The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver are in full swing and for the first time in my life, I’m keeping up with them. As much as I hate to admit it, however, I couldn’t tell you a single thing about any of my own country’s athletes. Sure, I’ve picked up on a name here and …
Not long ago, I was instructed to create some writing and communication lessons for our ESL classes. Wanting to spice things up a bit, I focused them on fun topics like tabloids and celebrities. My favorite, however, was the lesson on superstitions. Step on a crack and you’ll break your mother’s back. Break a mirror …
A few weeks ago, I was invited to attend my second Korean wedding. My co-worker, Angela, made a beautiful bride and she and her new husband are as cute as they can be. A Korean friend and I were chatting about how nice the wedding service was when she turned to me and stated that …
The sixth grade is a difficult time for any kid, but especially challenging when you’ve got pale skin. Not only are you stared at when learning about albinos in science class, but you usually end up being the butt of many jokes. I’ll never forget one boy, who shall remain nameless, started calling me “Casper, …
…where you’re walking naked down the street, and everyone just stares? In America, the whole being in front of a crowd in your underwear- or even naked- situation would definitely rank in the nightmare classification of dreams. In Korea, however, public nakedness is not only a reality, it’s a lifestyle. Jimjilbangs, or public bath houses, …
Of the many things I’ve been learning during my time here in Korea, adaptability ranks at the top. I’ve adapted quite well to many things, with the weather being one of them. I had been told by many that Korean winters are harsh and unbearable and that I would no doubt be cooped up in …
Since I’ve been in Korea, I’ve managed to keep up with celebrity gossip. I don’t intentionally seek out such news, but since my arrival in Seoul, I’ve watched Leno and Letterman on a daily basis, thus making it hard to keep my celebrity obsession at bay. During one of my lunch breaks recently, I was …
Growing up, I heard horror story after horror story from my mother about her teaching profession and all the problems that went along with it. Overall, I think she cherished her experiences as a teacher, but there were some things that came with the job that would make even the sanest person a bit mad. …
This time of the year is most definitely my favorite. The cooler weather, the leaves changing colors, football games taking place, and fall fashions are a few of the reasons for my loving it so much. Still, the thing that I like most about this time of year are the multitude of holidays that take …
A helmet-less child and a middle aged man ride up the hill that I’m descending. Their motorcycle suddenly stops in front of me, just next to a closed doorway and the little boy, no older than six, demounts the rumbling bike. The boy bows toward the man. “Kamsa hamneeda,” he thanks his elder before turning …