More Pics Of My New Students Including Some Of The Same Students.

3 days into the new semester and I am starting to remember some of the students names, but not all.

It was Independence Day for America and Isaiah said something funny to me today. He asked me if I was mad or angry at him. I said no and asked why. He responded with the line that it was today that America kicked England's arse!!!!! Quite funny and somewhat orginal. I replied that we kicked their arse for a long long time before that.....hehehe.

Anyway some of the pics are below and above. Check the one out with the set of twins; Jan and Nelly.

Prayers On The Subway And New Students!

Sometimes so many unusual things happen here in Korea that I just forget to write about them. Well, today I made sure that I remembered to write about what happens as a usual thing on the subway; people lay pieces of paper with prayers on them on people's laps.

I don't know what it is for, but I am assuming that they are looking for donations. Most of the people that lay the papers on the people's lap don't say anything, but one time I saw a guy get down on his knees and actually do a prayer in Korean.

Penny on the left and Michelle on the right.

It is funny because even if people are napping on the subway, they still get papers put on their lap. The prayer givers usually don't put a prayer on a foreigners lap as the prayer is in Korean and I think it is more of the Buddhist thing going on, so they think that most of us are not interested in Buddhism.

Peter with his party hat on. He is still in my new class!

It is interesting to watch though and some of the Koreans are a little unreceptive at times. They seem to tolerate the constant selling of many items on the subway as well as the prayer givers.

There was even a woman last week that was carrying a cross and chanting as she walked from each subway car to the next. It was very loud chanting and although I could not understand her, I was sure that she was talking about not going to hell and going to heaven! She was tolerated also. I think it has a lot to do with the Confuscionism in this country. It teaches tolerance even when you are bumped into and shook out of your tree by someone shouting so loud on their cell phone that the next planet can hear it......seriously they are so so loud at times.

I am well used to a lot of things, but today as I was walking to catch my bus from the subway exit, some older fella walked right beside me and shouted at me, I mean shouted at me, although he was right next to my ear, "Hey you, hey you, are you Russian man?" I didn't reply at all, which is what I tend to do now whenever someone is ignorant in English. By the way, ignorance of the language is no excuse in my books. They should know better and just learn some manners. Not all of the Korean people do that, only the older men and some of the younger guys.

They just do not get our culture at times. The funny thing is that they would never do that to each other in their own culture too! It seems like the foreigners are free game for anything.

James is a little handicapped and such a cute kid. Everytime I see him and he sees me, he always says, "Hot, it is hot teacher!" His pronunciation is awesome and he seems to really like English class. He is with Isaiah this semester now.

Even at the schools, the same problems exist. The students shout at the teachers, ask them for food and use some pretty bad manners towards the foreign teachers as a whole. They would not dare to talk to their own teachers that way or ask them for food or money or anything. It is like there is one set of rules for their own teachers and one set of rules for "US!"

I don't mind it most of the time, but I never let them get away with it for a moment. I tell them that it is rude and not to shout or ask for anything from me. It takes a while to sink in, but once they have stood in the corner with their hands up in the air for about 10 minutes, they don't feel like doing it again........haha......I love Korea for that!!!!!!

Linda on the left, Helen on the right and Penny and Michelle behind them. Linda is still in my class. Isaiah got the other three!

On the school note- I have had all my students changed except for maybe 2 or 3 in each class. Isaiah has got all my students and I have got all of his. I am cool with it as I think it is a good idea for the kids to hear different accents and to see a different teaching style.

Teachers have different styles just like anyone in a job that requires a lot of discipline and dedication. Anyone that says teaching is easy, has never taught in their life.......haha. I am not bemoaning my job. I am just stating a fact.

There is no way I would ever want to be a teacher in North America. The teachers there are completely handicapped and it is all because of the parents who try to protect their children even when they have done something wrong. Way to go parents!!!!! You all bitch about the state of the school and education system and most of you are the ones that have made it that way. The balance shifted from way too much discipline to diddly shit discipline now..........so I hope you are proud of yourselves for raising a bunch of wild undiscipline kids!!!

