Sketches from past days

It's been some time since I wrote anything of substance on here. Things have been busy with vacation and various visits from family and friends. I've got a few stories, but this one in particular stood out.

A half-cut, water-bottle vase
I was recently given a little assortment of roses.
The circumstances in which I acquired the flowers is not really relevant to the story, so I will omit those details.

The story is more of a moment of adult-ness for which I was unprepared. I received the gift rather unexpectedly, reflexively left them on the counter. I really didn't think much of them, other than "hey, cool. I've never gotten flowers before". After a while I began to feel guilty that they had been living horizontally when, as everyone knows, they prefer a more vertical orientation. I thought, 'they need a vase'.

I was then gripped by a battery of realizations...

• I don't own a vase.
• I don't know where the best place to buy a vase is.
• I can't remember if the shape has anything to do with anything.
• I don't know if regular water goes into the vase or if there's some kind of secret vase-water, that I've just never known about.
• I'm not sure if you're supposed to do anything to the flowers before placing them into the vase.
• I don't know whether puter or blown glass will coordinate better with the green-ish colour scheem I've tried to maintain in my room.

My mind was reeling, but calmed by a sudden flash of insight: perhaps an empty box of strawberry Frosted Flakes could be the happy home. Inspired mainly by those little portable cereals where the milk is poured into the cross-sectioned bag, I emptied the box. However, I decided not to because I thought it might look a bit silly.

The search resumed, and I attempted a number of vase-shaped containers but nothing seemed adult enough.
I finally settled on a Mason jar, and I think the arrangement looked quite nice.

Anyways, the point of the story (other than the obvious and almost excessive manliness I have managed to gather in the last 7 months) is to know how to deal with the complexities of adult life. To conclude, Mason jars are a wonderful go-to vase (second only to a vase). Also, you use the same water as from the tap.

Sidenote** Japan was wicked fun and it was lovely to see the family. I just didn't write a long note about it because I used all my creative juices to write about a vase, and I have sadly run out of said juices. Perhaps I will be rejuvinated mid-week to adequately describe that and other noteworthy experiences of the last few months.

until then.

Interview Tips and Things to Bring to Korea

This is more of a post for people who are coming to Korea to teach. I've had lots of people ask for some things to think about when figuring out a contract, yadda, yadda, and it's hard to find.
Here it goes.

before an interview, these are some things to consider...

-I opted for a large-ish foreign staff ( I have 7 and it's a good number) and I think it's a good situation

- You shouldn't settle for a job for less than 2.1 mil. Won. That's a standard wage for an unqualified, unexperienced teacher.

- Your school should offer a curriculum, and you should have text books. Some prep time is expected, but many schools have a structured curriculum. Some don't, so make sure you know what they expect from you

- Flight and living will be covered, that's standard.

- It's nice to have your apartment walking distance from a subway. I'd even fish for a place in Seoul or Pusan (as close to the centre is better) anywhere near Jongno, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, Itaewon is downtown Seoul. I'm about 40 mins outside by subway and it's a little far sometimes. There are lots of jobs in the city, and lots outside. Just depends what you want.

- Vacation should be the various holidays, maybe a week in July, and a week or so at Christmas. It varies depending on the school and I would make sure there is nothing on the weekends.

- Working 40 hours a week is a bit much (relatively speaking). Lots of schools don't make you do that. Mine does and it is tough some days. Make sure they factor in your prep time to the days so you have breaks throughout the day

- Ask how overtime is paid, it varies from school to school but it's important you're not getting screwed on that.

- Ask about dress-code. Some schools like ties and collared shirts, some like sandals and cargo shorts. Nice to know what to expect, especially when packing.

- Apartments can be a single, mine is but I know of some shared accomodations. It's your preference. And it should have the essentials, washing machine, gas range (no oven) maybe sheets. that kind of thing.


If you're already coming, here are other things you may want to know..

-You should bring any kind of foot wear (dress, athletic, sandal, etc.) if your feet are large. It's my understanding that it's difficult to find anything over a size 10 American mens. Women sizes are also hard to find if your feet are larger than average ( I think).

- There are Costco stores all around Seoul, if you need an American product, that's a pretty reliable source.

- Fitted sheets are hard to find, as are large sized towels. I brought both of mine from home.

- Many personal hygene products can be hard to find as well, if you have any particular preference to a brand bring a healthy supply (deodarant, toothpaste, or anything else). Clothing stores are in abundance and can be cheap, but larger sizes can be hard to come by. Major labels can be found here, but if it's not Korean it's usually more expensive.

- Level of enjoyment- It's been fine. The days can be long, but it's manageable. Like any job there have been highs and lows and all that stuff, but I'm generally satisfied with the job. If you're willing to do what the parents ask (within reason, of course) then you'll have no problems.

- Get a contact of someone at the school you're signing with, it's usually the best way to get a feel for the environment.

- The best advice I can give you is to be open to the differences that are here. Compared to Canada, Korea is a very different place to live and there are many of subtle things that take some getting used to. The situation is weird at first, but perfectly livable. I like being here, and I've made tons of good friends and had some wonderful experiences.

- Bring a laptop, your cell phone will probably not work here, its often cheaper to eat out than to cook at home, take things seriously, but not too seriously and you'll have a good time.