghetti, cabbage, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and ice cream.

This is the tastiest donkas I have ever had in Korea and my strawberry ice cream is is tempting me to to take a spoonful...but I know that will just ruin the delicious taste of the gravey residue on the roof of my mouth.

I took the subway to Tangbang (3 subway stops from my area of the city) as a means to relax at my newest hobby...sitting around a romanesc bathhouse with hundreds of naked men and boys. "Bulgama Spa" is by no means the greatest "jinjilbang" I have used in Korea but it does the trick and its close, cheap, and convenient.

Its got about two dozen hot tubs, each with varying temperatures, a two lane swimming pool, and several mineral pools which are supposed to help blood flow and skin health. Then there are the seperate saunas. There's the foot massage sauna which emits mist from the ceiling, the salt cleansing sauna whereupon you douse your body with a very stingy salt that burns especially when you have a rash between your fart box and back tires, and there's the scorching hot sauna thats pretty much unbearable to stay in more than 1 second.

This particular jinjilbang is 24 hours and goes for about 5,000 won (equivelant to about $6 Cdn) There's no time limit and you can also take advantage of the cheap massages--$20 for a 1/2 hour...the only thing is both you and the giver are stark. You have to be comfortable with your sexuality and your body cause its pretty much rude to walk around with cloth on your body. Of course mena and women have their own sections. But the men's has a two way mirror lookings into the womens.....

I'm on my way there now--I'll probably spend a good hour clearing my pours before taking a half hour sit down shower--so until next time stay healthy, fit, and alive.

PEACE"

Now I'm home and I feel like a million bucks...for some reason I think it would be a good business venture to open up a jinjilbang on Church Street.

DOULBE PEACE

New Years

2007-01-04T21:51:00.000+09:00

New Years at "Bench Warmers" a Canadian owned bar in Ulsan..decked out in hockey apparel
On the street celebrating after letting off fire works///HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Burial Grounds of many kings of the Korean Past... a lake in the middle.
Relaxing with a king...
Racial discrimination?...whatever..it was the only toilet at the train station.

"W" Bar on New Years. Korean owned bar with a great atmosphere...we were there for Christmas too.
Boksuna Temple..one of the oldest and most revered sites in Korea...originally built in the 8th century...a shrine to Buddah.

Josh building a rock tower for Buddah.

These burial mounds were ENORMOUS....there's one body under that one hill...and LOTS OF TREASURE.

A very lucrative Buddah
These chaps were nice and roasted whenthey insisted on us taking a photo with them.

Front of the Temple.

PEACE

HAPPY NEW YEAR

More weekend photos and a Korean Wedding

2006-12-29T21:51:00.000+09:00

Ok these are photos from last weekend and from a Wedding I attended with my noona (older sister) In-Young a few weekends back. The man getting married is In-Young's friend from University. It was the most Unromantic wedding I've ever attended. It reminded me of what I think Vegas would be like. IN AND OUT, IN AND OUT...but it was cool to experience some of the traditional songs and customs...like fireworks coming out of the birthday cake.

The Temple in the photo is about a 5 minute walk from Josh and Jackie's apartment in Ulsan. They live in the country...a very nice change from my busy city...which is why I'm heading there tommorow night. So stay tuned for some new photos.

PEACE

2006-12-27T22:30:00.000+09:00

Christmas was sweet. I travelled to Ulsan...approx. a three hour train ride south of Daejeon to visit Cresswell, a highschool friend that I played rugby with and did almost everything with my final year. Him and his girlfriend (Jackie) just moved to Korea about 3 weeks ago so I made the trip to be with them for a couple days.

Christmas

2006-12-25T23:41:00.001+09:00

I'm still here...I've just been frustrated with the fact that for some reason my computer has decided to reject the uploading of my photos. I'm trying to put pictures up with most posts now...so I've got a load to show you all once I get them emailed to me from another computer.

I spent the weekend in Ulsan...a three hour train ride south of Daejeon...where I had one of the most exciting and fulfilling weekends in Korea. Josh was his same old self...cracking immature jokes which only I could appreciate. And of course a special shout out to Jackie who had to put up with Josh being an ass for most of the time. Merry Christmas to everyone here and back home. I miss you Mom, Dad, Jennifer, Jason B.o.B, Aunts and Uncles, Nana and Papa, Cousins...Joel B.o.B., Eddie, Mikey, Carol, Jackson, Sprunt, Rawlins B.o.B., PHHHHINNNNEY, Josh B.o.B., Phil B.o.B., Hyun-A, Youngsook, Nicole, Katie, Jane, Adrian and Hayley (I hope you got eVerYthIng you wanted AAANNNNDD MORE!!!)

And a special note to my favorite little girl back in Canada....You know who you are Miss Hayley

"You are soooo very very special and I hope you had a FUNFUN Christmas. Enjoy you holidays and take care of Adrian for me. Best wishes for the New Year and be a GOOD GIRL for your mommy."

LOVE
JAMES

PS ...I'll post photos tommorow...they're funny..

2006-12-14T13:41:00.000+09:00

Myles' Life...hardly comfortable at the moment.

Some photos of last sunday in Jeonju and afterwards back at the apartment.

PEACE

Jeonju Explored

2006-12-11T22:32:00.000+09:00

A Catholic church which stood out like a banana in a bowl full of apples...

Baller City

Mini-scale of the village with three drunkards enjoying a leisurely afternoon with some rice wine
He had too much

Lee Gang Ju--my purchase
Paper-house...this guy made at least 100 sheet of paper with this contraption....
This is my water-paper drying on the hot stove....those are bamboo leaves.
Here's a better view of the water/paper/mulch...Its amazing that that is turned into paper.

Our train ride home.

I have to admit I was really grumpy throughout most of this day trip. I don't know why, it was probably my time of the month or something. But as I look back on the day I'm realyl glad I went. Jeonju is the old capital city of Korea, where most of the kings lived during the Joseon Dynasty (mmm 15th to early 19th century). Sarah, Hyelim, Colin and I took in the traditional "pioneer village" which was embedded in the city itself and surrounded by old style houses where people still live today. I'd reccomend this place for any foreigners looking to be emersed in the history of this country. You can do some really cool things as well. I made a sheet of paper from a water mulch...which has been done for hundreds of years. I laminated it today at school and made it into a place mat. We also went to the wine museum whereupon I purchased a small bottle of "I don't know what it is but I took a picture of it". Ok here are the photos from the day. Enjoy!

2006-12-09T14:47:00.000+09:00

A photo of my children. If I could I would stuff Ben (the orange shirted kid) in my suitcase and raise him as my little brother in Canada. He's so SMART! and FUNNY! As much as these kindies give me a headache they instantly change my mood with hugs and little notes/pictures. They are some of the most selfish yet caring people I've met...and I love it. They're making snowmen here. There are two girls in another class who have been running up to me with the biggest little hugs calling me "FATHER FATHER"...its endearing...so I always have to remind them I'm "TEACHER"...of course you know their response....

"FATHER TEACHER"

PEACE

2006-12-07T22:05:00.000+09:00

It doesn't feel like Christmas time. I'm not playing Christmas carols for the Salvation Army, I'm not stressing about exams, I'm not playing video games with my brother, I'm not buying Christmas presents, I'm not putting up lights at Nana and Papa's house, and I'm not hanging out with the boys from highschoo, and I'm not at Nathan Philips Square freezing my toes off on a datel. This time is starting to make me miss home quite a bit, but I've got some good friends here to keep my head on straight. There are Christmas lights stringed acorss all the departments stores, but the Holiday feels even more commercialized in Korea than it did back home. My kids refer to Santa as Christmas Grandpa...a name I think I'm going to adopt from now on. My sister posted this photo a few days ago, and it brought back some good memories...

PEACE

Rowing Crew -1

2006-12-06T01:25:00.001+09:00

Hmmm...its been really busy at work lately because our new addition Myles destroyed his pinky toe while falling off a side curb last weekend. No problem...then extra cash is a welcomed addition. Here some really cool photos Sarah and I took over the last few days just chilling around our apartments. I actually like these ones...they're a good representation of what we do on Sunday evenings...just having a couple drinks and chilling around the flats. On Saturday night our Secretary from the Hagewon spent an exciting evening at Sarah's lonely apartment with Colin and I as we danced shamelessly to some old school Jackson 5 tunes. Myles, in the mean time...was off breaking his toe...so we make a Myles impersonator out of my sweatshirt, plant, and candles...for eyes...

PEACE

Farwell to Martin

2006-12-02T00:40:00.000+09:00

Martin is probably the coolest person I have met in Korea. He's travelled ALL over the world and is an inspiration to any amateur adventure traveller. He's originally from South Africa and he owns a scuba diving business in the Phillipines and comes to Korea during the off-season to just chill with friends. He worked at BrickHouse for the number of months that I've been here. He's kind of a behind the scenes type of guy but I respect his quiet confidence. So this blog goes out to Martin. The hippest cat in my books in this country...even though he's not here. Martin is wearing the "Sick of IT" blue t-shirt...