It is not all parents, I know, but the majority have risen to the top and taken control and still bitch about it, just like the non-smokers despite the fact that smoking is not illegal and the government makes millions off of it. That is my preaching for today done anyway.

I took a couple of pics of my first class students. They are so so cute. They are only 7 years old and are so small and the girls and boys are just so cute that you want to give them a big hug everytime you see them. It is cool to do that here in Korea. People don't think you are a pedophile or weird or a pervert. A refreshing thing that teachers here always talk about and like a lot. What a way to start your day-hugging a cute little student that loves you, the teacher.

Suzie on the left and Lucy on the right. Suzie was so shy, but is coming along good now. I still have Lucy in my new class and she is one of the best students. Her pronunciation is awesome and she is a very very smart girl. Look how cute they are though!

Often the students will rub my arms because I have so much hair on them. They are not used to seeing that as most Koreans have very little body hair especially arm or chest hair. They just look at me and smile and then say, "Teacher, you are like a bear!!!!!"

It will take me about another week to memorize the 60 odd names again, but it is a challenge and I like it. Isaiah was a little upset as he said he was starting to bond with some of the kids. I just told him that it happens all the time and you will get the kids back at sometime in the next year. We will probably switch after the summer vacation is over.

A Stupendous House Party! A Good Time Was Had By All!!!!!

The party was great! Everyone had a great time and we all made my 'postage stamp' house feel more like home.

Pic 1. Tom, Dave and Rosie. Pic 2. Bobby, Dave, Richie (from Liverpool) and Guido from Italy. Pic 3 and 4. Richie and I messing about. I am not that drunk, I was just acting drunk.

Only one casualty was Jason who passed out after drinking a whole bottle of vodka within about 2 hours.......he went to sleep on my bed after we carried or should I say, steered him there.....lol.

Pic 1. Jason passed out on my bed. Pic 2. Dave, Richie and Matt (from Manchester, but a Liverpool supporter.) Pic 3. Rob by my bed, Sara (from Manchester and a good friend of mine) sitting on the chair by the computer, a couple of her friends in the group sitting down. One girl is an Aussie, the other English and another Irish. The UN might of had a meeting here last night.

Lots of good conversations were had and it was really nice to have some friends over to make my house feel like it is mine, at least for the next little while anyway.

Pic 1. Bobby who is from Canada and whose parents are Greek. We speak Greek whenever we get together. I met him through Sara. He is a great lad. Rosie who works with Dave, next to him. Met her for the first time last night.

Pic 2. Jason while he was still awake and Sara. Jason is from America and is an ex-military officer.

Pic 3. Dave with his usual salute to the camera. The back of Tom's head. He is from Wales, but lives in Liverpool. His name is Tom Jones.......lol....

The rainy season has started here in Korea. It lasts usually the whole month of July and it rains a lot and sometimes really really heavy. Got to get used to it as there is not much else we can do.

Dongdaemun Market......Famous All Over Korea!

Tonight, Rob and I decided to go check out Dongdaemun Market. It is very close to my house. It is only about 5 subway stops away. It only took us about 15 mins to get there and when we got there, we were met with a ton of lights and shops and people everywhere.

I had been there with Dave before, but we only walked around for a little while. Rob and I decided to do the loop and spent a couple of hours there. We came out at the subway entrance that faced the Dongdaemun famous roundabout. Unfortunately, I could not get a picture of it as it was a bit too dark and not well lit up. I will get another picture of it some other time.

There are loads of stalls full of glasses, jewellery, shirts, t-shirts, pants, dresses, belts, shoes galore, dress shirts, dresses and on top of the stalls there are loads of shopping centres off of the circle that winds around Dongdaemun. It is unbelievable the amount of goods that are being traded there.

