This One is For Nick

Take your pick. Mad vegetables, good beef, and fishbone.

Dojo Yoshi Returns

What's good homeskillets? Some people are intersted in my lesson and me being a narcisssist I couldn't resist. The lesson I taught on Tuesday was catered towards high intermediate Korean students. I started with a game called Don't Say, similar to Taboo. I put up several pictures and the teams had to describe the picture without using certain words. They really enjoyed it. Afterward, I displayed a PowerPoint on my city, Philly. I talked about the Dec. of Indy., chessesteaks, Betsy Ross, and a few other important events and people (I even threw fake Philadelphian Kobe in there). Lastly, I created a handout in which they asked each other questions about their hometowns. It went really well and the students were enthusiastic about learning (even though there were times I had no idea what they were saying and vice versa). Its a learning process I know. Speaaaaakkkk Sllllooooooowlllyyy.

Throughout this journey I have met some really cool people. I did not know what to expect being around a group of people that have recieved a Fulbright scholarship. Would they be snobs? Boring? Use words like vituperation? Or just chill people that exceled at what they did? Fortunuately, the latter is the case (even though some do use words such as vituperation). I have about 10 to 15 people that I am truly cool with (some are even approaching friend status). The rest are good in my book. Its a blessing.

Also, the Korean people have been exceptionally friendly. Yesterday I had lunch with a Sociology professor after we spoke for about 30 seconds. It was random (and at first uncomfortable) but turned out to be a great experience. Many of the Koreans go out of their way to make us feel welcome and have patience when helping me with my language skills (which are pretty weak even though I can now read, write, and somewhat say any word in hanguel). I am learning a substantive lesson about how to interact with foreigners, whether they be from other countries or simply strangers. Good look Korea. Well I'm out for now. Keep the love and support comming.

Say Kim Chi!!

The great Buddha





Monks performing a daily ritual. It was tight.

Dojo Yoshi

I have changed my name to Dojo Yoshi. Pictures from the weekend will be up soon.

Greetings Earthlings

What up Folkers?? I'm back like I left something. My bad for the long delay in between posts. Been busy. On a sad and embarrassing note, I forgot my mother's birthday (July 21st) because I don't even know the days over here (But that's not a real excuse. She carried me for 9 months). I'm sorry mom. I love you. Keep it fly. Back to business. Ok since the last report from planet Korea I have started TKD and the instructor is really good. I intend to get my black belt in Korea (pre- Chuck Norris status). We have been practicing with younger students that could probably break my pinky... We went on a weekend trip to Songnisan and attended a Buddhist Temple and visiting area. It was real cool, and then later that night we went out for some karaoke. I sang about 2 MJ classics (guess, hint: Thriller status) and a Boyz II Men duet with two cool females. Additionally, it appears there are no shower curtains in many showers and the shower heads shoot out at all angles. Basically, the whole bathroom was wet after I got out the bathroom and this time it wasn't my fault. Oh yea, today I gave my first lesson to Camp Fulbright and it was amazing. I taught about Philadelphia (from the Dec of Indy to Cheese steaks). The kids really enjoyed it and they participated the entire class. Holla at your boy for teaching tips. Na, j/p. The class was very encouraging. I have to write another lesson plan tonight and do some other stuff. Aight, so I'm out like Mike Tyson is a non-ear eating contest. Pce!!!!!! Thanks for all the love!!!!!!!!!! I love my family and friends!!!!!!!!!!! Happy birhday Mom!!!

Check List for Moms

Okay Mom this one is for you. I love you and you are the main reason I am here doing this. Thanks!!!!!!!!! Aight back to business. So mom wanted to know how the food is: the food is very healthy, much of it is tasty and its spicy. However, the fish has about 38 bones per square inch and you might find a crab chilling in your soup (most of the soup contains foods where its probably best I don't know what they are). Of course, rice and kim-chi with everything. Am I getting enough rest? Yes mom, I wake up everyday at 6 and feel refreshed (but then have nothing to do so I usually study). Any more questions mom??? Just let me know. I took some pics of the food for you (it actually looks disgusting from the camera view but its not).