KMTV

2006-11-28T12:53:00.000+09:00

I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to go to the Korean equivelant of the MTV Music Awards. Laura called me up and asking if I wanted to go to a music festival on Saturday...so I called up the boss and asked for the afternoon off. It all worked out well and we had an amazing time! It was pure boyband/pop idol stuff but it was entertaining. It was definitely a once in a lifetime type of thing and I don't know how I keep falling into these circumstances...but keep em coming. If you check out JimmyY's Video Store (the link is on the right hand side of my blog) you can see a few videos I shot . I was second row right behind all the stars. Some mentionable names: Super Junior (a boy band group with 13 members), dong bang Shin Gee (the hottest band in Korea--according to the teenage girl audience), and Typhoon.
An unforgetable experience!

Rectangular Pens

2006-11-21T12:59:00.000+09:00

A quick shout out to the new roomie hitting D-town come Friday. Myles you're gonna live an experience you never could have dreamed of. So best of luck on your flight and border crossings and such. See you Friday.

Hmm...I apologize to Alex for not taking any pics of us in Itaewon, but the whole "see you guys later...(10:00)" then ""Hey whats up guys where were you (5:30)" put a damper on the photo sessions. Next time I promise buddy.

Christmas lights were up all around Seoul, and have started to appear in and around the department stores here as well. Its gonna suck not seeing my family for the foist time at Christmas. 23 year tradition will be shattered. Kind of like When Cal Ripkin Jr. had to retire after who knows how many continuous games played. I don't really want anything for Christmas. I never really do. I figure the money could be spent on more valuable things...but I like gifting to others.

I used to go to the dollar store when I Was in middle school and buy my brother all the coolest things. Like: BUffalo BIlls pens, bouncy balls, hockey cards (which I would trade for a few days later in exchange for bugs bunny cards), and some other junk which I'm sure have found the local dumpster since then. But I always liked buying things for people. I think if I had any motivation to become financially wealthy it would be so I could buy things for everyone I Care about.

I feel motivated.

PEACE

Itaewon

2006-11-19T21:56:00.000+09:00

I've never partied for such a long period of time. We hit up Seoul for the night then caught the train back home in the morning. ITs only an hour train ride...if you take the bullet train. Went to a foreigner bar with way too many foreigners in it. A relaxed Reggae club, then a Hip Hop club which charged an exorbatant $15 cover. But the music was good. Here are pics from the night.

Its been 9 days

2006-11-16T22:47:00.000+09:00

I apologize to those who religiously read my blog...which is probably my mother and myself. No excuse really. Just no photos as of late and I've actually been busy with people. Which is a good thing...right mum? The weekend saw the usual Bobo set accompanied by a couple nights at Brickhouse...the foreigner bar/hangout place. If Daejeon had a University community centre Brickhouse would be it. I played in a poker tourney and came 6th...out of 15 so I won some good conversation.

The weather's been perfect ...it feels like Thanksgiving time back home...so I figure the whole temperature is about a month behind what I'm used to but I'm enjoying it. I'm wondering if I can get through the winter without a proper jacket...because I don't have one...I like the layered look cause it makes be look big and dangerous...minus the dangerous...minus the big...I just look stupid.

Some unmentionable things have kept me busy as well. For those of you who TRUELY know me I have acquired the unmentionable and have been content as of late...but its still not the same as back home....and am counting the days when I can partake in such matter with those amigos I miss the most...Eddie, Mikey, Sprunt, Jackson, Morton, Carol, Rosati, etc. Goodtimes...but of course I can't leave out those who are not in the partaking group...Joel, Brother, Phyllis, PHHHHHHHIINNNNEEEYY, Rawlsbawls, parents, etc. I miss you all. And yes if I didn't write your name you're feeling left out as you read this so I send my immediate apologies...and know you are missed as well.

Side note...today I felt the most insecure in a public place of all time. I was in the elevator of the giant department store near my house (SAY department store) where I was rising to the 7th floor to hit up the gym for a quick workout. ...when uncharacteristically...it stopped on the 6th floor...whereupon at least twenty of the most gorgeous people I have ever seen stepped onto the elevator...

They 19 girls one guy...all at least 6 feet tall with their heels on and all so beautiful I couldn't look up...I stared at the elevator floor not knowing what to do. They were speaking random things in English to try and make me feel comfortable...like "Superman is flying" and when I tried to squeeze past them all on the seventh floor before the doors even opened they all said in unison (followed by a comotion of laughter) "Excuse me" "Excuse me" ...to predict what I was inevitably going to have to say to get by all of these beautiful people. I'm 99.9% sure they were coming from a modelling shoot/convention or something...they were stunning.

I was humbled

PEACE

WAR

2006-11-09T21:17:00.000+09:00

The Mosquitos in my room are hindering my sleeping capacity. You would think it would be too cold for them to survive but not true. The days are still fairly warm here. You can walk comfortably around in a light sweater. Kind of like the first week of September. Its quite refreshing. But at night the MOGIES are driving bananas. Its usually one every night. Colin and I hypothesized that they stake out our rooms while we're at work during the day and hide very inconspicuosly so when we do our pre-sleep MOGIE check they avert our poor eye sight.

About 90% of the time, as I stand listening without breathing--to mute any sounds that would mask the sound of their buzzing wings--I hear nothing and climb insecurely under my covers. The moment I begin to lose consciousness and slip in REM I hear "bzz.....bzzzzz.......bzz......bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......BZZZZZ!!!" I freak out thinking I'm dreaming but realize this nightmare is very real. I rush to the light where upon my eyes take at least 2 minutes to adjust to the putrid glare of the flourescent ceiling lamp. I throw on my glasses and stand holding my breath.

Listening.....

Waiting.............

Quick breath

Searching the walls and ceiling, trying not to confuse my previous kills with the one I intend to make.

70% of the time I can't find it. I know they have a base hidden somewhere my brain would never conceive of. So after usually 10 minutes of waiting, I conceed to the reality of my defeat and cover my entire body with my blanket to avert bites.

I'm excited for Winter.

PEACE

Arcade

2006-11-07T13:17:00.000+09:00

Its cheap, fun, and will give you a splitting headache. Arcade. Some shots from our saturday night. I haven't been to an arcade since grade eight where we would try to come first place in the "Crusin USA" game so we could gawk at the bikini girl who would grace the hood of the champion's car. This time around I stuck with "Virtua Tennis" and some step dance game.

BOBO Update

2006-11-05T16:02:00.000+09:00

MY unofficial photographer Sarah/Eve don't see eye to eye on fuzzy photos. She sees artistic merit in them whereas I see a bad photo. But to each his own. I'm grateful she took any. Whenever I ask Colin to do the honours he ends up taking pics of Korean girls. If you're in the area check out Bobo Bar in Euningdong (Old Downtown). It has a really intimate setting and is surrounded by some relaxed tunes and acoustic vibes from yours truely. Every Friday night around 10:30. And, ladies, the bartenders are all cute and young.

PEACE

Rememberance Day

2006-11-01T19:13:00.000+09:00

I've felt very tired as of late. Different reasons for each day. I think I'm starting to get cocky with my comfortability at work. I know I'm a great teacher, most of my kids like me and I like most of them, they usually do well on the tests I give to them, and its like a system now. Just like in University when you had an essay due. YOu put your heart and soul into it...by 4th year at least...and you expected results. I have the same mindset when I teach. If I know I've taught a class well I expect the kids to do well on any kind of evaluation reagarding the material. However, I don't want it to seem like a system. I watched a program with COlin about Montessori schools and it made me feel like an inadequate teaching mechanism. But what if there was more freedom and less structure in school? I'm not even going to start the debate but it was on my mind.

Thats all for today. Have a happy November 1st...the start to the shittiest and most depressing month of the year.

PEACE

Happy F-ing Hallowe'en

2006-10-29T15:07:00.000+09:00

Best Costume: Ron--Donatello
Funniest Costume-- Skull FUcker
Sexiest--Caveman Tony and his sexy nurse

Free drinks from 11-1am next friday as a consequence of our 4 man drinking team anihilating the competition in the beer chug relay. No competition. A very jovial fun night. Try to guess my costume.

PEACE

Weekday Update

2006-10-25T23:18:00.000+09:00

I'm finding less things to talk about these days. But I don't feel like I'm bored. I like the routine I've created for myself. I'm comfortable and I like the freedom that surrounds me. I'm looking forward to the next few months in that its going to be winter, and I love winter. I like not sweating when I go for a walk. Autumn has been absolutely gorgeous, and I'm enjoying the sweater weather which has come upon us recently. There's not such thing as a short autumn like back in Toronto. I took a break from Bobo Bar this week. I didn't want to oversaturate the clientel, and the bartenders. But I'm excited to perform again this week. I love music. I want to share it with everyone. I'm so lucky to have been given the opportunity to have a regular audience, no matter how big or small.

mmm...thats all.

PEACE

oh...ps...a very belated congratulations to my brother and his new fiancee. I'm excited for the two of you and the ridiculously good times which await you in your fuiture. I Can't wait to hang out with you guys when I get back.

