Ch'i-kwa
After many glowing reviews, I finally faced my fears and visited the big D. The clean, modern dental office with flat screen TVs in every exam chair helped to calm my nerves. However, it took some guess work to determine the purpose of my visit. Apparently "scaling" means cleaning. The hygenist was nice enough, but the dentist was my main fear. More specifically, the news the dentist might bear.
Through his medical school English, my dentist was kind enough to gently tell me, "you have a problem." Uhh... ok. I've heard this many times before in the exam chair. What's the damage? Not one, or two, or even four. Seven cavities. I figured with all the sugar being fed to me by the kids I may have a couple, but SEVEN! He proceeded to explain he wanted to take x-rays and then discuss treatment. Or, as he referred to it, "the feature presentation."
The digital x-rays took about a minute whereupon I was taken to a small office with only one exam chair. They had me open wide, took some pictures with a toothbrush sized camera and then booted up the computer for my viewing pleasure. I didn't need to see the cavities, I trusted they were actually there. He then laid out my treatment options and sent me home to "think it over." My main thought was 'ulma-a-o' (how much is it?). Thankfully, with my National Health Insurance, nice and new white fillings were priced at $10 each.
Over the course of two more visits I had all seven cavities treated. The cost for cleaning, x-rays and seven fillings? Less than $100! I must say I was quite fond of my new dentist until the last visit. It seems that one tooth is in poor condition and is in need of a root canal. However, root canal treatment takes at least four treatments over the course of a month. I don't have time left for that, although the $50 price tag is appealing. Instead I'll brave the second opinion of an American dentist and the inflated price of $700-1,200. OUCH.
My advice... If you are ever in Korea and covered by their National Health Insurance, go to the ch'i-kwa! For now, I have to field the children's questions; "Teacher, do you brush your teeth?", "Do you eat many candies?" Yes and no. I guess all I can do is increase vitamin intake.
I Think I'm Turning Japanese
I thought I knew trendy, and then there was Tokyo. The city itself I found to be modern in every sense. Not only in technology and effiency, but also in the attitudes of its residents. Living in Korea for 11 months, it was difficult not to compare everything. In short, Japan is cleaner, more westernized and way more expensive - yet not English friendly like Korea.
Upon arrival, we were wisked away by train to our friend's enviable apartment. So clean, so modern! Our accomodation included futons on tatami mats and air con. A huge thank you to Hisa and Kaz. They soon took us out for dinner in Shibuya where we met a couple of Kaz's friends, drank plenty of Japanese beer and sampled the deliciously healthy food. Kampai! After we had our fill, we landed at a karaoke bar. Same as Korea, yet cleaner and less English options.
The next day we headed back to Shibuya to check out the high-tech shopping. I scored a super cool iPod case which was oddly inexpensive. We then walked through Shinjuku to check out the super trendy shopping and the people doing the shopping. Unlike Koreans, the Japanese seems to be obsessed with their own 'personal style.' It was incredibly refreshing to see after months in the land of homogenity. After gauking, we found our way to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office building. The two huge towers offer two free observation floors (one in each tower). Quite the view. Dinner was the highlight of the day. A proper sushi bar with a rotating train of sushi. We had to wait 20 minutes just to get in the door, but it was definetly worth the wait. By far the best I've had.
Our second day of sight seeing was jam-packed and sans Kaz. With Hisa as our guide, we signed up for a bus tour. The ride took us past Tokyo Tower and to a Shinto Temple. Here we learned how to purify ourselves the Shinto way, had a quick wander around and just enough time to buy ourselves some charms. Don't open them, or the magic escapes. Our second stop was the Imperial Palace. This is the home of the Emperor and Empress. Thus, commoners are not allowed inside. Normally, you can visit one of the gardens, but alas, it was Monday so all we saw was the gate. The next drive by was of the Diet Building (Japanese Parliment). The first western style building in Japan to be almost completely built with Japanese products. Our last stop on the tour was Asakusa Temple. This was a Buddhist temple - ahhh something familiar. Here we drew our fortunes. Lucky me, I pulled a GOOD FORTUNE. "Time passing by, everything turns out better, just like the sun shines all day long." The highlight of this temple was the large market selling everything a tourist could hope and dream of.
End of day two? Oh no... after the bus tour, we got the Hisa tour. We walked over to a famous Kabuki Theater (Japanese Opera). Here I was surprised to learn that all the actors are male. After another brief walk, we took a ferry ride to some reclaimed land where lives a replica of the Statue of Liberty... and also a mall. Our main attraction to the shopping center was the huge arcade which also had dozens of photo sticker booths. Confused by no English instructions, it was both entertaining and frustrating. We ended our exhausting day of sight-seeing with some Japanese Dominos pizza (and beer).
