As it so happens, I will be staying here in Korea through Sunday as planned. I'd thought about trying to go home early, but all the flights are booked.
I will stay in my current hotel in Ulsan two more nights and head to Seoul on Friday, and I'll stay in a yeogwan, a Korean-style hotel that is much cheaper than a regular western-style hotel. A friend in Seoul is going to help me make those reservations.
I plan on spending the next couple days doing day trips around the area. There are a couple temples I've yet to see, and of course there is the spa. Maybe I'll be able to see a couple people but it's not my priority.
More later - I promise!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Pusan
The weekend in Pusan was very busy, but the interviews I did on Sunday were as wonderful as those in Seoul. Thank you to the teachers for their candor, humor and willingness to share their personal stories!
I stayed with a Korean friend of a Korean friend. My hostess was Mrs. Ann, and she was truly gracious and lovely, as were her daughter, sister and mother. She showed me her office at the printing company she runs as president (print shops look and smell the same the world over, apparently), and she took me for sashimi (talk about fresh!) on Saturday. Sunday morning, before my interviews, she and her sis and mom and I all went to the sauna (hot mineral bath and sauna rooms) in her building. She lives in what we'd call a condo, on the 18th floor of a posh building overlooking Haeundae Beach. From her livingroom windows, one can see the beach, the sea, and the APEC (?) house - the place where the president of Korea meets with foreign dignitaries.
The bus ride to Pusan was fun, as I was on my own and I find that when I'm on my own here I enjoy myself the most. The feeling of independence and satisfaction at negotiating things like buying a ticket and getting on the right bus, and getting off at the right stop, sound pretty tame, I realize, but in a foreign land and a foriegn tongue, it can be quite the accomplishment!
During my last interview, or rather just as the 2nd one was ending and the 3rd interviewee was arriving, a vast storm front moved through. If you've watched CNN you know that 5 mountain climbers were hit by lightning around Seoul. This storm was massive, a cold front hitting what had been an intense heat that was scorching us for a week or so. The lightning was magnificent and terrifying to see/hear/feel as the front moved out to sea. Thankfully, though, the cooler air has stuck around and it's a truly refreshing change from the blast funace of the last week. However, I'm wondering how much of the thunder is caught on tape - certainly the lightning flashes are there. I joked with the teacher that the storm would give him a "mad scientist" sort of feel. Or at least, a "mad English teacher" he remarked.
Coming back to Ulsan, I stayed another night with my friend Suzie, then today we hit a cuople more shops (for specific items - the Buddhist store for incense, and a Mashimaro something or other for my husband). Finally we said a tearful goodbye and I realize again that what made Korea such a special expeience in the first place was the friendships I've made for a lifetime. I also said goodbye to my former boss, the director of Prolang's.
This evening I spent on my own, walking around the area and peeking into shops, buying some dinner for myself to nosh on in the hotel room, and generally wearing myself out. It's been a good day and I'm curious as to what tomorrow brings.
There is a chance I may be coming home early -- my friend Chang has a bit of an emergency situation with his students in China, so our travel plans are nixed. I am trying to catch an early flight home but this is Korea's busy travel season, as luck would have it, so my options are slim. Who knows, my next posting may be from home! We'll see. Keep your fingers crossed.
I stayed with a Korean friend of a Korean friend. My hostess was Mrs. Ann, and she was truly gracious and lovely, as were her daughter, sister and mother. She showed me her office at the printing company she runs as president (print shops look and smell the same the world over, apparently), and she took me for sashimi (talk about fresh!) on Saturday. Sunday morning, before my interviews, she and her sis and mom and I all went to the sauna (hot mineral bath and sauna rooms) in her building. She lives in what we'd call a condo, on the 18th floor of a posh building overlooking Haeundae Beach. From her livingroom windows, one can see the beach, the sea, and the APEC (?) house - the place where the president of Korea meets with foreign dignitaries.
The bus ride to Pusan was fun, as I was on my own and I find that when I'm on my own here I enjoy myself the most. The feeling of independence and satisfaction at negotiating things like buying a ticket and getting on the right bus, and getting off at the right stop, sound pretty tame, I realize, but in a foreign land and a foriegn tongue, it can be quite the accomplishment!
