The Beginning of a Long and Joyous Journey
Trip Start
Mar 27, 2009
1
11
Trip End
Ongoing
Kongdani-dong,
North Gyeongsang,
Korea Rep.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
It has been a long time since I've last talked to many of you. I have tried my best to keep in touch with most of you. However, with the new surroundings and fast paced Korean lifestyle I've come to the conclusion that I have failed miserably. I figured the easiest way to keep in touch with all of you is through this travel blog. (If you would like to be removed from the contact list, please inform me and I will do so). I have created this blog as a way for me to keep you updated and share my teaching/traveling experiences throughout Asia. Do no feel pressured to respond to each blog.
As most of you know I have been in Gumi, South Korea for about 2 months now. (Time is certainly flying by). Gumi is a "smaller" city with approximately 400, 000 residents and surrounded by mountains
Hiking Geumo Mt
. When I walk outside my apartment I can make a 360 degree turn and see nothing but mountains. I guess this is true for most of Korea. I was told by one of my cooperating teacher's (sing sang nim, Korean) that 70% of Korea is mountainous. I think I came to the right country! I have had the luxury of climbing to the top of 4 mountains with another one scheduled this weekend. During the weekdays I usually teach from 9-5 and sometimes later depending on the class schedules. I will say this: I have a lot of respect for the students and teachers. Their school day (Mon-Fri) starts at 0715hr and goes until 2030hr. Every other Saturday they attend school from 0730hr to 1300hr and luckily I do not have to teach on any weekends unless I volunteer. Those days are going to be far and few. Most students also attend private academies for approximately 20hrs a week. You can do the math, that's crazy! My actual job title is to be a "conversational teacher". I don't have to teach anything but speaking English (it's probably a good thing as most of you can see!).
I have been fortunate enough to get involved with various activities. I'm currently playing for a local baseball team (it would be equivalent to intermediate baseball in NB, nothing spectacular but very enjoyable), 2 very good badminton clubs in which I think I'm used as a confidence booster (however, I'm improving quickly and can now play some of the 'average' players), and finally a couple hiking clubs
Hiking Geumo Mt
. They take their hiking very seriously. I have not found any climbing clubs which has been a major disappointed and could be the one big downfall of my trip. Eric and I have met many locals and foreigners and find ourselves plenty busy on the weekends partaking in Korean Culture! Apparently there are over 5000 English foreigners in Gumi. There is a local restaurant/bar where most foreigners meet on Saturday nights to get together and socialize. We have not met any other fellow NBer's or PEI'ers in Gumi. Many people from Nova Scotia though. For those of you that I have been keeping in touch with, I apologize for being repetitive. However, I have many people on the contact list that I have not. I hope you enjoyed the update and next time I will be sure to include more of my Korean experiences.
I hope all is well and you're enjoying the summer weather. (The heat is really taking a toll on my body. Good thing I have the only air conditioned classroom in the school).
Cheers,
Tim
timothy.mclellan@gmail.com
Comments
Hey
Hey, sounds like you are having fun! We miss you at home though! Enjoy your weekend and tell Eric not to party to hard for his birthday!:)
:)
Glad that you are doing well out in Korea! I was wondering the other day how you have been up to lately!
I wondering who those nova scotian that you met? i have a few friends that are out there but not excalty sure where....it will be funny if you met few of my friends! that would be a small world!
Hey Tim
Awesome pics Tim. Looks like an awesome experience. Enjoy it all while you are still young.
Arthur
finally eh!!
hey there!! it was great getting to talk to you this morning (well night for you haha ) via skype!! im gonna get me one of them do dads to talk to you kk!! ur mom helped me find one today but you will prob have to help me figure it out lol
so today was the first time i got to read this blog of yours now that you fixed my contact on your send list and its really cool.. the photos are priceless tim and i must say that im tres jealous yet happy for you!!
keep in touch and talk to you soon xoox