PR

I don't know who is behind it -the Korean government, the University of Ulsan, the PR campaigners for South Korea- but they really and truly want us to go back and give a good report. Why? Because they are letting us have so much fun! Not even letting, but actively endeavoring to make our experience fun. The last few days consisted of me sleeping through breakfast, then a morning class, then lunch. That was basically the end of the "work" for the day, because after lunch on the three respective days, we went to the ice skating rink, the bowling alley (where my team came in 3rd place out of 14), and a tour of Hyundai Heavy Industries, which was breathtaking. Looking at all the huge machinery and ships and cranes that were taller than Alabama's state capitol, I was reminded of Ayn Rand's inclination to make her protagonists feel awe when they gazed upon what wonders man had created. I was certainly in awe at Hyundai.

We have a paper to turn in on Saturday. I already finished mine; knocked out the 10pg paper in about an hour and a half: I still got it! That's the only major requirement for this course, in addition to, of course, punctual attendance in classes. I haven't had a problem with that; waking up twenty minutes before each class doesnt give me enough sleep, but I'm still able to get to class on time. Like home, going to bed "on time" here is a problem because things always come up. Who wants to sleep when you're in Korea? I just got in about an hour ago -it's midnight here- for a late dinner and an ice cream snack. One thing I love about Korea is that it's an ice cream culture. Ice cream all the time :D Delicious.

Tomorrow we go to a few museums, and unfortunately have to be up early in the morning at around 8:30, so I'll try to go to sleep within this hour so I wont have to sleep toooo much on the bus tomorrow. But in this program, I have expanded my sleeping capabilities: today I slept in the ten minute break our class gets, head on my desk; in the twenty minute wait before our traditional Korean instrument class, and a short nap afterwards in my room. And off to sleep now!

Kamsa'ameeda

Wow, it's been an eventful few days. First, Seoul: that was amazing. We were inundated with the culture of S Korea, visiting their national palace, their "blue house," which is like our white house, and even navigated the subway system a few times. For a culture that doesnt open doors for each other, the subway system was an interesting experience, like playing musical chairs; if a person older than you got on, you had to get up. Hierarchy by age is a huge thing here, greetings differ based upon your age in relation to another person. "Anyo" is ok for friends close to you in age (within two years) and "anyo haseyo" must be used for anyone older than that.

My biggest adventure in the last few days, though, I hope will illustrate the competency of this program and the people therein. After one sleepless night at our homestay (where I met my roomate JaeEun's parents, very nice), I fell into bed at the dorms, feeling woozy. I woke up with a 103 fever, at which point my roomate called the staff, who, despite my delirious protestations, took me to the hospital. After one painless shot and much pill popping, I am now feeling quite well. Even better than that, the insurance AUM purchased covered everything, even the ambulance ride to the hospital (which I deemed quite unecessary, but I wasnt in a position to argue much at the time). We even, in typical Asian style, got pictures of me in the ambulance. Dont look too close; I wasnt wearing any makeup. But today I am, I have to make my eyes up good, because for the next two days I have to wear a germ-deterring face mask so all one can see of my face is my eyes.

We also went to a wonderful play that exhibited some neat street dancing moves, legs and arms spinning everywhere! It's a pretty popular play here; "B-boys," something like that. And no, the fingers V are not a gang sign, it's the essENtial pose for taking a photo.

Well, I am off to start on my paper that is due next weekend. Luckily, we get to write it in English. Something interesting I learned is that the Korean students have to write their papers in English too...not just for this program, but through all four years of college. That's real education.

Long time, no escribe. We have been quite busy for the past few days, starting off with a trip to a Buddhist temple to experience life the way the Buddhist monks do it. I really don't have much good to say about this trip: the monk food was unpalatable, the schedule bringing one to tears from boredom (we once spent 50 minutes in meditation, sitting down and staring into nothing), and we slept on a hard wood floor with naught but a blanket between us and the ground. I woke up with a seemingly broken back; needless to say, all 50 of us were thankful when it was time to leave. Enough of that.

For a weekend getaway, we traveled to Busan, the second-largest city in Korea. On Friday, we traveled there by bus and experienced (purely for cultural purposes) the movement and interaction habits of Koreans when occupying in large numbers the same spatial area. ^-^ Then we ate a a wonderful noodle place -open at 5 in the morning- and after that, watched the sun come on on the beach. After a trip to our hostel for a 5 hour nap, we were back on the beach and enjoying the sun, sand, and speedos.

Today is a free day to; I think a group of us will go experience the public saunas, and for the next four days, SEOUL!!! I can't wait. Well, I'm off to go scavenge for breakfast -they don't feed us on the weekends- so adieu!

O Canada, O Canada!

Two eVENTful days. If you might notice, all of my posts are (and will be) at approximately the same time, in the morning. That's about all the free time we have, and I like it that way. The dynamism of Korea is amazing- there's always something to do, somewhere to go, and the people here, especially in our UIP program, are up for anything!

Classes: Korean History, Korean Social Etiquette, Hanji Papercraft, and Ongii Pottery were all nice. Better were the times when a big group of us went out to dinner, and afterwards to Karaoke!!! :D There are karaoke bars everywhere, and though I simply cannot sing- nobody really cares! We rocked out until our 12:00 curfew, Pavarottis and Dylans alike.

Perhaps the best thing so far is making new friends. Yesterday was "Canada Day" (their 4th of July) so our group of Canadians took us all out for dinner. Dress code? Red and white and canada tattoos and stickers! Life is so much fun over here, even on a school night!