During my last interview, or rather just as the 2nd one was ending and the 3rd interviewee was arriving, a vast storm front moved through. If you've watched CNN you know that 5 mountain climbers were hit by lightning around Seoul. This storm was massive, a cold front hitting what had been an intense heat that was scorching us for a week or so. The lightning was magnificent and terrifying to see/hear/feel as the front moved out to sea. Thankfully, though, the cooler air has stuck around and it's a truly refreshing change from the blast funace of the last week. However, I'm wondering how much of the thunder is caught on tape - certainly the lightning flashes are there. I joked with the teacher that the storm would give him a "mad scientist" sort of feel. Or at least, a "mad English teacher" he remarked.
Coming back to Ulsan, I stayed another night with my friend Suzie, then today we hit a cuople more shops (for specific items - the Buddhist store for incense, and a Mashimaro something or other for my husband). Finally we said a tearful goodbye and I realize again that what made Korea such a special expeience in the first place was the friendships I've made for a lifetime. I also said goodbye to my former boss, the director of Prolang's.
This evening I spent on my own, walking around the area and peeking into shops, buying some dinner for myself to nosh on in the hotel room, and generally wearing myself out. It's been a good day and I'm curious as to what tomorrow brings.
There is a chance I may be coming home early -- my friend Chang has a bit of an emergency situation with his students in China, so our travel plans are nixed. I am trying to catch an early flight home but this is Korea's busy travel season, as luck would have it, so my options are slim. Who knows, my next posting may be from home! We'll see. Keep your fingers crossed.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday and Wednesday
The last couple days have been busy but wonderful. On Tuesday, my friend Suzie took me, her mom and a friend of her mom's to a Buddhist temple. This one overlooks the East Sea, near Pusan. The name is Woongongsa (rough transliteration). I'd been there once before, five years ago, but at that time I was in the throes of culture shock and wasn't able to enjoy it as well. This time I enjoyed myself, and although it was horribly hot and humid, it was very peaceful. As you know, I am Buddhist myself, so it was a treat to pray there at the shrine and light some incense.
On the way home, we stopped at a fish market, which is rather famous in that area, apparently. Mostly there was squid. Squid drying on metal racks everywhere. Yes, I took pictures, but they'll have to wait until I get home to load and put up here. Anyway, we also had a late lunch of cold noodles called naengmyon (myon meaning noodles) in a tiny little restaurant (with no aircon, much to my dismay). But the noodles are served in a broth of ice, and it really helped to cool down our bodies. I used the toilet there before we left, and I steeled myself for a nasty-smelling squat toilet, especially in a small restaurant in a fishing village. But surprise surprise, it was clean AND western! I said to Suzie afterward, "I've been in Korea 8 days and I have yet to see a squat toilet." She responded by saying that squats are a piece of history now. Later I learned that a couple years ago, the Korean government started a program for cleaning up the toilets of Korea.
Later that evening, I went to dinner with a good friend of mine - the Korean nurse who practically saved my life when I was here before and got sick with a bronchial infection and laryngitis. We had a lovely evening at a posh restaurant and then visited her home, which she is now renting out. She travels all over the world and has a very enlightened view of life, in my opinion. Very open minded and loves to live to the fullest. She's also so very generous, and clearly is well-liked by those in her community (we happened to run into a few people on our way to her home). I am happy to count Mrs. Byun in my circle of international friends. Oh, and she has helped me network into a place to stay in Pusan this weekend, since all the hotels are booked for the summer vacation season.
Yesterday I went into Ulsan, the city itself. I met a friend of mine, Tommy, and we started at the "old downtown" section, which has changed quite a bit, and also walked through the newer downtown area (all of which are places I used to haunt when I lived here). Finally we went to Ilsan beach, which is a very hopping area in the evening. Koreans like to have a good time, so there are many places to eat and drink, very informal, on the sand and around that area.
It was a great day in Ulsan. I saw so many new buildings and things that had changed - most notably a glass enclosure over the street of shops in old downtown, which makes it feel sort of like half mall-half street.
Next week I'll be staying in a Hotel in Ulsan when I get back from Pusan. I hope to have some time to collect my thoughts and write something more personal.
Today we're going to Suzie's mom's for lunch and I am meeting another Korean friend, Linda, for dinner. I'm hoping tomorrow Suzie and I will go to the beach. It is extremely hot outside these days and I'd love to cool off in the sea.