Some great bargains too. I bought a pair of bleached denim pants that are good quality denim, for 11 dollars. They are a size 34, which I am now proud to say that I fit into and with room to spare also......lol.

Rob bought a a pair of Puma shoes and a pair of jeans at the same place that I did. He only paid about 30 dollars for the shoes and the same price as I for the jeans. We both decided that when we have some more money or as we would say, 'flushed, ' we will return there and buy a few items that caught our eye.

While we were there, Rob met the love of his life, which he has been waiting for, for a long, long time. It is unervy how you can fall in love with someone that quick. Well, Rob did and here is a picture taken with her. They hit it off really well, but I don't know how long the relationship is, as she seems a little flirty and a little moody. On top of that, she is quite an exhibitionist. See the picture below:

After the relationship ended abruptly, Rob decided to join the Roman Army, but found the helmet was a little bit heavy and then decided to forego the idea. See the pic below also:

I have taken a few pics of the place and most of them are of the big signs and flashing lights including one of the water fountain as you cross the bridge to walk around Dongdaemun.

There are some nice places and it is full of money, that is for sure. Some of the sizes of the posters and the shopping centres are immense. I mean there is so much going on there with people buying and the sellers trading. They also have trading spots, where all the deliveries are brought to the sellers.

There was also a whole alley where the mannequins were sold and supplies for the stores themselves, including tons of bags and chairs and tables. It is quite a spectacle to see and well worth seeing if anyone ever comes to Seoul.

I will be going back for sure. I enjoyed just walking around and taking everything in. It is a part of Seoul that I really like. It makes me feel that the world is alive and everyone in it is alive also. It is right off the subway stop, so it is dead easy to get to and find.

Also, there are loads of food stalls. They are everywhere and you can pretty much eat anything you want. Also, they are dead cheap. On top of the food stores there are also neat little places that sell just about everything that your heart desires.

There are loads of places that sell hats too. Loads of knock-off stuff at reasonable prices, which is what people want after all, right?

There were even a load of baskets full of puppies being sold at the street level. Cute ones too including schnauzers and other breeds.

Occupational Hazard!

I have been saying for the longest time that being a teacher, you will get sick or should I say pick up 'things' a lot more often than a person that is not around children. Especially if you are teaching young children.

Case in point; I had a student whose eyes were infected and all red and stuff. A few days later, I had something up with my eyes. Coincidence? I think not. Well, I have a cold now in the middle of the summer! The kids that I teach are always sniffling and coughing and sneezing et cetera.

I don't mind as I try to get rid of these things without going to the doctor. The sauna is my cure-all most of the time. Sweat it out and hope that it will get rid of whatever bacteria or virus is in you. Most of the time it works. I haven't been to a doctor to get rid of a cold or anything like that in over a year or so.

I ran 12kms at the gym yesterday. I didn't even want to workout before I went there. I was planning on just having a sauna, but decided to have a 'light' workout that turned into a great workout. Had a good sauna and a good night's sleep. One without alcohol in my system.....even if it was small amounts for the last week!!!!!

The semester at school finishes this Friday. We start a new one next Monday and then two weeks after that we go to the summer schedule for 4 weeks. Work at 9am and finish at 1.30pm. I don't mind for just 4 weeks......haha!!!!! Those of you who know me know that I hate waking up early in the morning for anything that is steady. Oh well, I get 2 weeks off in a row for doing the extra hour in the morning and working my day off for 3 weeks. Never had 2 weeks off in a row in Korea with a school, ever!!!!!!

Looking forward to having my housewarming party this weekend. I hope enough of my friends show up. I am sure they will.

It is Tuesday in the Land of the Morning Calm and the weather today is beautiful. Yesterday it was overcast all day, but was a bit cooler than the past few days.

I finished reading the book, 'The Road Less Travelled." I am on to another now. A crime novel called 'The Babes In The Wood." It seems quite interesting and has a good style to it.