Significance

The other day the Executive Director, Jai Ok Shim, of the Fulbright Program in Korea spoke to the Fulbrighters. She is one of the Bosses of this Fulbright situation. Her presence demands one's full attention. You know when you receive over eighty 90 degree bows you run things. She touched on the importance of teaching, adapting to the culture, and attempting make the most out of this experience. Moreover, she stressed the significance of being a cultural ambassador and how this program is monumental in that it can substantively affect how Koreans view Americans and vice versa. This is not only an opportune time to experience another country and travel to various sections of the world, but there is a much bigger consequence to our placements. I am representing for not only America but Philadelphia, the Athy family, Villanova... Additionally, I am the only black male here and throughout various workshops I have realized that many Koreans have a negative image of black males (coming mainly from the US media). They can view us as threats, lazy, and not true Americans. After Ms. Shim opened my eyes to how important being a cultural ambassador is, I finally began to realize how special being a Fulbright Scholar is.

Picture Perfect

Woman taking picture of me taking a picture of her. Ha.

Third Round

Sooo. The drinking culture in Korea is quite different than that in America. Koreans, especially males, enjoy the pleasures of some Soju (20 proof alcohol) and beer. In Korea they have rounds. First round would be going out to a bar (Here the bars are like restaurants. They are really nice bars too, great ambience). Second round would include going out to a club, and third round would be something like karaoke (very popular). We went out with the Kangwon English Yard (KEY CLUB). They are college students that practice speaking and writing english. They are really nice and welcoming. My language partner is Sammy (Sun-Sun-pronounced like soon soon with a light n). We went out and had a lot of fun, played drinking games, took several pictures (a lot of Koreans like to pose and put up peace signs for pics.) Unfortunately I could not make it to second round (blame it on the bilirubin--dont worry mom). Friday night was extremely fun and apparently, they do this kind of thing several nights out of the week (including the older generation). BONUS: You don't tip in Korea, considered disrespectful.

Start With Straight Shots and Then Pop Bottles!!!

Samulnori

Okay folkers. I'm back up and running. It has been a long couple days. Korean language classes are really hard especially when one instructor teaches you Korean in Korean, but I have to do what I have to do. So last Thursday (btw, I am 13 hours ahead of those in eastern time) I had my first Samulnori class. It was incredible. The instructor did not speak English but one of the Fulbrighters did so we were fine. She introduced herself and told us her Korean name (about 36 syllables) and then she went on to write her American name, MOMO. It was Ace Ventura funny. She taught us a traditional song and she was a great teacher, good energy, perfect instruction, and great attitude. The class was really fun. I have one more in a couple weeks.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Sooo we have Korean language classes from 9 to 1, and cultural and teaching workshops till about 5. Afterwards we have time for some extra stuff. I signed up for Taekwondo which cost 100,000 won (or 100 dollars) and I get my own dobok (outfit) and I am being taught by Yang Hee-Seok (the Chuck Norris of Korea). I also signed up for Samulnori which is a Korean percussion class. So I'll be able to superspin kick someone while playing some lovely drums. Indeed. Soon I'll put up a post describing some major cultural differences between Korea and America. Its really interesting. Until then, I gots to go study. An-nyong haseyo.

Too much NyQuil

My man was knocked out, and he was in front of a Starbucks.

An'nyong haseyo

Me and some Koreans

People that helped me in Chun'cheon


Greetings earthlings. I have been in Korea for a couple days now and it has been an amazing trip so far. There was some trouble with my flight but I got here safely. Once I arrived in Seoul, I took a 2 hour bus ride to Chun'cheon. There I waited for about an hour for my ride to come (they thought the ride would be 3 hours). Fortunately, Koreans and very nice and tried their best to help me, but none of them spoke English, and even though they knew I did not speak Korean they continued to talk to me. I finally met a taxi driver that spoke English and he called my ride. So far, I have taken my language placement test, had a full day of Korean language classes, and sat through several culture workshops. What can I say? So far Korea has been great even though its extremely humid. BTW An'nyong haseyo means good morning, good afternoon, and good night.

Peace and Love,

Mike Athy