Lays

2006-10-21T14:01:00.000+09:00

For the record, the other night I did nothing that would cast dissapointment in my mother. Today was the first day in a couple weeks that I've woken up feeling frooosh. Mark Messier's Lays Chip commercial has stragely invaded my head as of late. What a wonderful feeling waking up before 10am and not feeling tired. I didn't drink last night and ate a nice healthy concoction of chicken, cheese, onions, and garlic wrapped in six seperate mint leaves. I don't know the actual name of them but they taste like candy cane. After a delicious egg, toast, and double mandarin breakfast I hit the gym and pumped the most weight I have in over 2 years. I sauteed in the sauna for a good 20 minutes then relished under the pounding beats of a pressure induced shower. Afterwards I met with a new student who I met at the sportscentre only last week. She is travelling to Palau in the near future and wanted to strengthen her conversational skills. Ended up we had a lot in common including our love for travel, we both don't want to get married in the near future, we both enjoy history, and reading. She's different than the university students I taught when I first arrived here. She's older (35) and wants to work on her communication skills strictly for travelling purposes. But I enjoy teaching one on one in a relaxed setting. We just sit in a coffee shop and talk about shit. Easy money, good conversation, and flavorful beverages.

Its only 2pm and I feel as if I've been fulfilled for the day...but its exciting cause there's so much more time before the day is done. Life is delicious. Its "Always FROOOOSSH"

PEACE

I told you no Bullshit

2006-10-19T02:00:00.000+09:00

I've wanted to stay honest and true on this site throughout my adventures in Korea. And I feel like I've presented myself in an upfront way about how I feel and about the things I'm involved with here. So here is one of my low points. Why do I bare myself to you like this? I'm unceratin of the answers. The whisking away by Mr. Yoon has become common to be now. I can say no now and again without offending him.

While at the gym tonight he came up to me and handed me his handphone. It was Dr. Min, a friend of his who I had met one time before at the local Gaarten Bier restaurant. He took a liking to me after our first meeting and so insisted I meet him at Gaarten Bier once again with Mr. X. I was exhausted from a long day of work and really just wanted to go home and relax, but I went along for the ride as I usually do. So everything was ok at the restaurant. He was quite inebriated when I arrived and talked my ear off for a good couple hours. So we decided to switch to a more low key bar where he decided the girls weren't pretty enough for him. I attempted to make my escape back to the apartment at this point but he claimed that this night was for me, I Was the guest of honour, as per usual, and I couldn't leave.

So we went to a Norebong (Karaoke Room). But this place was pimp. The couches were plush, the tv screen was LCD flat screen, the sound system was baller, they brought us a plethora of beer and fruit, etc. After about half an hour of just sitting and talking three girls came into the room....

I realized I Was in a soft core petting zoo. I wanted to leave immediately, but without offending my benefactors. Dr. Min groped the shit out of his girl, Mr. X was very respectful towards his girl as he just "innocently" cuddled with her. And then there was "my" girl. I haven't felt that uncomfortable in a long long time around a girl. So instead of falling in the trap I decidedmy best bet would be to stand near the tv and just sing for the rest of the night. Whenever the girl tried touching me I'd start dancing all crazy to get her off me. I know most guys would think I'm insane for not taking advantage of the opportunity, but I have a deep respect for women and it saddens my heart to see them treated with such blatent disrespect. But I guess in Korea it is accepted.

The final bill at the end of the night was over $200 for the room and the girls.

A very unnatural night...It put a lot of things into perspective in my head. So for that, at least, I am grateful.

PEACE

Gym Diaries

2006-10-16T10:33:00.000+09:00

Dear Gym Diary

Last week while I getting changed in the locker room, after my stint in the sauna, I noticed one of the trainers helping a little boy get dressed. On the outside there appeared to be nothing out of the ordinary with the situation. However, the second I was striped down to my skin the little boy rushed over to me and threw his arms around me and hugged me as if I was his big brother or father or something. But before I could get angry I looked into the boys eyes and realized he had autism (or something else). I tousled his hair and said hello in Korean whereupon the trainer pulled the boy away from me. It was a bit strange but I've learned to accept the "abnormal" occurances in my life. It gets better. When I was dressed from the waist down the boy pulled himself from the grip of the trainer once again and gave me the most heart warming hug I have recieved in a long time. There was an unsurmountable energy that was passed onto me at that very moment and for the rest of the evening I felt very very happy and full of life. There's a book which has taken me a long long time to read called "The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield which explores this idea of the giving and taking of one's energy. Its fiction but very insightful.

PEACE

Truth

2006-10-13T00:09:00.000+09:00

People here, both foreigners and native Koreans, often ask me a very simple yet direct question. "Why are you here and what are your intentions in Korea?" It always catches me off guard a little bit but I always find myself telling the truth. I am here to make and save money...this money will support me, hopefully, until I am finished teachers college when I get back home. My parents have always provided for me financially through univerisity. I've never NEEDED to have a job over the last 5 years, but I feel like I'm at the age where I need to be out on my own and prove to myself and my family that I can commit to something full time. Many of my jobs have been part time or summer flings but I really wanted to stand up and take control. So thats the first reason

Secondly, I have had a passion to experience other cultures and see the world and what a better chance than have a company tell you they'll pay for your apartment and plane fare if you'll sign a one year contract with them. At times it still feels surreal that I am here and as much as I miss Toronto I think I'm going to miss this place a lot when I end up going home in 7 months. The people I've met have been the kindest and most generous people I've EVER met by far.

Thirdly I'm here for the cheap booze...kidding I actually don't like drinking that much. ITs been tough being away from the weed. But I think its made me healthier being here. I've eaten better and with my free gym membership care of Mr. X, I've been in the best shape of my life. So at the almost 1/2 way point of my stay here I am grateful, content, and blessed to have experienced all that I have.

So thats why I'm here and thats the truth.

PEACE

Weekend Update

2006-10-10T14:08:00.000+09:00

MY weekend went well. I did my set at Bobos. Dr. Choi showed up again but with his "girlfriend" so I didn't talk much with him. He made it a point to let me know he was "going home with her tonight". I gave him my congratulations. Saturday I got a phone call from Laura, Jamie, and Heidi telling me they were coming back early from their trip to Mokpo...in order to celebrate Jamie's birthday back in Daejeon. This was exciting news cause I was up to nothing that night. So we went to Santa Claus bar and played foozball and drank many celebratory tequila shots...I don't know who kept buying them. We ended up at Brick House as per usual...and it was an overal pleasant evening with good friends.

Sunday I went to lunch with Jae Woo (Bobo Bar owner), Ki Jong (bartender), and their girlfriends. It was a pleasant italian lunch where we basically complimented each other the entire time. I found out Jae Woo is Budhist, which doesn't suprise me considering his very gentle and kind nature.

After lunchI met Colin to play some basketball where we played 4 on 4 with some randoms at the court at Pai Chai University. Overall a fufilling weekend.

PEACE

Jangtaesan

2006-10-07T16:39:00.000+09:00

They tie this rope around the trees to prevent bugs from hibernating in the trunk. Strangely enough I was suprised to find Cedars here. I think they were imported.

A smaller and much less challenging mountain than Daedoonsan, Jangtaesan is situated about 40 minutes away from the heart of Daejeon. There were a lack of breathtaking scenic views, but it was well maintained and there were many families picnicing at its base. Jamie and Heidi and I talked about hiking partners and how the person/people you're with can really impact your experience. Kind of like when you play squash or tennis with someone whos quality/interest is inferior to yours. I think today was one of those occasions. As much as I love hanging out with Rachel I don't think she's as adventurous as I am. Where as I wanted to go off the beaten track, she was content to stick to the paved way. She saw her first wild snake today as it leaped across her feet initiating hysteria and her inability to walk...needless to say that hike ended early. But whatever..I got some ok shots I think.

Dae Doon San (Cont'd)

2006-10-04T11:46:00.000+09:00

And no we didn't take the cable car up.

Dae Doon San (2)

2006-10-03T18:41:00.000+09:00

I took a hike up Dae Doon San once again but this experience was 1000% more enjoyable than my first time. I think it was a combination of the people I Was with, both of whom were game for everything, and the fact that I wasn't waiting in lines to get up certain sections of the mountain. We somehow got off the beaten track and wandered down a steep downward slope where we came upon some perfect scenic views and some great rocks to summit. Thanks for a most fulfilling day Jamie and Heidi.

Hanwha Game

2006-10-01T17:12:00.000+09:00

Score: 1-0 --away team

Poor quality metallic beer

Acknowledgments from Davis--one

Jumping over fences

Enjoying the company of new friends

Perfect clear night air

Excited fans

Fish-dog

Seeing my city from a breathtaking location at the perfect time of day--night
------------------------------------------------------

I like live baseball games and city-mountain views at night.

Drum Line (Precious Style) NEW VIDEO!!

2006-09-27T13:53:00.000+09:00

I had a lot of things to do today so I didn't think I was going to be able to live up to my word about the photos. But luckily a little kid drum brigade was parading around my apartment this morning. So I only had to take a few steps out to capture some precious souls banging their hearts away. Korean children are absolutely adorable. In my opinion...cuter than white kids.

So here they are: I took a short video of them. They're actually on the beat. Impressive! See JimmyY's Video Store.

