Oh hey, Beijing!

After two years, my Korean teaching contract came to an end, marking the end of an era and the start of a two-month journey across Asia and Europe. Our trip started in Beijing, where we spent a few days before hopping on a train for Mongolia.
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Whatever Works

Comic15_SheSpeaks

As an EPIK teacher, I have to teach two weeks of English camp every summer and winter. This isn’t the type of camp that I was used to growing up as an American kid, though. There are no blobs, there are no campfires, there are no s’mores (unless you’re a glutton for punishment. Made that mistake once), and there’s definitely no sleeping here–contrary to what my students believe about me. I think they call it ‘camp’ to make it sound like something the kids will want to do.
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Iron Man Teacher

Comic14_tonystark

This is a conversation I had between myself, my coteacher, and a very disappointed 3rd grader around the time that “Captain America: Civil War” came out in Korea. The amount of thought he put in before he sighed and said he wished he could have Iron Man instead of me was adorable, even though he was basically wishing I could be someone else.

3rd graders are wonderful.

Look, Ma! I’m in North Korea!

The Korean peninsula is split into two countries along a dividing line referred to as the 38th parallel. This 155-mile division is padded by an area called the DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone). Neither North nor South Koreans are able to cross this line, unless they’re officials meeting in the JSA (Joint Security Area). This area was planned specifically to bring about talks between the two Koreas, and is still seen as a symbol of hope for reunification. Read More

Taejongdae, Jagalchi Market, and Squirming Octopus

Taejongdae is one of the most picturesque shoreline locations in Busan, and is known for its lighthouse and pebble beaches. Tourists and locals can walk along the coastal road, hike, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore a small museum. Taejongdae is well worth the short bus ride outside of the city center for a day filled with photo ops and fresh fish.

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