I am also much more in touch with what is going on in Korea now, as I get the newspaper delivered to my house everyday. It is the Korea Times and has some interesting articles in it, although it is very top heavy with business articles. I am enjoying knowing what is going on in Korea. There are also links to cultural places and things to do as well as some 'Letter to the Editor."

Check Out This Great Article From The Liverpool Website!

This kind of stuff is always heartwarming and after all the history between our two countries, is like a breath of fresh-air.

Read and enjoy: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156188070619-1005.htm

Look Inside The Eyes Of Your Mind!

To say that my dreams last night were crazy, would be an understatement. I dreamt about all kinds of crazy stuff and as usual, don't remember too much about them.

I do remember however that I was talking to people in my dream and that I was getting married to a girl whose name I couldn't even remember. I remember getting into a van and standing downtown somewhere and telling my Mum and Dad that we would be late.

It was weird because in the dream, I remember feeling stressed that I was getting married and really didn't want to. Anyone have any ideas what that dream might represent? I do; I am mental!!!!

It was one of those dreams that once you wake up from, you breathe a big sigh of relief and then have a little chuckle.

It has been roasting hot here in Seoul over the last couple of days, but today it is drizzling. It has cooled things down a little, but I bet once it is finished, it will be even more humid than before. That is where having an air-conditioner is a bonus. I had mine on all last night. I have even figured out how to use it now.........

I bought some stools for my housewarming party next week; they were only 3000 won each and red to boot! At least there will be some seats for some of my guests and they are not too cluncky and actually I needed one for the bathroom as there is no sink in there and also one for by my bed to put my socks on. Rather than sitting on the floor or the computer chair.

Not much else going on. Life is going along nicely and I am looking forward to my next paycheck where there is no deposit to pay out of it and no furniture purchasing. I will actually have some money to spare this month; the first time since the middle of March!!!!!!!

Football is finished here until August and then hopefully, I will be playing regularly. The Peace Cup is coming to Korea, which involves 2 or 3 English teams, a Spanish team and River Plate from Argentina. Also, the Asian Cup starts in July, which is a big competition over here and Korea have not won it since 1984 or so.

I Used To Hate Mondays!

It's funny how things can stay the same, but change just as fast! That is how I feel about Mondays. I really was not a fan of Monday mornings, but now I couldn't care less and I actually look forward to starting the work-week and recovering from the weekend of festivities, which in this country, is EVERY weekend......lol.....

I am happy to say that Real Madrid won their first title in over 4 years. Kind of a fitting ending to Beckham's time there. At least he won ONE trophy......haha.

I watched the Beckham documentary when I was flying back from Manchester to Dubai. It showed Beckham in Spain and it was quite well done. He seems like a nice enough lad, but it also showed that he loves the attention that he gets. It also showed how rich he is and how out of touch he is a bit. But overall for as famous as he is, he is not bad........well, some would say that was open for debate.

I hope for the sake of the game in the U.S. he takes the game to another level and projects football into another era for the Americans. It can't do the game any harm and I think he will do better than what Pele and Beckanbauer did, as he is still in his prime and if he carries on playing for England, that in itself will make a big difference.

I had a great weekend, despite that fact that our football match was cancelled. Met Rob at his new place and Dave came down and joined us. We also met up yesterday evening and had a few pints at Geckos and then Seoul pub. Sunday nights in Seoul, at some places, are quite busy, which is always nice.

My house is getting into shape, somewhat. At least it doesn't look like a bomb hit it now! I vacuumed for the first time and things are getting to the point that I am feeling a bit tidier now. I also washed my dishes for the first time, too.

Sunday was Father's Day and I talked to my Dad and my son and also Saturday was my brother-in-law's birthday, so I had a few conversations on the phone over the weekend. Everyone sounded great and it is so nice to be able to just pick the phone up anywhere where I am situated, and call one of my family members. I love technology nowadays. There are no limits to what you can do and imagine what it is going to be like year after year. It will probably end up like a Star War's movie in the end...........lol.

