Charley Davidson

I couldn't have asked for a better send off. I said good-bye to two of my guy friends this week, and despite the sadness we took the opportunity to have one last adventure together. My friends happen to live near the mountains in a small town called Yeongcheon. They also have bikes. Not the 5 speed variety, but of the 125 cc kind. The last time I mounted a motorcycle, I burned my leg on the exhaust and my speed demon driver almost ran over a dog... this time round was a completely different experience.

We geared up for the two hour ride, packed with the camera, some smokes, and an i-pod play-list. Besides our helmet's it was just going to be the two bikes and the road.

As we drove through the city and out into the mountains with the wind whipping our faces  the air and the scenery around us was breathtaking.  There was a haze of clouds as we set off to beat the sunset. The cool country air surrounded us as we climbed higher and higher throughout the winding roads. There are no words to describe being out on the open road, flanked by sweeping vistas. It reminds us that there is so much out there.

We made it to the top, just as the sun decided to peak through the burst of clouds. As we scanned the valleys below, you couldn't help but take a moment to appreciate the beauty before us. There was a moment, as the sun's rays glimmered, that I couldn't help but feel a sense of homecoming. That no matter what lay ahead, everything was going to be alright. We never know what life will bring next- and so for just a moment in time, you breathe in the majestic beauty and find solace in the knowing that whatever comes you just keep climbing.

As the sun began to settle in the late afternoon, we headed back down the mountain. Charley Davidson gave us a good ride. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful afternoon with two guys, who have become like family during my adventure in Korea.

With the wind at our backs and the trees zooming by we were free.  The setting sun splintered through the trees as we kept on driving home. You could feel nothing but the dewy air rushing full force against your body. It was the ride of a lifetime, the kind where you want to lift up your arms to the heavens and scream at the top of your lungs. My first choice words were, " my life is beautiful".  Thank you Charles and Blair for the memories. You'll be missed until I can see you again on the road ahead.

Mudfest Madness

 Wallowing in Mud. Good times.  This famous festival  is on one of the top ten places to see before you're thirty. Well, I did it... just at thirty- one.  The festival takes place in Boreyeong, South Korea, a small sea side town that hosts a mud festival every year.

We hopped on a bus headed to mud land with about 130 other foreigners hoping to frolic in the mineral mud. The 3- plus hour bus ride started at 8 am, and with pit stops and by-the-road pee breaks we finally arrived at noon.

The bus ride of course, would not have been complete without a little partying (drinking started at 9) and a some Bus Norebang (Karaoke).  The selections included sing-alongs such as Brown Eyed Girl, Eye of the Tiger, Under the Sea and even Oh Holy Night (don't ask).

Once arrived, it was pretty clear that although this festival was originally intended for the Korean population, it turned out to cater to the hundreds of foreigners ready to mash it up in the mud.

We swamped through the jungle course, and played a very muddy tug of war. Honestly, it was one of the best times we've had so far in South Korea. For anyone who hasn't been... this is an absolute must do. Put it on your list and commit. There was live music, good food, and a great crowd.  I'm sad I won't be around to wrestle in the mud next year, but I can say that I've done it once in my lifetime.

The 13th Mud Festival was a huge success and I'm happy to have done it with those I call family around here. It was definitely madness- but oh-so-worth it.

Summer Camps and Celebrity Status

If you've ever wondered what it would really feel like to be a celebrity, just make your way on over to Korea and teach English.  Foreign teachers are randomly asked to pose for a cell phone picture in the streets by teens and adults alike, but the real paparazzi frenzy happens in the midst of  screaming child fans.

Summer Camp season is here. Basically, regular school has ended, and now the lucky students are enrolled in 3-5 day camps, where they eagerly await more English language instruction. Given that many of these students live below the poverty line, have grueling scholastic schedules and little time for fun- these camps are an opportunity for us teachers to show them that English can be their friend! Games, activities and of course, a little lesson action paves the way for language learning.