Day three was the highlight for me. We awoke early to have an American breakfast at Denny's and to see Kaz off to work. After a brief nap, it was time for my haircut! Kaz was nice enough to book the appointment under the name Maria (also a Japanese name) so they wouldn't know I was a foreigner and give me a crap stylist. There was a long consultation and the stylist looked a little stressed, but with Hisa as my translator I got a wicked haircut. And discounted. The next stop of the day was a Japanese spa. This was something I wasn't much looking forward too. I am stared at enough in Korea when I'm fully clothed, so I wasn't very interested in being the naked foreigner. However, I pressed on. We disrobed in the locker room and made our way to the baths holding the small towel modestly in front of us. First off, you have to sit on a little stool and shower. Only then are you ready for the baths. This includes baths with different temperatures, inside/outside baths and even fizzy baths. It was incredibly relaxing and much to my surprise, no staring. I nearly forgot we were in Tokyo.
The last night I cooked up some buffalo wings for dinner at Kaz's parents house. Despite the language barrier we had a great final night and learned the Japanese perspective on the great Korea/Japan divide. All in all, quite possibly the best vacation ever. Perhaps because it was the most deserved.
Typhoon Ewiniar
Last week Monday, someone forgot to tell the waygooks about the TYPHOON. We awoke to howling winds and, as one would expect, RAIN. Yes, it's rainy season and has rained to various extents for the past three weeks, but not to where the trees were horizontal. Not knowing what else to do, we phoned the only English speaking taxi we knew (sorry Mr. Koh for the wake up call) and made our way to ECC despite the mini-rivers developing on the sides of the roads. Everything was normal upon arrival, but shortly after the Korean teachers were called away and returned smiling. That could only mean one thing... SCHOOL IS CANCELLED! Little did we know at the time, we now have to make it up on SATURDAY. Who heard of making up classes on a SATURDAY?? I'm a little angry.
Looking forward to more typhoons to come, I've created a playlist dedicated to rain and its season.
It Always Rains On A Picnic - Modest Mouse
Dry the Rain - The Beta Band
Have You Ever Seen The Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Why Does It Always Rain On Me? - Travis
And It Rained All Night - Thom Yorke
I'm Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage
Summer Rain - Belinda Carlisle
Blame It On The Rain - Milli Vanilli
July - Low
Rainfall - The Vines
Rain On Tin - Sonic Youth
Rain City - Turin Brakes
On Assignment
It's a shame Korea exited the World Cup early. Twas a great distraction. Even the five year olds were awoken at 4am to catch the games. Not one couldn't provide a full recreation of any great moment, or foul against Korea. Instead of receiving an X for bad behavior we switched to yellow and red cards. "Teacher, red card is go out." Damn straight it is.
Most girls don't play sports or have any interest in anything sports related. Except during the world cup. After Korea's defeat against the Swiss one student admitted how she cried (at 5:30am) and phoned FIFA to complain about the "very bad referee." Other girls aren't so interested in the playing, rather the players. My oldest class gave me the assignment of deciding which players I found the most handsome on the Korean team. Here goes.
Ahn Jung Hwan, you are the winner purely for your perfectly permed hair. I hear you like to kiss your wedding ring after scoring a goal. I know you're married to some Miss Korea, but I could never live with that lie.
Lee Chun Young, nicknamed 'grandfather' by all the kids for his current fluffy silver hair. You can't tell from this picture, but he does have dimples. Ok, I can't really justify this choice.
Park Chu Young, you've made the list simply because you look the most like a stereotypical western jock. Ehhh... maybe after gaining a few more kilos. Still, he looks like he's 'on' something.
Park Ji Sung, what can I say? Manchester United and 13 year old Korean girls may think you're hot, but I think not.
Keeping with my hair obsession, I'd like to give a couple awards. First, goes to Portugal for the greasiest hair. Second, I'd like to nominate Czech Republic for the most blonde highlights. Last, I'd like to recognize Mr. Colbert for the best trash talking off the field. He may not have great hair, but he's got the verbal skills to make up for it. Here's the video link to prove it. http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_colbert_report/videos/season_2/index.jhtml?playVideo=70932 It's better than whatever that Italian guy said to that French guy.
Teacher, you look like Dakota Fanning.
Apparently I look like a 10 year old.
I've been a little slack on the updates, but HEY - that's due to leading a full and successful life. For both May and June I've been shafted with Saturday duties AGAIN. This time, however, the students are great which makes teaching easy and enjoyable. Also, due to the recent health developments, I've joined a gym and am pumped up!
TAE-HAN-MIN-GUK! World Cup 2006 has begun and so has Korea's fierce nationalistic pride in their team. Not a day goes by where I don't see someone sporting the official red jersey or devil ears. You can't watch TV without seeing video clips of the 2002 games usually followed by the word AGAIN. It's great to be in a country that has so much pride in their team even if their English skills are lacking in their advertisements. *wink-wink* (get it America?) I'm looking forward to watching South Korea's first game against Togo outside in Changwon plaza. KO-RE-A! I'll be the white girl in the red Korea jersey.