PEACE

Photo Reviatalization

2006-09-26T23:11:00.000+09:00

I would like to apologize for the poor effort on my part in taking new photos. I'm in a bit of a slump I guess. Whereas the first few months were full of excitement and every place I went to was camera worthy, I've settled down into a comfortable nest where things are now familiar to me. Since partying with my new group of foriegn friends I haven't found the inspiration to take new and "exciting" photos. But maybe I'm missing out. Maybe I shouldn't take anything/any time for granted while I'm here. So in the future a stronger effort is going to be made. Starting tommorow.

Colin is supposed to be back by now, but he's not. Mr. Hwang the director is starting to freak out. Whatever, he'll be back. I don't know why he's so worried. Colin always pulls through. Unless his plane crashed. But thats too morbid to think of. I'm excited that he'll be back to keep me company. Hopefully I can remember how to handle his quirky and sometimes annoying habits. It will be nice to have someone to talk other than myself in the apartment.

PEACE

The Painted House

2006-09-25T22:36:00.002+09:00

I'm currently reading the historical fiction called "The Painted House" by John Grisham. I read "The Bretheren" by the same author right before and am finding the "Painted House" to be addictive in a different way. Most of Grisham's books are somewhat unrealistic in their premise but this book takes a refreshing turn away from law. Its about the everyday happenings of life on a cotton farm in the 1950s (ironically during the Korean War) through the eyes of a 7 year old farm boy. It starts off a little slow but there's something there at the end of each chapter that continues to draw you in. I'm about half way through now and there are so many side plots which keep popping up and leaves you on the edge of your seat. Definitely more exciting than I anticipated. A pleasant read. Check it out.

On a life-note. Daejeon becomes more exciting as the weeks/months go by. There isn't a weekend that goes by where I don't meet someone new. Last Friday Doctor Choi decided to come down to Bobo to support me. I was blessed to have him there for support. He was pleasantly drunk and singing along to "Let it Be"...it was a video moment which my mind will never discard. I'm recieving offers from Korean friends left right and center to go for dinners with their girlfriends and themselves...and a 4th party member. I don't know if I'm up for the set up.

PEACE

Waegu

2006-09-20T12:06:00.000+09:00

I'm at the point now where I don't care that people stare at me on the streets. Its mostly elderly people who inadvertantly make it uncomfortable for me to walk by them. Their gawking is beyond obvious and at first really pissed me off. But now I'm in the F-it mentality. If I recieve a blatent stare I now return it with an equally awkward gaze. Children are another story...cause if you stare back at them they'll become even more intrigued and start talking to their parents in Hangul right in front of you which makes it extrememly uncomfortable. So I always ignore the stares from the kiddies. People around my age are like "whatever"..foreigner. So there's no problem there.

Another quick observation about society here. Similar to North American men ...and I'm positive about men around the world...its not uncommon for Korean men to cheat on their wives and to have multiple girlfriends over the course of their marriage. Yet divorce rates are clearly lower here than back home. It may be a 1950s syndrome where women are still subjected to the whims of their husbands...or maybe they don't have private investigators and shows like "Cheaters" like back home.

PEACE

Typhoon

2006-09-17T19:01:00.000+09:00

BoBo

2006-09-16T13:06:00.000+09:00

hmmmm...

2006-09-15T17:04:00.000+09:00

I am quite independent and find I thrive in this state. Today has exeplified a typical day off for me. Never short of welcomed random occurances. I woke up and went to the gym to put in my daily workout. Seung Yong, one of my favorite trainers, walked into the centre decked out in everything CHICAGO today. Quite humorous actually. He was wearing a Chicago Cubs baseball uniform with a Chicago White Socks cap and Chicago Bulls tear away pants. "I like it" he said to me as he displayed an enthusiatic thumbs up.

Afterwards I went to the underground mall which spans who knows how many km under the city...but you can literally get lost in it. I went to a really cool store that sells great looking cardigan hoodies with wood buttons. Kind of like the Korean Abercrombie...but cheaper price wise. Along side the sweater I purchased a pair of cargo pants which were strangely too long for me. This perplexed me seeing as I'm usually the tallest person around. So the clerk guy took the pants over to a tailors to get them hemmed. They were finished in 45 minutes no problem.

Upon walking back from the mall I came across a cupboard like music repair shop. I was intrigued but also realized I needed new strings and some new pics. They had both: perfect. AFter my purchase the owner of the shop invited me to the back where he and his two buddies...all in their mid sixties at least...were hitting the mackoli (Korean grape wine like alcoholic mix) So they poured me a glass and I indulged in some kimchi trying to communicate with what little Korean I know. After 3 glasses I was warm inside and decided to go buy some new shoes on a "whim". Luckily, however as I entered the department store near my house I ran into a foreigner friend of mine named Lori (from Scotland). She was with a married couple from Minnesota...a great group of people I must say. I tagged along with them to go see a movie but there was a 2.5 hour wait for the one we decided on so we scrapped it and went to get some HOlly's Coffee instead. Zack was a cool guy and his wife (I forget her name) was quite outgoing and funny so it was great conversation and great coffee. It sobered me right up.

Now I'm sitting here resting before the performance tonight at Bobos. I hope it doesn't rain.

PEACE

Gym Diaries

2006-09-14T12:20:00.000+09:00

Dear Gym Diary

There's a little humpbacked old man who works at the sportcentre who greets me with a toothless grin and a big "Hi" every time I see him. He talks with a raspy voice and never seems to be unhappy. He's the men lockeroom keeper making sure the showers are all sprayed down and the sauna is at the proper 100 degrees. He cleans the sportscentre uniforms and towels as well. I've seen him at many different times in the day and I have to say I envy his job.

About 50% of the time I'm positive he's topless running around the shower area with a hose chatting it up with the clients. His cackle can be heard from the front desk area but it always makes me smile. Today he decided to start spraying some of the men he knew with the hose...It was a priceless scene where little quasi modo was in control dousing 4 naked middle aged, probably wealthy, men while he cackled louder than I've ever heard. I'm hoping one day I'll be privileged enough to be soaked by the endearing gremlin.

PEACE

Calmed Down

2006-09-12T22:06:00.000+09:00

After my angry day yesterday I've calmed down and am rather content right now. I've had a lot of inspiration to write lately. Not from any person ...but rather my whole experience in Korea. I feel free here..I can express myself anyway I want..especially in my music. Most of my audience doesn't understand my lyrics so I can be really creative with them.

I'm playing again on Friday at Bobos and I feel much more confident than last week. I've been practising every time I've had time off from work. My fingers are callaced over nicely and my creative enegry is at the top of its game.

I wrote a song this week. Just about how a girl/guy feels when she/her first meets someone she/he has a crush on. I'm going to debut it on Friday. I'm lucky that Bobo's has allowed me to play my original stuff...which is 90% of my repetoire. I'm not bothered by requests or expectations. Its just me and MY music. I love it

The Song's called:

"Willy Wonka"

(Verse)
Sensual smiles
Addictive lips
Begging Kisses
and Timeless bliss

Pull me closer
Into this tug of war
I'd gladly give up
Don't walk out that door

(Chorus)
I can be your candy
Like a chocolate bar or a lollipop
Tell me what you want
I can be your candy
Like a sugarpop or some M&Ms
tell me when you want them

I'll be your Willy Wonka
Step into my candy shop
I'll be your Willy Wonka
Step into this candy shop

(Verse)
Falling from blue skies
Landing on your cloud
MY Heart is pounding
Trying to stay off the ground

Blowing in circles
My mind's out of control
You've got me twisted
Touching your lips would make me whole.

copyright--James Young 2006

PEACE

9/11

2006-09-11T23:35:00.000+09:00

Its been sad watching TV today because of all the coverage about the 9/11 half-decade anniversary. Religion. WTF? "Freedom Fighters" aka terrorists are threatening more attacks if Americans and the "free world" don't convert to the muslim faith. I think they're stuck in the past man. Christians did the same thing five hundred years ago to "pagans". Is their religion so stuck in the past that they haven't evolved along side liberalism? I'm fucking angry right now. I'm angry that innocent people suffer because of other people's doings.

This is where I'm going to get really dark and twisted. So if you don't want your perception of me to change then stop reading now...Seriously.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not going to say these out of racist rage. I'm not racist. But I'm prejudiced against the pieces of shit that go out of their way to make other people's lives hell for the sake of their religion. I sometimes daydream about capturing Al Qaeda members and all other lying politicians/capitalists in the free world and torturing them in a dark basement. To make them suffer for all the poverty, death, despair, murder, heartache, rape, and ills they have created in this world. Because of the bickering and drama of a couple hundred rich men we suffer. My life is MY life. Don't FUCK WITH IT. Stop FUCKING with our lives. WE DON'T FUCKING KNOW YOU.

I would line them up pound each of their faces until they were in a bloody pulp. I wouldn't stop until the bone ripped through them flesh on my knuckles. Pure animal rage in response to the animal like activities they partake with each other. Fighting...territory. We are nothing but animals...so why not act like them. I'd cut the skin from their bones and cut out their voice boxes so they couldn't express the pain the felt. Then of course I'd maim them. This may bring some justice to the innocence they have raped over the last 20 years. Of course I haven't been directly affected by these men, but they've hurt my worldly brothers and sisters. And who knows when I or anyone of my friends or family will be next.