This weeks camp, I have elementary students, from grades 3 through 6. Its been so refreshing to teach the little ones, whose eagerness and enthusiasm make it a great joy to teach. It's a 360 turn around from my middle school students who'd rather sleep away the class and/or just stare at themselves in their pocket mirrors.

Once the camp is over and closing ceremonies have ended... pandemonium erupts. The students leap from their seats and begin taking cell phone snap shots like paparazzi pros. One after another, they push, shove and elbow their way through to get as many pics as possible of their Foreign teachers who taught them.  I'll be honest, I'm not particularly photogenic and after the 60th snap you're pretty much done. Having figured, the photo-shoot session was over the four of us foreign teachers made our way out of the auditorium and were headed home. Outside, we were bombarded with the crowds of kids waiting for us. They shouted and waved, and called out our names. We had no idea what was going on! I know I am a pretty good teacher, but this was way out of anything I've ever experienced.

The kids swarmed us with paper and pens, and insisted we give them our autographs. We just kinda went with it. As we signed, the photo shoot continued, one after another. I'm not too sure what the significance is of having my signature is- I doubt it can be sold for any money. Perhaps, they are just so proud to have had an opportunity to learn with us? I'll never really know.

What I can tell you, is that being a celebrity is exhausting. The first autograph is thrilling and you can't help but feel your head swell a tad-- but after 30 minutes of signing your name away... you just want to run.

School's Out for Summer

Today is the last day of regular classes around here. Summer Vacation officially begins tomorrow. It’s been quite a day, filled with a few tears. I’ve never really been very good with good-byes. These students have made a lasting impression, and I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to teach, guide and have fun with them. There are a few of my favorites that showered me with presents, cards and kisses. I really will miss them. They work so hard and have so much to give, if you open your heart and let them in.


For most of these students, the start of summer vacation isn’t much to talk about. Many of my students, continue to go to school even though they are on “vacation”. It’s basically a vacation from regular classes, and instead they get to go study somewhere else (YIPEE).

During the school year, my 13-15 year olds have school from 8:20- 4:20, they then rush off to another “hagwon” or academy where they will endure several more hours of instruction in the main subjects, such as, math, English, Science, Music. Their grueling schedule pains me. They sleep only a few hours a night, to get right back into the grind. They worry about their scores, and regular teenager fare.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to teach them about the World, that it is okay to laugh and of course have fun.
I will continue to pray that the Korean system changes it’s views on discipline and doctrine as these students have enough to deal with, without worrying about the looming threats of physical discipline. For god- sakes, they are only kids.

I’m looking forward to the next two weeks, where I will be spending my time at English Camp (essentially this is like our “day camps” back home except they are strictly educational). I’ll be teaching the wee ones, which in itself is an adventure! They are so cute, you just want to scoop them up!

Canada Day in Korea, Ehh!

Last week the foreigners were out and about celebrating their homelands. First came the Canadians, then the Americans. A local (Canadian owned) restaurant here in Daegu offered up some wonderful meals and deals to celebrate Canada Day. On the menu: poutine and ceaser specials.

You just don't realise how much you miss the comforts of good ol' canadian staples until their placed right there in front of your face. I may not have indulged in the poutine (although I really really wanted to) but I did have a few ceasers. Whoever invented clamato juice deserves a good slap on the back. Even American Amy says a ceaser beats a bloody mary any day! Canada 1- America 0.

We rocked out to the hip, and watched the Canada Hockey Game. There was even a little time for a quick game of darts.  Note the slew of red t-shirts in the background. One girl, came out with the Canadian flag shifted as a skirt. Now that's patriotism!

American Amy flying solo in purple. But she's started saying, "eh".

That counts for something!!

We celebrated our friends below beneath us on the weekend. Although there were no big parties to speak of, our friend Charles came up with a brilliant idea: bringing the fireworks to Busan!!

All in all, it was great celebration! It will be good to be back home next year, for the real deal, though!