second week of teaching

So I'm officially into week 2 of my 20 remaining weeks in Korea...it's going pretty well! I feel more confident in my lesson planning and general teaching abilities this year, even though it still takes me FOREVER to plan one 50 minute lesson...But it's okay, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I've got lots of free time at school to plan. Most of what's been occupying my time these days is not in fact lesson planning, but preparing for Matt's visit to Korea! He's arriving this Saturday and I'm going to pick him up at Incheon airport that evening. I'm excited to have him here, and to see everyone's reaction to him- a blonde American! Wah!

Anyway, about this weekend, which was quite eventful: On Saturday I went into Daegu for a violin lesson, then took the subway downtown to meet Jen, who I had missed from Seoul! We immediately ate delicious kalgooksu and went on the hunt for the Krispy Kreme, which we knew was nearby...Krispy Kreme has become my downfall in Korea. Whenever I'm in a big city, I have to have one. Terrible. Anyway, we finally found it and enjoyed the melt-in-your mouth deliciousness of "hot now time" original glazed doughnuts as well as my new favorite, the Apple Bear:



Amazing. Did I mention that when I came back from Seoul I brought a dozen Krispy Kreme for my host family? and did i mention that they LOVED it and were so surprised it was tastier than Dunkin?!

Anyway, after our visit to Krispy Kreme we were quite wiped out and wandered around the stationary stores in the basement of the giant bookstore, Kyobo, before giving up and deciding to head home. I took the train home from Daegu station, which I don't think I'll do again. The bus is cheaper and more convenient, in most cases.

On Sunday! Matthew and I went into Busan! Two big cities in one weekend...yeah, I know, I must be missing Seoul...The reason was that our good friend Colby was in a play! His friend is the director of an Arts Center there, and they put on shows every so often. This was one of their bigger productions. The cast was mostly high school students, with a few university students thrown in, and then Colby oppa (big brother), who played a parody of the famous Korean singer Rain (비) called "Colbinism" (a play on Rain's recent album and song, Rainism). The show was really funny, and also very dramatic (almost a requirement, considering it's Korean!) and overall very well done! It was called "My Stage" and about a high school girl who really wants to make it in show business, but (of course) hits a few bumps along the way. I was thinking back to the shows I was involved in when I was in high school, and it was definitely much more together than we ever were...Funniest moments included 1) a revamping of "Mamma mia" with the main lyrics changed to "엄마 미안! (Omma mi-an)," which means "Mom, I'm sorry!" 2) a parody of the new 소녀시대 (Girls' Generation) song and dance called "Gee" (you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eodFU4b237s if you're curious...) which is just silly to begin with, but these girls made it great by putting on ridiculous faces halfway through and finally deteriorating to jumping around and waving their arms around by the end. and 3) of course was Colby's little bit where he imitated the sounds of various motorcycles and, of course, rapped in Korean. Learning that Epik High song during orientation sure has come in handy! Anyway after the play Matthew and I got dinner but failed to find the "amazing, authentic, wonderful" italian restaurant that Colby had recommended :( and then made a stop at...guess...Krispy Kreme. My waistline is NOT thanking me for this weekend...but at least my wallet is, because every time you go to Krispy Kreme they give you a free doughnut. woo!

I should retitle this entry: Emily's love affair with deep-fried, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, the Krispy Kreme doughnut.

Picture update to come soon. I hope people are still reading this since my little hiatus during vacation.