What the hell is wrong with the human race? I can see how war starts. From a simpleton comes so much anger...case in point?...this blog.

Success!

2006-09-09T02:06:00.000+09:00

Is the word of the night. I can't believed I mustered up the courage to play in front of people I don't even know. How exhilerating. I strangely felt eeriely comfortable sitting surrounded by candles and a dim light which showered my music. I figure people will either love my music or dislike it. I think the former occurred. I felt on top of the world. I felt like I could die with no regrets after tonight. The pinnacle of my musical pastime. I felt embarrassed at the claping during and after the songs...but it was contagious. The reception was like a drug that I couldn't get enough of. Better than any weed I've ever smoked. Jae Woo, the owner of Bobo Bar, is buying a microphone this week just for ME! I'm sitting here finishing a delicious walnut ice ceam bar and I feel like I'm in heavan.

PEACE

James Young

2006-09-07T13:52:00.000+09:00

This will be my stage name. I think its goon enough not to change. There's an intimate bar downtown named Bobos which I recently came across and enjoyed. The atmosphere is very layed back and relaxed and they serve the most delicious beer (Hoegaarden) which is difficult to find elsewhere in the city. Last night I found myself with nothing to do so I went to Bobos for a Hoegaarden. The owner is a pretty young guy maybe 27, and he knew a bit of English. I told him how cool the bar was and that I really enjoyed the music they played.

After 1/2 hour conversation we had made a deal for me to come play on Friday nights. Sweet. I realized on my way home that I hadn't practised seriously for a couple months. How are my fingers going to hold up during a set? I've been trying to callace them all day by practising and burning them. So tommorow night. Its exciting. He offered to pay me, but knowing my ability is not stellar I spared him the robbery.

PEACE

Gym Diaries

2006-09-05T21:29:00.000+09:00

The gym has treated me well lately. I've kept to myself for the most part. There is a highly unattractive female who is persistant in her attempts to practise her English with me, but I can usually avoid her by choosing the machines which face the wall. However, when she decides its time to start studying its usually when I'm 3/4 the way through my third set and she F-ing ruins my concentration and rhythm. I don't understnad why people go to the gym to socialize. Its not a team sport, its not a night club, everyone is sweaty and trying to focus on their own bodies...

There's an old man who asks me everytime to run beside him on the treadmill and every F-ing time I have to explain that I'm working on my chest or back. After telling him to back off politely he usually asks if I want to bike beside him. I don't like talking to anyone at the gym. I'll give my greetings to the respected trainers and Mr. X, because they understand the true etiquette of the gym. I don't go to the gym to work out my voice box or my brain. Its a time when I just want to be dumbed down and block out everything around me.

PEACE

Expo 93

2006-09-03T22:32:00.000+09:00

If you've ever seen that Simpsons episode where Bart goes on a road trip with Nelson, Milhouse, and the other kid then you'll have some idea of what Expo Park is like. Its a graveyard of old rollercoasters, architecural mishaps, and concrete. I'm sure 13 years ago it was worth going to visit, but today the buildings house shows where trained monkeys are dressed like school children mimicing life in the classroom. (not joking)

I went back to take some pictures because the first time I went I didn't bring my camera. But of course upon my return the sign notified all passersby that Expo sucks and will be closed for the next month. So here are some shots from outside the gates. I'll get some photos from inside in about a month.

We tied our first soccer game today. Its the first game we haven't lost. The second game was a blow out. I think the smoke breaks inbetween games is hurting us. About half the team smokes...I don't get it. Its like running on the treadmill for an hour then rushing out to McDonalds and asking them for a cup of their used french fry oil. But whatever..we have our uniforms and we look pimp.

PEACE

Joke Time

2006-09-02T13:16:00.000+09:00

The delivery of the punch line is priceless. My kids' parents pay me do exploit them in the art of jokery.

See JimmyY's Video Store for all the hilarity.

PEACE

Field Trip to Wally World

2006-08-31T10:59:00.000+09:00

Yesterday morning our Kindies went to the dirtiest, cheapest, most dangerous little theme park I've ever been to. However, this element of danger added some excitement to the whole field trip. There were four rides. The Viking Ship, the choo choo train, the space ship ride, and another train ride that was broken. There were also a set of waterslides. They are perfect...if you're into cut and infected feet. The best part of the morning was the fact that we were the only group there. We were the Grizwalds at Wally World. Strangely enough this was one of the quietest places I've visited in Korea. Visit JimmyY's Video Store for some fun toe slicing action.

Scratch

2006-08-29T23:02:00.000+09:00

Colin is my strange yet loveable roomate who seems to always put a smile on my face when I least expect it. We've had a few ups and downs but all things considered I think we're good for each other. His randomness surpasses anything I've ever come close to, and his determination to find a Korean wife is...courageous. He's heading back home to California for a month so its going to be a little lonely around the apartment, but the freedom to birthday suit around the pad will be refreshing. Enclosed is an invitation for you to witness his daring attempt to white water swim ring down a river near Dae Doon San. Mr. X's son appears to cruise down with no problem...but to Colin's defense my body was sore and bloody by the end of the day.

Visit JimmyY's Video Store (Under "Blogs I Read")

PEACE

Flu

2006-08-27T16:00:00.000+09:00

The last 24 hours have been Hell. I went to bed on Friday night nice and early so I would be refresehd for my private lessons early Saturday morning. Of course I woke up with a dizzy feeling and a grumbling stomach. I puked twice at my privates, then at least another 5 times before having to go into work for one clas at 4:30. Puked once at work and left the class again to make sure I didn't soil myself. By 6:00 I was in agony as my kidney's felt as if they were being pushed against something. However among all this torture emereged a funny encounter which my ears layed witness to.

Why lying in bed I was awaken by the sound of a female's voice...Colin had a date over to the apartment for dinner. As I lay there I could feel the awkwardness. It was awkward silence from the beginning with little interludes from Colin and the girl here and there. Some phrases which broke the ice and made me literally laugh out loud included "hmmm....I don't have any meat" (Colin), "Your apartment is dirty" (Girl)..."No its just old" (Colin)
"Squishy squishy"(Colin) followed by awkward silence.

Apprtently he made a good impression considering he got a kiss out of the "date" I guess you'd have to understand Colin to find the whole situation as humourous as I did.

I feel better today. Regaining power.

PEACE

2006-08-25T23:08:00.000+09:00

I have nothing to talk about today. Whatever comes to my mind I will write. Everything from this moment on will be whatever my brain decides to formulate.

"September on Discovery Channel. I wonder what tommorow will be like. How will the weather be? I hope its cool like it is now. Thank God those noisy cicada bugs are starting to die off. I should empty my compost bucket, there's probably over 100 fruit flies festering in it. The kids were good today. I think I've tamed them and they know what buttons not to push. I give them the look and they know who's in charge. I wonder if I will actually shave tommorow. With a razor blade? or with my hair trimmer like always? I have a video of Colin going down the river in a raft and crashing into some trees. I should upload it to a website so I can let people watch it. That Korea B-boy championships was actually better than I thought. I wonder what it will be like when I go home? Will things be different? I hope my friends don't all get married. I hope time stops so I can never grow older. But I'm still young...so no worries...but you'll soon be old...get over your quarter life crisis already. Ok. It'd be fun if my brother were here right now. He'd find a lot of things funny here...

PEACE

Random Thoughts

2006-08-22T21:54:00.000+09:00

Nothing exciting to report on this front. I've shocked myself over the fact that I haven't yet felt monotony in this place. Everything is the same. The architecture, the people, the food, the kids. Day in and day out its the same environment. I think the fact that its still really foreign to me keeps me interested. I've run into some foreigners over my stay here who have been living here for 2 years, 3 years, I even met a guy whose been here for over 7 years now. I got thinking to myself as to why some foreigners stay here for so long. Personally I wouldn't be able to live here for more than a year 1/2 mabye two years. I would miss everything I have back home too much. So maybe there's nothing back home for some of these people. I don't know, but I find it strange to think that some people find this country more comforting that their own backyard.

To be honest, and not to be pretentious...but I will be. A large majority of the foreigners here are strange. Like the kids in highschool who were a little dorky and socially retarded but who entered the cool drug/drinking scene in University. If you've seen Conspiracy Theory with Mel Gibson you'll have a good idea of the type of people that seem to congregate here. I think this is the reason I seem to have made more Korean friends than foreigners.

The other 30% of the foreigners I've met here are in the same boat as me. They love to travel and are here for an adventure before getting on with their lives back home. And about 5% of this 30% are here specifically for the same reason as I am...dog soup.

PEACE

Yellow Sea Tales

2006-08-20T22:00:00.000+09:00

The Yellow Sea is much shallower and apparantly more polluted than the East Sea. To compare Haeundae Beach (East) and Daechon Beach (Yellow) I'd have to give props to Haeundae for the following reasons:

1) Haeundae is more suitable for my personality. I like to be in the middle of a lot of people having fun. Daechon was a lot less busy than I expected and it contained an ora of family fun around it.