Besides working Saturdays, working out and staying up late to watch World Cup games, I've also been making an attempt at planning my last few trips before the journey home. Airfare is booked for Tokyo, Thailand and home. Expect to see me states side after September 28th.
How to enjoy Gyeongju
My parents did visit mid-May and we made the journey to the cultural capital of Korea, Gyeongju. Once the capital of the ancient Silla Dynasty from 57BC to 953AD, Gyeongju has now been coined a "museum without walls." And that it is... boasting several World Heritage sites.
Hopping off the bus we quickly found a hotel and a place to rent bicycles all within walking distance. Ahh... the convenience of a small city. Map in hand, we biked to Daereungwon Tomb Park. The massive burial mounds resemble rolling green hills. However, unlike the pyramids in Egypt, these Silla tombs cannot be excavated without completely being destroyed. Therefore, visitors are only allowed a peak inside one.
We then made our way to one of the most famous sites in Gyeongju, the Cheomseongdae Observatory. It's all the kids talk about. It's really old and uhhh... scientifically beautiful.
Our next stop was Gyrim Forest. One of the coolest, Asian looking tree dwellings I've ever seen. It's even complete with a creepy story about a boy in a gold box and a rooster. Sadly, my pictures don't do it justice.
After biking through the park we headed to Anapji Pond. It was man made during the Silla Dynasty to look like a wide sea. They had such advanced technoloy even in the year 600 that they developed a filter for the water to made it clear. How well it worked, I don't know. Thesedays it's looking quite dingy. Following that, our self-guided tour of Gyeongju ended on day one with a peak inside the Gyeongju National Museum. The main attractions there are a really big, old bell and gold crowns adorned with comma shaped rocks.
For day two we journeyed outside the city to Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. Set atop a large hill, Bulguksa Temple is one of the most famous temples in Korea. It's easy to see why once you're up there. The peaceful atmosphere and impressive architecture is often spoiled by massive crowd. So, we arrived early as recommended. The most famous site at this temple area is a large pagoda. All the useless 50w coins are stamped with its image.
From Bulguksa it's an easy bus ride up to the grotto. Even further a top the mountain is a sanctuary carved into the mountain orininally intended for Buddhists to pray during the winter. Nowadays, it's a tourist trap filled with mountain trails and a line to peak into the grotto where a large Buddha statue sits in the middle. You can't actually go inside or take pictures... so... it was totally worth the walk by. After your brief spiritual experience you can purchase a roof tile for $10 and write a prayer or wish in your language of choice.
All in all, Gyeongju was well worth the trip. Although the majority of the historical sites were wasted on a waygook, such as myself, the city itself is peaceful and relaxing. The city has managed to keep out most of the large apartment complexes for traditional style houses. Many of the historical sites, such as the burial mound parks, are beautiful places to visit just for a picnic. More of my Gyeongju pictures are already up on my photo page (link to the right).
Up the Nose!
For some reason, my mid-month illness has come a tad early. I was struck yesterday by a case of acute laryngitis. Meaning I can hardly talk. The best part of all this is that I racked up another hospital visit in less than a month.
I arrived at work Tuesday morning contemplating my condition. My entire body hurt AND I could barely speak. After much encouragement, I finally broke down and went to Seoul E.N.T. Hospital right here in Changwon, accompanied by none other than K.J. I knew something was up the moment I saw the exam room. There was no door. Why are there so many dental looking instruments? Why is that woman making that noise? What the hell is he doing to her? I'll admit, I've never been to a specialized ear, nose and throat doctor. I'm not sure that my condition required it.
He asked about my symptoms, typed them into a computer. Looked at it. Then, he shoved a camera half way down my throat. Ah, ok. What about a tongue depressor and a cotton swab? He then said he thought my voice had 'changed'. So, he told me he wanted to look at my vocal cords. Not knowing what that entailed, I agreed. What exactly that entailed was him shoving two pieces of cloth, soaked in pain killers up my nose. I protested at first, until he told me he HAD to do it. After removing the cloth, a very long camera was carefully placed up my nose and down my throat. WHY? Is there anything wrong with my vocal cords? NO! Was this torture necessary? NO!
I left the exam room with the diagnosis of acute laryngitis, told to drink 10 glasses of water a day, taken to a nebulizer for three minutes, paid my $3 and left the hospital. At the pharmacy, I picked up my three day prescription consisting of 18 pills a day. Three doses a day. What do these pills consist of? One is an antibiotic, one is anti-inflammatory, one is a sedative, one is a pain killer and after that I'm lost. I'm pretty sure the others contain some kind of energizing mood lifter because I've never been happier while sick.