On the way home, we stopped at a fish market, which is rather famous in that area, apparently. Mostly there was squid. Squid drying on metal racks everywhere. Yes, I took pictures, but they'll have to wait until I get home to load and put up here. Anyway, we also had a late lunch of cold noodles called naengmyon (myon meaning noodles) in a tiny little restaurant (with no aircon, much to my dismay). But the noodles are served in a broth of ice, and it really helped to cool down our bodies. I used the toilet there before we left, and I steeled myself for a nasty-smelling squat toilet, especially in a small restaurant in a fishing village. But surprise surprise, it was clean AND western! I said to Suzie afterward, "I've been in Korea 8 days and I have yet to see a squat toilet." She responded by saying that squats are a piece of history now. Later I learned that a couple years ago, the Korean government started a program for cleaning up the toilets of Korea.
Later that evening, I went to dinner with a good friend of mine - the Korean nurse who practically saved my life when I was here before and got sick with a bronchial infection and laryngitis. We had a lovely evening at a posh restaurant and then visited her home, which she is now renting out. She travels all over the world and has a very enlightened view of life, in my opinion. Very open minded and loves to live to the fullest. She's also so very generous, and clearly is well-liked by those in her community (we happened to run into a few people on our way to her home). I am happy to count Mrs. Byun in my circle of international friends. Oh, and she has helped me network into a place to stay in Pusan this weekend, since all the hotels are booked for the summer vacation season.
Yesterday I went into Ulsan, the city itself. I met a friend of mine, Tommy, and we started at the "old downtown" section, which has changed quite a bit, and also walked through the newer downtown area (all of which are places I used to haunt when I lived here). Finally we went to Ilsan beach, which is a very hopping area in the evening. Koreans like to have a good time, so there are many places to eat and drink, very informal, on the sand and around that area.
It was a great day in Ulsan. I saw so many new buildings and things that had changed - most notably a glass enclosure over the street of shops in old downtown, which makes it feel sort of like half mall-half street.
Next week I'll be staying in a Hotel in Ulsan when I get back from Pusan. I hope to have some time to collect my thoughts and write something more personal.
Today we're going to Suzie's mom's for lunch and I am meeting another Korean friend, Linda, for dinner. I'm hoping tomorrow Suzie and I will go to the beach. It is extremely hot outside these days and I'd love to cool off in the sea.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Namchang and Prolangs
I arrived in Ulsan Sunday night after a decent 5 hour train ride from Seoul. My friend Suzie, Sujin Korean name, met me at the station and we came back to her apartment. We ate a snack of ramyon (which is similar to ramen only MUCH better than the crappy noodles American college students feast on at 3 a.m.) along with some of Suzie's mom's homemade morsels.
Yesterday I spent in the town I lived in for 8 months. Namchang is essentially a suburb of Ulsan, but it was initially a farming community. These days a lot of people live there and commute to Ulsan, which is a highly industrial city.
I arrived via bus and met one of the Korean teachers from the hakwan I used to teach for. The next 7 hours I spent at the hakwan, and I was quite the celebrity. IN fact, when I came up the stairs I was moved to tears when I saw the welcome board that boasted photos of all the foreign teachers who have worked at the school. There I was, and also there was the email I'd sent Jenny, the hakwan director, a few months ago. She'd never responded so I didn't know if she got the email, but there it was for all to see. There were little pink hearts drawn around my picture.
I was asked to pop into all the classes to say hi and let the kids ask me questions, and I even taught a reading book lesson to one of the really young classes. Their Korean teacher, Dean, was very impressed, apparently, though for me it was like nothing at all. The older kids weren't so easy to engage. They are more shy and afraid to speak English with a native speaker they don't know. But a few of them did open up. It's much easier with the little kids because you can "get to know them" by asking "What's your favorite color? What's your favorite animal? What's your favorite month?"
I was roped into a more advanced conversation class later in the day. Typical Korean hakwan style: I was informed that I would be doing thus-and-such in 20 minutes! And I don't even work there! Later on when I told Suzie about it she shook her head and said, "Did they pay you?" But I didn't mind. It was easy enough and I figured they should have an American perspective on the article, which was about the terror alert in America.
