From the Park to the Forest

As comfortable as I've been getting used to Korea, I am starting to realize that my time here is rapidly coming to an end. Before I know it, I'll be packing my bags and running towards my family at the airport. With this thought, I've been trying to take in as much of Korea as I can. I am trying to have at least one Korean adventure every weekend. Luckily with school, I get to go on some pretty awesome field trips. Even though the words "field trip" at school are associated with stress, screaming children, puking children, and long bus rides. Still, they can be quite enjoyable!

The last field trip we went on was to the Children's Grand Park near Gangnam. The bus ride wasn't too long and I kept my sanity by sitting next to my favorite little guy named Eric :) I've nicknamed him "My Little Prince." We arrived at the park and it was packed with other schools, but I was able to take my students around a folk village and zoo. The animals were from all over the world and they were very active as well. The kids had so much fun! Despite the fact that it was very hot, we were able to find a nice shaded area for lunch. After lunch, the foreign teachers had to leave to go teach elementary, but the time at the park was very special.

Two weekends ago, I went to the Forest Research Institute near Seoul. It was an amazing arboretum filled with over 2300 species of plants. It doesn't sound that cool, but being there was very nice to see. There was also a museum with different types of trees, herbs, and grains that are grown in Korea. The best part about this adventure was realizing how different the world is. Not only in terms of culture, but agriculture as well. Again, it was a very hot day, but that is becoming a common occurrence now that summer has hit!

Today, I went to Yangju, which is only four subway stops from me. My plan was to find Jangheung Art Park. This has been only list of things to see for months now. When I got to Yangju, there was no map (like there usually is at the stations). There was a pamphlet that told about all the places to see in Yangju, but no directions on how to get there. I found a bus stop and decided to just get on the bus and see where that takes me. Well, the bus took me on 40 minute ride, with no sign of any tourist attraction. The bus driver asked me where I was going and I just shook my head and said back to the station. He laughed at me and stopped at a convienence store. He said that I would be back at the station after his lunch break. I went into the store, bought a water, played with the store owners puppy :), and got back on the bus. I returned to the station and went home. It was a failed adventure and only on my way back to the station did I realize that the art park was in the other direction from where I started. Epic Fail!

As far as my social life in Korea is concerned, the number of teachers who leave before I do is dwindling down. Only two more! One at the end of June, the other at the end of July, and then me. I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! I'm so sad to leave this place because I have created such an amazing life, with amazing people, but the happy thought is that I get to come home and see my family and all my wonderful friends. My hope is to return to Korea, and continue and improve the relationships I have started here, not only with people, but with the country itself.

My birthday is next weekend, and I plan on a big celebration in Seoul with my best chingus! Hope all is well in Michigan! Much love! Love, Mal


My students at the Children's Grand Park


Outside of the Forest Research Institute