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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Guide to Using Bathrooms in Korea.

Useful tips for your trip to the hwajangshil.



In most public restrooms the toilet paper is outside the stall. Make sure you grab the amount you need. If you forget and it's too late, you better get creative.


Some restrooms won't provide public soap. I suggest carrying hand sanitizer with you at all times.


The squat toilets. Common in Korea and a bit tricky for first timers, these toilets will test your aiming abilities.
Don't worry, there are western style toilets for you non-adventure seekers.


If you were lucky enough to remember some tissues before you squatted, make sure you throw them in the trash bin. Flushing them will result in flooding and sidestepping puddles.


Probably more useful than hand sanitizer, tissues will save your behind (literally). Great for when you forgot to grab TP or when the hand dryer is nowhere to be found.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

What do I bring to Korea? A packing list.

Planning on teaching in Korea for a year? What should you pack in your allotted two suitcases?

Before you cram your existent life into your luggage, just know that Korea has almost everything. So, you can leave your umbrella and coffee mug at home. If you can't find it at the local grocery store, you can always take a trip to the foreign markets in Seoul. Just be aware, foreign products cost a pretty penny in Korea. Here are a few essential things you should bring:

 Deodorant is a must. Bring a year supply.
You can definitely find toothpaste here, but if you're partial to a a particular brand, I suggest packing it.
Cosmetics stores line the streets in Korea so finding eye-liner and lipstick won't be an issue for you. But if you have a dark skin tone, then stock up on your foundations.
Face wash isn't hard to find either. But if you're sensitive or enjoy specific products, bring them along.

If you are over a B-cup, pack your bras. Underwear is rather expensive so bring plenty.
If you have long legs, pack some pants.
General rule of thumb- if you don't fit the Asian physic (anything over a Medium) bring your wardrobe essentials. 

 Same with shoes. If you wear over size US women 8 or US men 10, pack 'em.
Winter clothing is a must. A warm winter jacket will save your skin come winter (November-March). Proper winter boots are also a must. Don't worry about scarves, hats, or gloves. You can find plenty of winter accessories here. Keep in mind that Korea has incredibly hot summers and extremely cold winters.

Bath towels and sheets are expensive, so bring them along. Pack Double-size of a fitted, flat, and at least two pillow cases.

You can find almost everything here, especially at the foreign markets or online, but it will be expensive.
If you plan on cooking, bring along your favorite spices
Some pricey treats to consider packing- peanut butter, honey, cheese, dried fruits, nuts and specific tea.

Ladies, bring a year supply of tampons. You can find sanitary pads here.

You can find large(er) condoms here, but they are expensive. 
Pharmacies are everywhere, so don't worry too much about over-the-counter meds like aspirin. If you need specific medication then bring a year supply or work out a shipment plan with your home doctor.

Pictures of friends and family are a must.
Board games can keep you occupied during the rainy season.
bathing suit for when you vacation in Southeast Asia.
Books are nice, but only bring a couple. There are plenty of English book stores here.
** Don't bother with your phone, it won't work in Korea. You will buy a fancy one here.

The last and most important thing to bring is an open-mind and a sense of adventure.


If you ever have questions about what to bring, comment below. Happy packing!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Korea's Number Two Obsession

Poop or 똥 ddong is a fascination in Korea. I'm unsure why or how this cultural obsession began but what I do know is my students love poop.

Last week we learned the letter D.
Me: "What starts with D?"
Students: "Dog", "Desk", "Duck", "Ddong! (insert laughter)"
They draw ddong on their homework. They have ddong stickers. They call each other ddong.

Perhaps they are just products of their environment?


I mean, I saw this at the store:

This on a restaurant:

This is a restaurant:

And learned this at the Toilet Museum (a REAL museum that deals with all things toilet related):


quoted from the museum wall itself,
"A poop dog is one kind of native dogs in Korea. Most homes raised poop dogs.
Even though most babies are in diapers these days, in the past most babies didn't wear diapers. When a baby pooped in the yard, a dog ate the poop. When a baby pooped in the house, an adult called the dog by saying, "warri warri". The dog would enter the room and eat the poop. Also, dogs would lick the baby's butt until clean. Therefore, the name of this dog became poop Dog. However, most of these dogs disappeared."


Feeling queasy yet?

I don't know about you, but I don't enjoy being subjected to this on a daily basis. Being surrounded by 10-year old's who tell me their English name is D-D-O-N-G gets a little old. But every country has their weird quirks, right? You just have to shrug your shoulders and say "Oh, Korea...".

Well, there ya have it. The crappy Korean obsession I will be happy to leave behind.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Year in Review

The people I am happy to have met and the moments I am very blessed to have experienced in 2012.

Meeting my nephew and niece for the first time.

Spending time with my family for a couple months.

Celebrating our birthdays together for the first time in five years. Isn't my sister beautiful?

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Florida.

Rekindling friendships.

Making new friends.

Hiking the mountains in Korea.

Teaching beautiful students.

Travelling through the Philippines with Diego.

Becoming a kick-ass chef.