That article came from an English newspaper for kids, clearly written from a Western perspective. There was only one article pertaining to Korea, the rest was about the U.S. or heavily reflecting U.S. presence. For instance, there was a dialogue between two students discussing how to spend your money and why you should give to charity. Fine, except that the image of money used for the spread wasn't the Korean won, it was the U.S. dollar. All the images in the paper were of white people.
Unfortunately, I left that paper in the car last night when I got a ride back to Suzie's apartment. I will try to get another copy and perhaps use it as a graphic. We'll see.
The best part of yesterday was reuniting with my old students, the adult class I taught in the evenings. They were all so happy to see me and we went out for dinner (kalbi, of course). These guys were so kind to me when I first came to Korea, and we had many good and often humorous memories to share last night.
I'm hoping to return to Namchang again before I leave Korea. I'm sure I'll have a chance. Right now I need a shower and get my day on. Suzie made her delicious Chumchi Kimchi Chigae (tuna and kimchi soup) for breakfast, and the spiciness has opened every pore in my body!
Yesterday I spent in the town I lived in for 8 months. Namchang is essentially a suburb of Ulsan, but it was initially a farming community. These days a lot of people live there and commute to Ulsan, which is a highly industrial city.
I arrived via bus and met one of the Korean teachers from the hakwan I used to teach for. The next 7 hours I spent at the hakwan, and I was quite the celebrity. IN fact, when I came up the stairs I was moved to tears when I saw the welcome board that boasted photos of all the foreign teachers who have worked at the school. There I was, and also there was the email I'd sent Jenny, the hakwan director, a few months ago. She'd never responded so I didn't know if she got the email, but there it was for all to see. There were little pink hearts drawn around my picture.
I was asked to pop into all the classes to say hi and let the kids ask me questions, and I even taught a reading book lesson to one of the really young classes. Their Korean teacher, Dean, was very impressed, apparently, though for me it was like nothing at all. The older kids weren't so easy to engage. They are more shy and afraid to speak English with a native speaker they don't know. But a few of them did open up. It's much easier with the little kids because you can "get to know them" by asking "What's your favorite color? What's your favorite animal? What's your favorite month?"
I was roped into a more advanced conversation class later in the day. Typical Korean hakwan style: I was informed that I would be doing thus-and-such in 20 minutes! And I don't even work there! Later on when I told Suzie about it she shook her head and said, "Did they pay you?" But I didn't mind. It was easy enough and I figured they should have an American perspective on the article, which was about the terror alert in America.
That article came from an English newspaper for kids, clearly written from a Western perspective. There was only one article pertaining to Korea, the rest was about the U.S. or heavily reflecting U.S. presence. For instance, there was a dialogue between two students discussing how to spend your money and why you should give to charity. Fine, except that the image of money used for the spread wasn't the Korean won, it was the U.S. dollar. All the images in the paper were of white people.
Unfortunately, I left that paper in the car last night when I got a ride back to Suzie's apartment. I will try to get another copy and perhaps use it as a graphic. We'll see.
The best part of yesterday was reuniting with my old students, the adult class I taught in the evenings. They were all so happy to see me and we went out for dinner (kalbi, of course). These guys were so kind to me when I first came to Korea, and we had many good and often humorous memories to share last night.
I'm hoping to return to Namchang again before I leave Korea. I'm sure I'll have a chance. Right now I need a shower and get my day on. Suzie made her delicious Chumchi Kimchi Chigae (tuna and kimchi soup) for breakfast, and the spiciness has opened every pore in my body!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Fantastic Interviews
I've now done four of my seven Seoul interviews and I cannot express how pleased I am with the thoughtful, insightful responses my interviewees are providing. Truly, every one of the four guys I've talked to so far have eloquently articulated much of what's been rummaging around in my brain about being an ex-pat here in Korea.
I have one more interview today, then two tomorrow at 10 and 12. I am exhausted and will take a cat nap before the 5:00 interview and the dinner I've arranged for all the Seoul teachers to meet up (or as many as can make it).
I have one more interview today, then two tomorrow at 10 and 12. I am exhausted and will take a cat nap before the 5:00 interview and the dinner I've arranged for all the Seoul teachers to meet up (or as many as can make it).