An Up And Down Day!

I have no reason whatsoever, but today I felt a little blue. When I say I have no idea, I guess what I am saying is that I do, but don't understand why it makes me blue.

I think it was because I talked to my son Tyler the other day and he was at my parents' house visiting when I talked to him. I guess it made me feel a little guilty not being in Canada with him and my family.

Tyler and his Grandad.

I know it sounds a bit neurotic, but sometimes I think that I am a freak for the kind of lifestyle that I am living, but at the same time, I know that this is the 'real' me and I am not pretending to make anyone happy or to just be 'there' because it is the right thing to do.

A pic of Tyler, my son and his Grandmother, my Mum!

I am here living my own life and I do enjoy it now immensely. It is a bit scary at times, as I am very happy being on my own and don't crave the company of someone else in my house. I do crave company of course, but not in the caring, loving, giving someone else something kind of way.

The book that I am still reading defines love as a 'will.' It is the will to want to improve yourself spiritually and likewise to improve yourself by giving some of your spirituality to someone else so that they may improve themselves.

It is really wanting what is best for you and always wanting what is best for others, in a really honest, unselfish, but selfish way. Does that make any sense?

Well, read the book, if it doesn't. It is called "The Road Less Travelled," by M. Scott Beck. M.D.

Not much else going on here in Seoul. The weather is getting really warm though. I am working my buns off and enjoying it and also working my buns off at the gym. I ran 8kms last night and tonight I did a back workout and then ran 5kms in 24 minutes.

It was really weird tonight when I went in the sauna. There was not one person in the changing rooms or the public bath area. That in itself is really unusual. I have never seen it like that before.

As I was leaving the public bath area, one man walked in the showers, but there was nobody in the changing rooms. Not normal for a Wednesday night. Maybe there was something in air......lol.

Some Information About Where I Live.

Here is an article about Seoul, Korea with some relevant information about the population and a few other things. I think most of you will find it quite interesting.

Hope to have some more pics of different things to come, but can't be arsed at the moment. I am too busy and it is very hot, but no excuses, there will be more to come, don't worry..........watch this space!!!!!

Enjoy this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul

A Rare Friday Night In

I spent yesterday evening at home, for a change! I usually am never at home on Friday nights, but decided last night that I was knackered and also consequently, it started to rain as I was deciding whether to go out or not!

The exquisite little kitchen with all the needs of mankind. Fridge to the left, water machine to the right, which is a must in Korea. It is so much better than buying single bottles or multiple bottles of water, which you have to get rid of and refrigerate. One big bottle for these machines costs 5 dollars and I get them delivered and the empty ones taken away. I also get the newspaper delivered to the house now, which is also very cool; in English of course!!!!

Door to the bathroom. Yes, things are or were still disorganized at that time. Things are getting better by the day. That is the one thing I hate about moving; having to organize all the shite again.

I got a good night's sleep, but let me tell you, there were some weird dreams. I can't remember any of them, but suffice to say, they were really strange.

The messy workspace where the computer is; right next to my makeshift bed, to the left.

Wardrobes in the living room. Sorry about the clothes dryer, but there is nowhere else in the house when you have washing to dry!

I have been reading a book called "The road less travelled." It is a book about pyschotherapy and in essence how to live your life and how to become spiritually healthy and at the same time, love your fellow man and allow him to become spiritually healthy as well. It is a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone. I am not usually one for self-help books, but this one is a keeper.

Washing machine is in the bathroom, which is long and skinny.

The book was written over 20 years ago and is very relevant still, today. It has lots of things in it that will make you say, "oh yeh!" I had thought about a lot of the stuff before and am happy to tell you all that I am quite a balanced individual and have made the right decisions over the last 10 years or so, starting with the decision to get divorced. I am not tooting my own horn, but I have it somewhat right.