2) The water at Haeundae was much colder, which I like, especially on a really hot day.

3) The sand at Daechon, while more fine than the thicker grains found at Haeundae, wouldn't come off my feet even with a pressure washer. I don't know. I'm sitting in my apartment with sand still on my feet after two showers.

4) Haeundae was right on the edge of an enormous city, which sets up for some cool scenery at night time.

I enjoyed my time at Daechon today. It would have been more relaxing, however, if Mr. X's nieces and nephews were less intent on playing with me. But I'll make that sacrifice everytime if it means free everything.

PEACE

Mr. X managed to take us away from the kids for a bit to get some quality beach time. But of course we stopped by the fish market and picked out some flopping fish in big bowls to eat. Sasheemee (raw fish) is a favorite among Koreans who can afford it. Mr. X naturally told us that you had to line your stomach with Soju to prevent against fish viruses. Of course we rented an umbrella and inner tubes...free.

Mr. X, Mrs. X, Mr. X's sister, Mr. X's nephew, Mr. X's mother, and Mr. X's brother-in-law. The brother in law is a bit of an aggitator. He's a happy medium/mix between steve erkle and "Stefan". This morning he woke us up at 9 am after we had all been out the night before until 2:30. He kept waving these meal tickets in our faces saying "its blekfast, come on!" Then when I told him "ok ok" in a really scratchy morning voice, he insisted I must be sick. He was also telling Colin that he was fat...which he is.

I thought I'd throw in a photo of my Great Grandpa Julias who was a diamond miner on the Yellow Sea Coastline during the early 1920s. "I remember when I was your age, I had to use a vulberized bike tire as a swim ring..."

The Boss

Number One Comment by a Student Thus Far

2006-08-17T21:21:00.000+09:00

I've heard a few things come out of my students mouths that have shocked me, impressed me, and made me burst out laughing. Today marks the funniest comment by a student thus far in my days as an English teacher. In one of my favorite classes we were learning not about grammer, phonics, verbs, animals, structures, or any other normal subject. Today the lesson called for the introduction of "Kitchen Tools". Whatever. Vocabulary to be learned consisted of "blender", "chop and mix", "strainer", "drain", "pour", and so on. However, when I explained all these objects none of the students understood what they were. So I resorted to drawing them on the board. The moment I finished drawing the "cheese grater" Julie's eyes lit up as if I just offered her a banana split and a package of Little Debbies Cupcakes. "Its a cheese grater?" she said. "yes, its a cheese grater" I replied

"Cheese graters are EXCITING!!!" she said with unbrideled enthusiasm. I have never seen this student so excited about anything. She's usually just chill and layed back. She of course was referring to using a grater to make Kimchi.

But then it got me thinking. When I was 11-12 years old it was a privilige to grate the cheese for meals. You could always swipe a couple handfuls of grated cheese and shove them in your mouth cause you were in control. When mom did it, you had to ask for some and you were lucky to get 5 strands. When we were offered to grate shit for meals it was usually ham and cheese. Cheese was the prize food to grate. Ham was less so. It was always so moist and slippery and it didn't taste as good as the cheese. There was always 3X more ham in the macaroni-ham-and-cheese meals. And it wasn't coincidence.

PEACE

Saturday Night Party at the Temple

2006-08-15T14:17:00.000+09:00

Mr. X has adopted Colin and I into his family. Every family function he has he seems to want us there. Last Sunday was the Sportcentre's staff party and of course we were invited to go along. It was a fun evening that started off awkward because everyone was probably wondering why we were there. But the night evolved into genuine conversation aided by Soju of course. When I went to the gym yesterday I got a lot of big smiles from the people at the front desk and swim instructors. I think they like me now.

Brother

2006-08-13T16:25:00.000+09:00

Some updated photos of my brother. I'm blessed to have him as an ally.

PEACE

Daejeon Mighty Ducks

2006-08-12T14:38:00.000+09:00

This blog is dedicated to the rag tag bunch of highschoolers and twenty-somethings who make up the soccer "team" I frequent bi-monthly on Sunday mornings. We don't have an official team name and we aren't in any league of sorts. We usually play random teams that we come across at the soccer field behind Daejeon Elementary
School.

When I first arrived Charlie sensei neem (teacher) asked me if I liked playing soccer. Of course I told him I liked it sometimes...which was a severe overstatement. I F-ing hate playing soccer. I always end up having pseudo-asthma attacks and can't walk for the next week. So he asked me to come and play soccer with him on Sunday. His brother is in charge of a book club and they try to get out and play soccer together a couple times a month.

During the first Sunday of June I reluctantly complied to his request to play and dragged myself out of bed early in the morning. Colin drove us there on his motorbike and we were ready to go. We played a small game against each other cause there was no other team to play. However, the second outing was more exciting. Mr. Park...the business guy at my place of employment also has a team and they met us on the field with shiny green jerseys and bulging calf muscles. Shit!

They smoked us at least 8 or 9 to zip. However...since that time our team has slowly started to pull together. We are starting to have practices and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new uniforms on Monday. Our last game we lost only
6-3. I think our new jerseys will influence our mental game.

We are the underdogs whom the competition scoffs at, but I am confident that in the near future our cinderella story will start to unfold.

Daejeon Mighty Ducks

PEACE

Nostalgia

2006-08-10T13:43:00.001+09:00

This post goes out to all the people who have involuntarily initiated recent bouts of nostalgia in me over the last few months.

I think I am at the tail end of my quarter-life crisis. I know what I want to do with my life, I know what I want to do now, and I am excited about the future. However, there are still some nights when I'm listening to tunes on the Logitech that goodtimes and blissful memories arise in my brain. They are so bitter-sweet for me because I wish I can recapture all those moments of hapiness...but know its impossible unless reincarnation exists as truth. I snicker to myself at times when I think of the ridiculous times with my brother, or at camps I worked at, or with my family, or in University. But the smile quickly fades into frowns because I accept the inevitability of growing up. I want to be peter pan please.

So here are some nostalgic thoughts that have been racing through my mind the last few months.

--Camp Arnold--
~ Rocky flying down the waterslide to retain family honour and preventing himself from lowering himself to Peasant Status.

~ Isolating themselves in the dark basement watching DVD's

~ Conner doing the "ehhue ehhue ehhue" sound while jumping and covering his nipples with two fingers.

~ Berko getting pissed when the Seattle gang came in and took over his worship band

~ Nathan ripping off his gangreen toenail in the name of family honour.

--Joel Ivany--
~ Cabaret rehearsals and getting cut from the dance routine right after spending 4 hours perfecting it over the weekend.

~ Basketball Cards in Dayton (skull-F Durpris)

~ National all nighters playing Monopoly...Dance of Shame for touching the dice out of turn.

~ Losing Poker (Eating Lasagna Chips, boner snowangels, body shave, Curtis frenching Rawlins)

~SWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!! Marie the delicious candy coated chocolate treat.

~Music Building vandalism

--Brother--
~ Retarded neighborhood friends--Weiner Wayner blaming us for breaking things when were at church and calling 1-800#'s, Corey talking like a 2 year old at the age of 10, Joey weilding a sword, Narvinder delivering the Guardian with his family, Quami the good kid, Quami's sister always used in sexual jokes to piss off Quami, Greg Green pissing on the side of our house and stealing our tennis balls.

~ Tofino 2005 (Tent Dance Party, poker in the rain, you know the rest...adventure)

~ Star Lake Camp (This can go for you too Ashcraft) Drinking X number of milk cartons, trying to catch the 13 year old kids who were stealing from us, Martin and Felix, Making out with Carlyn, Lyron drunk and high at the Breakfast restaurant and finding him shirtless in the bathroom stall sweating at 11 am, fish head.

--University--
~History, learning
~marijuana
~pseudo-structure and a solid group of friends who were all in the same boat as you.
~One act Play
~Ceeps

PEACE

Sunday at the River

2006-08-09T22:24:00.000+09:00

Mr. X invited Colin and I to a river near Daedoonsan last Sunday. At first I didn't want to commit because I didn't fancy the 9:00am pick up on my only day off in the week. I woke up that morning feeling refreshed and ready to go. After eating some Corn Flakes and an almost 2 week old kiwi fruit I started experiencing deep penetrating cramps in my stomach. "Must be the kiwi" I thought to myself. "Why did I eat it?...I didn't want to let it go to waste...well you should have chucked it when the skin just slid off so easy"...I argued with myself...but realized doing so was pointless cause the cramps were there and real.

Mr. X was on time and Colin and I were off to the river to meet with his extended family. I keeled over in the back seat of his SUV and faked sleep to avoid talking with anyone on the ride. It was painful to talk. However...upon arrival I was miraculously cured of the pain. The BBQ started immediately as the women cooked for everyone present. WE indulged in Samgupsal (basically big fat pieces of pork) and other korean imenities. And started drinking Soju by 10:30am. By noon I was drunk and basking the the river with the sun on my shoulders. It felt like heaven.

