The Simpsons

It's fairly common for students to take on an English name in classes where English is widely spoken (e.g. a conversational English class, like the ones I teach). Of those that select an English name, many choose traditional ones. I've taught several Johns, Jacks, Simons, Catherines, Kellys, and Jennys. 

Then there are the students who opt for more original/creative/bizarre monikers. The list is long and varied, but it includes such gems as White, Eminem, and Durst Lance Black (the student insists I use all three names when addressing him). Last semester I taught a Homer Simpson, and now this term I have a Marge Simpson. After taking attendance yesterday, I mentioned to her that I'd previously taught a Homer Simpson, to which she replied:  he's my boyfriend. Turns out he'd recommended my class.

Now I'm wondering if and when Bart, Lisa, and Maggie will show up...

 

Contrasts

As anyone who's been here knows, Seoul is a city of contrasts.

I've mentioned the amazing subway system as well as incredibly reliable cell-phone coverage -no dropped calls, even underground!- and yet... this is also a town where vendors sell socks and chickens from their trucks. After a while, you get used to the perpetual juxtaposition of old and modern, but it tends to take visitors and newcomers by surprise.

The other day, while walking around my neighborhood, I stumbled onto the following scene:  

Very modern shopping complex and luxury apartments:

and then, directly across the street, this contraption (not sure what it does exactly, but it seemed to emit heat):

Generally, it feels like my life here spans multiple decades -several of which I've never even lived through. Be it fashion, food, music, architecture, or local customs, things are always interesting and usually never quite what you'd expect.

Smurf Resurgence

It was inevitable. 

With the re-release of Care Bears, the Little Miss girls, and Strawberry Shortcake's crew, it was only a matter of time before the Smurfs would make their comeback. I've seen them in advertisements over here, as well as on merchandise, and I wonder if they're popping up in your part of the globe. Let me know if you see any. 

Good to Be

It's good to be back at work. The spring semester has gotten off to a strong start, and I am really enjoying my job. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I met my new students -all 175 of them. The majority are freshmen -so bright and eager!- but in every class, I also recognized the familiar faces of students I'd taught previously. Must say, it was gratifying to see them again, as well as to hear other students say that their friends had recommended my class.

Two quotes to consider as I approach my responsibilities this term:

It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, but you can lose it in a minute.  -Will Rogers 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.  -Proverbs 16:18

Or as my Dad often says:  keep within the guardrails.

 

ICN -> SFO -> ICN

I've recently returned from an exquisite visit to the Bay Area. The trip was memorable for myriad reasons, not least of which is that it re-invigorated all five of my senses. The jaw-dropping beauty of California's coastline, the fragrant ocean air, the taste of locally-produced wine, the sound of falling rain, and the opportunity to give lots of hugs to loved ones all combined to make a truly fantastic vacation.

There's no doubt I left my heart in San Francisco (cliche, I know), but the jet lag coming back has hit me hard, prompting me to wonder if I left my brain there, too. In any case, I've returned to Seoul, and with that, will return to chronicling my Korean adventures. Spring term has begun, and there's plenty of new material on the horizon. 

Thanks for tuning (back) in.   

These photos (and those above) are from my visit to Flora Springs winery in St. Helena. If you are near Napa Valley, I highly recommend that you stop by this very special place. Not only will you experience some lovely wines, you'll also receive quite an education in wine production, history, trends, and so much more. Ask for Jason:  http://www.florasprings.com/