Friday, July 20, 2007
Saturday's Thoughts
It's around 6:41 a.m. I've been up since 5:00. Today I will shoot three more interviews here at the apartment. I am rather relieved to be doing these interviews on my "own" turf as it were, rather than at the university, which is a bit of a schlepp from here when you're carrying bags of equipment.
Yesterday, both teachers I interviewed spoke about the feeling of freedom that comes with living in Korea. Here, you're outside the bounds of your own society, you're free to think and do without the burden of responsibility to the things that hold you in place back home. (The only common responsibility that no one can escape, it would seem, are student loans, which seem to be ubiquitous no matter the country of origin.) This freedom isn't about shirking responsibility - although certainly people come here looking for escape. It's about having the space to examine how you react to being in another culture, and taking away something about yourself from that. Learning about another culture, living aspects of that culture and language, create a new vantage point from which to see your own culture and your life. That theme was reiterated by both Eli and Noel yesterday.
Certainly, paying back student loans in an economy that allows you to do so without living like a monk is a huge draw, as are the plane ticket to get here and the free housing. The average "oegugin" (foreigner) who works here as an EFL teacher makes 2 - 2.3 million Korean won per month, which is around US$2000. That's a lot of money here, and most Korean managers don't make that much. The cost of living being what it is, it's very possible to pay students loans, save some cash, and still live well here.
Tomorow I will take a train to Ulsan in the afternoon, after my two last interviews in Seoul. From that point I'm not sure what my internet access will look like, so posts may come every couple of days. Please be patient if you don't see something new up every day. Oh, and also be assured that photos will go up when I return.
Yesterday, both teachers I interviewed spoke about the feeling of freedom that comes with living in Korea. Here, you're outside the bounds of your own society, you're free to think and do without the burden of responsibility to the things that hold you in place back home. (The only common responsibility that no one can escape, it would seem, are student loans, which seem to be ubiquitous no matter the country of origin.) This freedom isn't about shirking responsibility - although certainly people come here looking for escape. It's about having the space to examine how you react to being in another culture, and taking away something about yourself from that. Learning about another culture, living aspects of that culture and language, create a new vantage point from which to see your own culture and your life. That theme was reiterated by both Eli and Noel yesterday.
Certainly, paying back student loans in an economy that allows you to do so without living like a monk is a huge draw, as are the plane ticket to get here and the free housing. The average "oegugin" (foreigner) who works here as an EFL teacher makes 2 - 2.3 million Korean won per month, which is around US$2000. That's a lot of money here, and most Korean managers don't make that much. The cost of living being what it is, it's very possible to pay students loans, save some cash, and still live well here.
Tomorow I will take a train to Ulsan in the afternoon, after my two last interviews in Seoul. From that point I'm not sure what my internet access will look like, so posts may come every couple of days. Please be patient if you don't see something new up every day. Oh, and also be assured that photos will go up when I return.
First Day of Shooting
Today was quite busy with riding the subway and conducting my first two interviews at Hanyang Univ. I will not be conducting any other interviews at Hanyang Univ., however. For one thing, it's a huge campus that is exteremely steep and hilly (makes Cornell look like the Great Plains), and the space I shot in wasn't anything to write home about. It wasn't bad, but there was a lot of echo and background noise. But on the bright side, the light was good, and the subjects were both fantastic.
Tomorrow's 3 interviews will be held here in the place I'm staying. Lighting may be a problem, though. I'm not sure what I'll do for that but I'll figure it out I suppose.
This is far more challenging than I'd supposed it would be. Location, equipment and transportation have all conspired to make this a more difficult task than I'd anticipated. I feel badly for the teachers that have been waiting for me to tell them where we're doing the interviews. I know how much I detest last-minute arrangements, and here I am doing it myself, although the circumstances have been beyond my control (too much to get into). Long and short is that when I do this again I will have more immediate and definite control over these kinds of factors. Everyone has been as helpful and wonderful as possible, but in the end, only I am responsible for my film. No one else is. Lesson learned.
I am exhausted and need sleep. I will try to get more posted soon.
Tomorrow's 3 interviews will be held here in the place I'm staying. Lighting may be a problem, though. I'm not sure what I'll do for that but I'll figure it out I suppose.