Lots of that goes down to great parenting by my Mum and Dad. Give credit where credit is due and they did and still are doing a great job to advance my sister and I spiritually as well as themselves and everyone else around them.

Read the book and you will understand exactly what I am saying. I have almost finished it and as I have mentioned before, it is a must read for those interested in spirtual growth. Kind of the same as "Tuesdays with Morrie," as it is an emotionally healthy read and a great -kick up the arse- kind of book.

I am out tonight to famboozle around. Not going to drink too much though, as I have a football game tomorrow in Incheon. I want to be in good shape for that kick-off. I have been going to the gym religiously and am keeping to my aim of 5kms a day and getting down to 88 kgs by September. I am currently holding steady at 95-96 kilograms.

I have included a few pics of the house that I live in. It is hard to get a good picture as there is no spot to shoot that allows you to get the whole feel of the place. Anyway, an amateur's best try!

Sure is nice having the internet at home. My connection speed is a whopping 1.0Gbps. That is 10 times the usual connection in Korea! You really only notice the difference when you download something. It is lightning fast. Still only about 40 dollars a month unlimited. Cheap by my standards and for the amount of time that I use it.

Back Online At Home Again.......

I got the internet installed thanks to a very kind lady called Suzanna who was friends with the woman that I took the apartment over from.

It is so weird having the internet and then not having it. I felt like something was missing! I don't use the internet that much, but enough to feel that way.

Here is a great pic of the new addition to the Campbell family; Charlie Campbell.

Also a pic of the proud grandmother; Auntie Ann.

Charlie Campbell Has Arrived!

Our Johnny and Sara are the proud parent's of baby Charlie Campbell..........yipeeeeeee!!!!!!

Both the baby and mother are well, which is always great news. Uncle Dom and Auntie Ann are the proud grandparents and our David, the proud Uncle. I heard that they have already bought a liverpool sleep outfit or something like that for the baby.....haha!!!!!

I should have the internet installed at my house tonight and then I can start blogging more regularly and post some pics of my new house.

I am planning on having a house warming party, which will be my first ever, by the way. I am going to have it on the last Saturday in June, the end of this month. I am going to invite maybe 10 or so people and have a nice chilling evening and then maybe afterwards, head into Itaewon.

I am now Lord of The Manor and I love it!!!!!!!!!!

All Moved In...............Being Healthy Feels Awesome!

Dave helped me with the last of my stuff on Thursday night and I officially moved in at that time. I slept there and let me tell you, it is awesome to have my own place again......god I love my own space nowadays!!!!

It is a nice clean, small, cozy one room house. It has everything that I need and I can't complain and won't complain because I chose it! I don't have the internet there yet and don't know how long it will take for me to get it hooked up, but that is one of my priorities in the next little while.

I am just busy unpacking now and getting things in order, but to tell you the truth, it's fun! I feel like I am having a new beginning and the nice thing about this place is the fact that it is not the school's place, it is my place. No matter if I change schools or travel or do whatever, I don't have to move out of this place. As long as I pay the rent, then it is my place for as long as I want. I reckon at least 3 years.

I am going to the Holland vs South Korea game with Dave and then off to a party, which I think I already mentioned?

Last night, I met up with Sara who has her mum visiting from England. Her mum goes back on Monday, but it was nice to meet her and I actually crashed on Sara's couch as she lives in Bundang and I am here every Saturday anyway.

I hung out with Irish Catroina, you have seen both of them on the video that I posted a while back, singing "Like A Virgin."

Can't post any pics as such as I am at a pc room, but I will be taking lots of pics tonight at the game.

Nice to see Beckham back with England and he set up Terry's goal. He played well and I hope he continues to do so. He is an ambassador for the sport and although he is so vain and materialistic, he is still a class player and still has a lot to offer the national team.