Unions

I wanted to write a blog about my weekend in Gangneung and the orientation I attended Monday through Wednesday, but I checked my email first. In talking to Michelle I summed up everything that I had really wanted to say about each of them, sooo here is the excerpt (because I'm lazy and it doesn't make sense to write the same things twice):



"Over the weekend I went to the east side of Korea for a wedding. It was beautiful! It was right on the east sea, and there was an entire street along the shore of coffee shops! The air was clean, you could actually see into the distance... And all of the cherry blossoms and other flowers are in bloom right now. Even the city is beautiful. I had just met the bride that day- she went to school in Australia with my friend Sio. She and her now husband were so accommodating! After the ceremonies and a little nap, they spent more of the day with us. They took such good care of us! They are lovely people and definitely new good friends. She made me want to become someone like her, who could just so easily make others feel welcome. 
"I was only back in Bucheon for a night before I left again Monday morning to go to orientation. It, too, was out of the city. Although, this place was in a valley. We listened to many lectures, some of which were absolutely hilarious! One speaker was an Australian and in his introduction he hit every stereotype of the attendees. Oh, I was laughing so hard that I was crying! And then when talking to a girl from England, he mentioned how every British person always seems to apologize in their manners or way of speaking when they meet an Australian. Hahaha, he offered her the microphone and said, "Colonize this." I was crying again. I met a few other teachers there and learned a few different methods I would like to put into my classes. I just got back into Bucheon today."

The orientation was helpful! In spite of all the complaints that it should have happened sooner, I don't think it will be too difficult to integrate the new methods, videos, and general knowledge into the curriculum. We stayed at Hanhwa Resort in Yangpyeon. It was pretty nice. The food was awesome! Oh, I love food. In the class we attended on motivating your students by using what motivates us, I came to terms with the fact that food is a definite motivator for me. But regarding my students, I think I'll stick to my other types of motivation. I would say that the orientation was helpful and worthwhile.


I do really want to go back to Gangneung, though. It was absolutely beautiful! The trip isn't too bad, either. It's about a 3.5 hour bus ride, but we stop halfway to use the restrooms and get snacks. :)



I have pictures from each place on my phone, and I will add them in sometime soon!




Ta ta~