This is far more challenging than I'd supposed it would be. Location, equipment and transportation have all conspired to make this a more difficult task than I'd anticipated. I feel badly for the teachers that have been waiting for me to tell them where we're doing the interviews. I know how much I detest last-minute arrangements, and here I am doing it myself, although the circumstances have been beyond my control (too much to get into). Long and short is that when I do this again I will have more immediate and definite control over these kinds of factors. Everyone has been as helpful and wonderful as possible, but in the end, only I am responsible for my film. No one else is. Lesson learned.
I am exhausted and need sleep. I will try to get more posted soon.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Blog Update
I've changed the date stamp to Korea time, so you can see when I posted here. To calculate the difference, you can add 13 hours to Eastern Standard Time. For instance, now it's 9:42 Thursday morning here, which makes it 8:42 p.m. on Wednesday on the East Coast of the U.S.
The Eagle Has Landed
It's a rainy morning in Seoul, S. Korea. My plane got in at 6:15 last night, 45 minutes delayed from an extra security check at JFK, and a hold up on the runway there. Chang and Jihae (the kind woman who's putting me up in Seoul, who's also a Fulbright junior researcher) met me at the airport. I exchanged my U.S. bills and traveler's cheques for Korean won, and also got a mobile phone rental. We stopped for dinner on the way to Jihae's apartment - my first real kalbi dinner in 4 years, complete with soju. The soju helped me to get to sleep at a decent hour so I could get a full 8 hours sleep. I was up at my normal time this morning, around 7 a.m.
I've spent the morning doing receipts, organizing my stuff, contacting my teachers and chatting online with my husband. I will hopefully be getting an umbrella today! Will ask to check out the area at Hanyang Univ where I'll be conducting at least two of the interviews tomorrow.
It feels really good to be back. To be honest, I wasn't sure if it was going to be weird or not. I was actually stressing a a little bit about the fact that I wasn't filled with the rampant expectation and delight and even excitement that one would think I'd have leading up to the trip. But now that I'm here, it feels good and I know that it's going to be a very productive and relaxing trip. I am looking forward to seeing my old friends in Ulsan next week as well as shooting interviews and B-Roll.
I had thought that I would feel much like an outsider - not just outside Korean society, but also outside the community of ex-pats. But that worry has vanished - it feels like a 2nd skin here. I have made the transition back into "life in Korea" so very easily. At least, that's what I feel at this moment. Could change, y'know.
But what I really need right now is another cup of coffee (instant with sugar and powdered creamer all mixed in a little package together) and a shower.
I've spent the morning doing receipts, organizing my stuff, contacting my teachers and chatting online with my husband. I will hopefully be getting an umbrella today! Will ask to check out the area at Hanyang Univ where I'll be conducting at least two of the interviews tomorrow.
It feels really good to be back. To be honest, I wasn't sure if it was going to be weird or not. I was actually stressing a a little bit about the fact that I wasn't filled with the rampant expectation and delight and even excitement that one would think I'd have leading up to the trip. But now that I'm here, it feels good and I know that it's going to be a very productive and relaxing trip. I am looking forward to seeing my old friends in Ulsan next week as well as shooting interviews and B-Roll.
I had thought that I would feel much like an outsider - not just outside Korean society, but also outside the community of ex-pats. But that worry has vanished - it feels like a 2nd skin here. I have made the transition back into "life in Korea" so very easily. At least, that's what I feel at this moment. Could change, y'know.
But what I really need right now is another cup of coffee (instant with sugar and powdered creamer all mixed in a little package together) and a shower.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Last Lap
In two days I'm heading to NYC in a bus to begin the journey that will result in my documentary about life as an ex-pat EFL teacher in Korea.
I have been exceedingly busy this entire week, as you may well imagine. So many details to manage, both for the trip, and for holding down the fort while I'm away. Thankfully, I did a lot of work weeks ago, so although I'm busy, I'm not crazy out of my mind with last-minute stuff. (Pat on the back for that one, E!).
I'm putting up a link for Korea.net, and one particularly for the weather. This weekend a typhoon is moving in off the coast of Japan, so it'll be very rainy in Korea. However, that should mostly be passed through by the time I arrive on the 18th. I'm realizing that I don't really have a rainjacket of any kind, and June/July IS the rainy season (with mild temps), followed by hot and humid August. I think I may wait and buy my raingear there. It'll be easy to find and much cheaper than here. I'd like to get one with Mashimaro on it!