Colin and I went on our own down the river for a good hour and a half later in the afternoon...and it was jam packed with people the whole way down. Colin decided to put on a show by jumping off a 20 foot boulder into a deep part of the river. Of course I had to one up him and somehow gained the courage to perform a front flip for the salivating onlookers. Of course we lost track of time...probably due to the inebriation...and on our walk but up the river Mr. X pulled up and told us to get in. He had called the police because he thought he had lost us....of course this reaction on his part was probably also caused by his high consumption of Soju.

I have to say Sunday was the most fulfilling day I have experienced in Korea. I am blessed to have met Mr. X's wonderful extended family...and eaten such scrumptious delights. In two weeks he's taking us to the beach on the east cost...WHATEVER.

PEACE

More Vacation Photos

2006-08-07T12:49:00.000+09:00

I'm back(ee)

2006-08-05T20:42:00.000+09:00

Koreans have a knack for adding an "ee" sound at the end of most English words that end in "e". For example: "chang(ee)", "switch(ee) [I don't know how they came up with an (ee) after (ch)], and beach(ee). This last one was where I spent my vacation.

Approx. 225 km southeast of my residence in Daejeon lies the vacation capital of Korea. Millions flock to beaches as their summer holidays are exploited efficiently parce que they only last for one month. I didn't mind the bustle of the shoreline mostly because I felt as though I was taking part of an annual ritual partaken every year by millions. Sarah and I basked in the sun comforted by the knowledge that about a hundred metres behind us lay our luxury executive suite in the infamous Paradise Hotel. In the hotel we exploited the hot springs, 6pm-9pm happy hour --free of charge...because of course we werrrre Executive class, free luxury breakfasts, and breathtaking views from both the Executive Lounge and our suite.

I'll let the photos over my next few posts tell the rest of the story. But in a nut shell we consumed enough beef and pork in one sitting to initiate heart palpitations, were blessed to find a buddist temple void of anyone other than the monks and nuns who resided there, and met random drunk Koreans who reminded us we were "handsome man" and "gorgeous girl" for a good three hours.

WTF IS THAT--ALL STAR BREAK

2006-07-22T14:27:00.000+09:00

Except there's no allstar game. Just a break. I figure fraternizing with one of the players over the next 10 days maybe skew the scores or cause suspicion among other competitors. So for the next 2 weeks WTF IS THAT will be on vacation.

Scores for WTF IS THAT (Round 11)
==========================================
1 point--Sare
1 point--sis
1 point--heather
1 point--Joanne
1 point--policebro
1 point--ShoeGalAysh

WTF IS THAT LEAGUE STANDINGS (as of July 21)
=================================================
1st--47 points--Heather
2nd--35 points--Sare
3rd--21 points--Joanne
4th--19 points--PoliceBro
5th--17 points--ShoeGalAysh
6th--14 points--Sis
7th--12 points--CC
7th--12 points--F. Scott Fitzgerald
9th--05 points--LittleJohn
10th--03 points--Jackson
11th--01 point--Cheryl
11th--01 point--Mike

New Flash: I am the winner this week.

Also, check out JimmyY's Video Store (available in link form at the bottom of this page) for some cool breakdancing tips.

PEACE

2006-07-21T22:53:00.000+09:00

There really isn't much to talk about other than Sarah's visit which begins Sunday night and last for 10 days. Work is starting to become routine but not monotonous. Maybe in another couple of months monotony will set in. But the time being I'm enjoying it. 5 day vacation starts next friday night. I'm taking Sarah out of town to Busan, which is in the south east corner of the peninsula. There's a sweet beach named Haeundae Beach. I've been longing for some quality vacation time and what better opportunity than to celebrate it with the most beautiful girl in the world. And its her birthday so I can justify spending lots and lots of money...maybe.

Ummmm...thats about it. Sorry for the weak posts as of late. I'm sure there will be some nice fresh photos once Sarah gets here.

PEACE

Count Chocula

2006-07-20T20:00:00.000+09:00

I despise counting down to good things. Time almost feels like it stops when I do. I can recall not having an alarm clock when I was in my younger years and anticipating Christmas morning. My excitement would wake me up at 3:30am, then 3:45 am...and so on. I would always scurry to the hallway to see if it was almost time for everyone to get up and open presents. Its painfully excruciating. So now I put no effort into counting down days. Time passes and when a special time gets close I ALWAYS pat myself on the back for a job well done...I fooled my self.

Its been three months since Sarah and I have been physically seperated. They've sucked but have proved valuable in our relationship. I'm now starting to countdown the days until she arrives. I figure a three day countdown is about good enough for me. I have been anticipating the reunification for three months...but the official countdown starts today.

See you soon lovely!

PEACE

WTF IS THAT? -- REVEALED (11)

2006-07-19T22:14:00.000+09:00

One stereo speaker

Scores/Standings/New Object/Commentary on Saturday.

PEACE

Things That Annoy me at Work

2006-07-18T22:40:00.001+09:00

In no particular order:

1) Co-workers who complain about work at work. Please wait until you get home to vent. I'm sick of hearing the same shit day in and day out. We all suffer from having to try and teach kids who don't understand what we're saying. Your complaining and winy voices just irritate the rest of us. No one likes having to listen to music they don't like.

2) Here is where I vent, quietly and discretely. Students who don't have patience. When marking a students workbook out of no where 3 students always have their book in my face or are touching my hair, or yelling "teacher FINISHEEEEEE". Don't your parents teach you lessons in manners? Stop breathing on my neck, get your books out of my face, line up in a quiet and orderly fashion, and say "teacher come here PLEASE" instead of "Teacher COME, Teacher COME, TEACHER COME!!!!!"
--Many of these faults in my students are slowly but effectively starting to change. I tend to bottle up my frustrations and let them seep out like a fart...then quietly and calmly explain to them what Not to do.

3) This one goes out to a private student of mine named "Frank". Frank has the attention span of a basset hound on speed. About 10 times over a 40 minute period I have to tell Frank to sit down. He likes to climb on the desk, and sit on his chair as dangerously as possible. He also likes to randomly grab shit from my teaching basket and do the most unpredictable things with them. For instance, my water bottle. Within a 2 second time frame Frank was able to Reach, grab, twist, and cookie crumb camel lips all over my water bottle. Frank...please take some ritalin.

4) The F-ing washroom always stinks like folic acid mixed with diarrhea and decomposed cottage cheese with fresh roses and urine.

5) When you take a dump in the bathroom the students like knocking on the stall door and taunting you in Korean...while you sit awkwardly hunched over trying not to let out those really loud "pwwwweeeeeeeet" sounds from your ass.

Thats all I can think of for now. But for all the irregularities and annoyances at work I never go to work in a bad mood, nor do I ever wake up in the mornings dreading the day ahead of me.

PEACE

A Time of Reflection

2006-07-16T23:42:00.001+09:00

I was reading the blog of a very spiritual friend of mine this evening and how she felt distant from God over the last month. She works with drug addicts and the homeless in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, the poorest postal code in North America where drug lords and child prostitution rings run rampant. Its a very depressing scenerio. I lived in the area doing much the same thing that my friend continues to do. However, I chickened out. I let my own selfish desires pull me away from the work I was supposed to be doing.

I don't regret my decision to not stay the entire year working to make some sort of impact in the community. To be honest the organization I was working for was a little too extreme for my tastes. I loved working on the streets and talking with the residents of the community...as zombie-like most of them were. I didn't, however, like being regimented by this particular organization. I was being trained spiritually...and I started resenting my whole purpose for being there. Maybe I didn't know exactly what I was gettin myself into. I think the world of this group of people who I left behind, and I don't slag them one bit. I envy their bravery and desire to start instituting social change from the filthiest parts of our society.

I'm content with my decision to leave. I consider myself a spiritual man. I despise religion for all the heartache it has brought to the world. Its often difficult to seperate the two, but when you do have an epiphony and realize the two are seperable its quite a liberating feeling.

I'm not ashamed of any of the decisions I've made in my life, because every one has led me to this moment. To this moment of reflection. I am happy, blessed, excited for the future, and optimistic. I don't regret the relationships of the pasts and the mistakes I have made because they have made me who I am today. I hope I continue to make many many mistakes so that when I'm 65 everything will come perfectly easy for me. I like learning the hard way. I'm glad I stuck an epipen through my thumb...what an exciting story to boast about today. I don't want to be remembered as a boring guy who did his thing day in and day out. I want to be able to write a book of comical follies and strange encounters. I think I'm well on my way.

PEACE

WTF IS THAT? (Round 11)

2006-07-15T13:01:00.000+09:00

Scores for Round 10
=============================
6 points--Heather (plus 3 bonus points for three perfect guesses in a row)
6 points--Sis
6 points--Sare
1 point--ShoeGalAysh
1 point--Mike
1 point--Joanne
1 point--Jackson

WTF IS THAT? LEAGUE STANDINGS (as of July 15, 2006)
============================================================
1st--46 points--Heather
2nd--34 points--Sare
3rd--20 points--Joanne
4th--18 points--PoliceBro
5th--16 points--ShoeGalAysh
6th--13 points--Sis
7th--12 points--CC
7th--12 points--F. Scott Fitzgerald
9th--05 points--LittleJohn
10th--03 points--Jackson
11th--01 point--Cheryl
11th--01 point--Mike

News Flash: Sis is moving her way up the leaderboard with an astounding guess which matched the quality of both Heather and Sare this week. She's proving to be a serious contender if she continues to battle it out with the big boys. A special welcome to newcomer Mike...best of luck, there's lots of time to move your way up. As commisioner of WTF IS THAT? I'm proud to say that this weeks object should prove to be the most difficult yet.