I am very proud of my packing job. I've only got a small-ish piece of baggage, and it's packed tightly with everything (Tripod, clothes, gifts, a couple books, shoes). Hopefully it doesn't weight over 50 lbs. Wish I had a scale at home! My carry-on is packed lightly and functionally. I rock!
I'm excited, of course, but nervous. Who wouldn't be?
I have been exceedingly busy this entire week, as you may well imagine. So many details to manage, both for the trip, and for holding down the fort while I'm away. Thankfully, I did a lot of work weeks ago, so although I'm busy, I'm not crazy out of my mind with last-minute stuff. (Pat on the back for that one, E!).
I'm putting up a link for Korea.net, and one particularly for the weather. This weekend a typhoon is moving in off the coast of Japan, so it'll be very rainy in Korea. However, that should mostly be passed through by the time I arrive on the 18th. I'm realizing that I don't really have a rainjacket of any kind, and June/July IS the rainy season (with mild temps), followed by hot and humid August. I think I may wait and buy my raingear there. It'll be easy to find and much cheaper than here. I'd like to get one with Mashimaro on it!
I am very proud of my packing job. I've only got a small-ish piece of baggage, and it's packed tightly with everything (Tripod, clothes, gifts, a couple books, shoes). Hopefully it doesn't weight over 50 lbs. Wish I had a scale at home! My carry-on is packed lightly and functionally. I rock!
I'm excited, of course, but nervous. Who wouldn't be?
Monday, July 9, 2007
Tapes
I received the miniDV tapes from TapeResources.com today, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a little bag of M&Ms in the box with my order! For anyone who needs to buy tapes, DVDs or other media, give them a holler.
One Week
It's hard to believe I leave a week from today!
Thanks to these contributors, who are helping to pay for tapes, batteries, adaptor plugs, and food/accommodation:
Nancy Russell
Bill and Dee Haflett
Tim Shaw and Leigh Rader
This week I'll be confirming plans, packing, working on the script, and updating the budget and other proposal materials.
Thanks to these contributors, who are helping to pay for tapes, batteries, adaptor plugs, and food/accommodation:
Nancy Russell
Bill and Dee Haflett
Tim Shaw and Leigh Rader
This week I'll be confirming plans, packing, working on the script, and updating the budget and other proposal materials.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Bad Timing
I received a call from my recruiter friend last night. He's running a very short-term camp from July 25 - 28 and he's asked me to teach. It would be about $350, which isn't shabby for 3.5 days' work, plus room and board. It's in Seoul, though, which sort of gums up my current itinerary to be in Ulsan from the 22 - 28 and then Pusan for the 29. I think I had better stick to my original plan because I have a bunch of people to see in Ulsan and I've already made my rooming arrangements there. Too bad I didn't know about this a couple of weeks ago!
My mother is home from the hospital now and doing better, so it's a little easier to refocus on my film project.
My mother is home from the hospital now and doing better, so it's a little easier to refocus on my film project.
Monday, July 2, 2007
T-Minus 2 Weeks
All is in as much readiness as can be expected. Yesterday I ordered the miniDV tapes from www. tapesdirect.com ($88 for 20 professional grade tapes), and I have also purchased a small but adequately roomy camera bag. I'm already picked out most of my wardrobe, which just needs to be washed and folded to pack.
The best news is that I have found a great place to stay. Or rather, Chang has found it for me. He knows a Fulbright Scholar who is willing to let me stay with her for the few nights I have in Seoul. That will save me a bundle of money, and it'll be nice to have someone around who knows the city pretty well.
On a more personal note, I haven't been very attentive to matters here as my mother went into the hospital last week. But she is doing better and coming home tomorrow. I have assurances from my husband and other friends that she will be looked after while I'm in Korea, which is a relief.
The best news is that I have found a great place to stay. Or rather, Chang has found it for me. He knows a Fulbright Scholar who is willing to let me stay with her for the few nights I have in Seoul. That will save me a bundle of money, and it'll be nice to have someone around who knows the city pretty well.
On a more personal note, I haven't been very attentive to matters here as my mother went into the hospital last week. But she is doing better and coming home tomorrow. I have assurances from my husband and other friends that she will be looked after while I'm in Korea, which is a relief.
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