WTF IS THAT?

2006-07-13T21:53:00.000+09:00

Is there Korean "White Trash"? I was pondering their existance while walking through Carrefour last night purchasing my groceries. I noticed the cashiers and people working in the store seemed a little less attractive and even shorter than the people purchasing items from the store. Similar to Walmart in these regards it appears Carrefour hires lower classes to work long 12 hour shifts at $3 per hour. No overstatement here. Just making shallow observations. But, I wonder if Koreans look down on people who work at places like Carrefour...similar to how most of us sub-consciously don't pay too much attention to the people working at Walmart.

Do Korean's strereotype against one another? I would assume yes. One of the kindie students is severely overweight for his age and the other kids poke fun at him. So there is definitely a weight/fatness stereotype. I'm trying to get a better grip on this culture everyday...and its difficult...but exciting.

PEACE

WTF IS THAT? -- REVEALED (10)

2006-07-12T22:55:00.000+09:00

Yeah...it was a belt belt buckle. A few got this one. And I have to apologize for forgeting the rules of my own game. I promised bonus points if someone got 2 perfect guesses in a row. So 2 extra points will be awarded to Heather's score. And I'm not afraid of having dinner with you Heather...just want to keep the competition ripe. Rile the troops in time of low moral. Its to keep your interest spiked in the game as well.

Scores/Standings/Commentary/New Object on Saturday

PEACE

Speech Contest

2006-07-11T23:09:00.000+09:00

Yesterday and Today marked the beginning and end of the Kindie Speech contest. Of course there were no winners...they were all winners. But I did manage to capture one of the youngest students. Also the most precious in my eyes. His name is Rex and I don't belive I've met a cuter 4 year old ever. Also he's the one doing all the actions in the Muffin Man and Mr. Sun Songs. Check out JimmyY's Video Store for all the action. Not much action...just adorability.

PEACE

JimmyY's Video Store is accessable under the "Blogs I Read Section" at the bottom of this blog.

Legs on Fire

2006-07-10T22:54:00.000+09:00

I started my first leg workout in life today. My hamstring muscles feel as though they've been doused with RUB-A5-35. But I am proud that I faced my leg workout fears. I did however have to hold onto the railing as I walked down the stairs into the dressing room.

Mr. X randomly gifted Colin and I with some of his hand-me-downs. I recieved a sweet sailing shirt while Colin was blessed with a perfect pop-collared polo. I'm going to sport the new attire at work tommorow. (I am a strange man)

ANNDD...here are some random photos taken today to make up for the weekend. Nothing special just something to bless your eyes with...

PEACE

Buddhist Writing in Hangul (I'm still trying to decide where to hang this)

Best view from my 2nd floor apartment...nothing to gawk at

From "Russia: A comprehensive History" and "The History of Early Modern Germany" to "Hangul For Babies"

BBQ Hajuseyo

Weekend Update

2006-07-09T21:17:00.000+09:00

Apologies are in order due to the fact I sheepishly forgot my beloved camera at the apartment on all ocasions this weekend.

Friday night Colin and I satyed in and watched Jurassic Park while consuming some Cass and Fried Takogi (chicken meat).

Saturday: Viewd Pirates II at CGV cinemas. Ate sushi with Hyelim then met up for soju at "Tul Bar" in Old Downtown with Hyan-A and Young-Sook. Colin and Brittany met up with us a little later for some Norebong (Karaoke Room) action. A pleasant local night on the town.

Side beef: I don't understand why people make a big deal about North Korea. Let them do their shit. They're not going to attack anyone without proper justification. Where were the sanctions on America and Russia 25 years ago? If Bush is so adament on taking out dictators and "freeing" citizens around the world from Tyranny why didn't he invade NOrth Korea? Oh yeah thats right...North Korea would embarass then slaughter the American army...and they don't own large oil reserves.

PEACE

WTF IS THAT? (Round 10)

2006-07-08T12:42:00.000+09:00

Scores for WTF IS THAT (Round 9)
==========================================
6 points--Heather
3 points--Sare
1 point--policebro
1 point--LittleJohn
1 point--Sis

WTF IS THAT? League Standings (as of July 8, 2006)
=============================================================
1st--37 points--Heather
2nd--28 points--Sare
3rd--19 points--Joanne
4th--18 points--PoliceBro
5th--15 points--ShoeGalAysh
6th--12 points--CC
6th--12 points--F. Scott Fitzgerald
8th--07 points--sis
9th--04 points--LittleJohn
10th--02 point--Jackson
11th--01 point--Cheryl

New Flash: Stocks are dropping and company shares are plummeting as WTF IS THAT? is evidently becoming much less popular. It appears many contenders have been scared off by the strength of the leader. But the season is still young. Ten months remain. So get those guesses in. If you have no motivation maybe the overconfidence of Heather will motivate you to overthrow her regime at the top.

Heather writes:

"It would appear to me that I'm looking at Judy Jetson's dress for the Astro Formal. She's going to look really 'hot' in it consdering it doubles as a heater when not being worn.

If I'm not mistaken this week's WTF is a heater or a heat lamp. I imagine the coils heat the ceramic centre and a fan blows the heat while the metal disc reflects it. I also suspect there's a cage attached to keep you from burning your wee fingers or other 'significant' body parts.

I do hope I'm not cold on this guess, the Korean dinner in your last post looks delicious"

Let me remind you a free Korean Dinner is at stake.

WTF IS THAT?

Gym Diaries

2006-07-07T22:55:00.001+09:00

Dear Gym Diary

Today I purchased some protein powder with glutamine from the gym. It was over priced but it "pumped" some new life into me. I don't know what it is about downinga protein shake but it puts the mind at ease. A good work out and medicine to tend to those torn muscles makes for a satisfying gym experience.

Mr. X notified me that my chest was coming along well, as well as my shoulders, but my legs are too small. I promised him I would get on it ...now that I have my protein powder. I looked around the gym at my Korean workout colleagues and came to the conclusion that they pride themselves in strong defined legs. My ankles are the same width as my hamstrings. I hate working out legs. I've created a phobia in my head that if I work out legs they're going to give out on me somewhere between the dressing room and my walk home. But he is right. My legs have been and continue to be my most neglected body parts.

(side diary)
Dear Legs
You are going to be punished over the next 10 months.
(side diary)
Dear Hamstrings
I apologize in advance for the torture I am going to put you through. But whatever doesn't kill you hamstrings...can only make you stronger. I have been a bad father to you...letting you slack off at the gym. Its time for me to stop being a dead beat dad. I'm ready to take responsibility.
(This is where I hug my hamstrings and shed a few tears)

On another note, I am appreciative of the fact that korean men are very advanced in expressing how comfortable they are with their sexuality. I recieved a nice naked tummy tap from Mr. X yesterday in the shower room. Why did our society become so homophobic? Given: Koreas gay population is still in hiding, its not kosher here. It may explain the closeness between men here. Some openly wear make up and women's shirts and its common for teenage boys to walk arm in arm down the street together. Best friends of course.

PEACE

WTF IS THAT? -- REVEALED (9)

2006-07-06T12:24:00.000+09:00

A Space Heater with a Fan.

Looks like Heather may go down in the record books as the Wayne Gretzky of WTF IS THAT?

New Photo/Commentary/Standings/Scores on Saturday

PEACE

North Korea Beware

2006-07-04T21:46:00.000+09:00

Don't "F" with this guy. A recent letter and some photos from my brother who is training in the Canadian military this summer.

How's Korea treating you? I got a few pics from my graduation. I don't have any pics developed from the BMQ course yet but I'm saving the development till probly the end of my SQ course when I'll have two full cameras. Plus the SQ ones will be way better. For the last week we've been training on the C6 Heavy Machine Gun and the C9 LightMG. It's pretty nuts man. They're turning us into killers man. They mess with your heads, and the only news we get on tv in the dining hall is either sports or army stuff telling about like North Korea, Iran, the middle east, all those messed up places. And they keep making it seem like we're going to war after this. I asked a question to my Sergent in class why we didn't have more than 2 C9LMG's and 1 C6HMG because they account for 80% of the platoon or section's fire power. He goes, "these guns are $10,000 a piece, yes they would mow the enemy down like chicken in a blender, but the cost is too much to operate 5 or 6 of these for each section. Human lives are expendable they don't cost anything, so we're better off losing a life than one of these guns they are too expensive." Sweet.... Anyways, we're on the grenade range this week from wednesday to friday so I'll have a few sweet picks for you, and I think we get the Carl Gustav's the last week, if not then I will atleast get it in DP1 Infantry.

Third from the right closest to the camera...check out those tree trunk arms. Rambo central.

Peace Brother--paradox