Friday, October 29, 2010

Party Day with Evening Students (27.10.10)


For Party Day (Last day of the term), my evening Level 1 and Level 2 students decided they wanted to celebrate by taking me out to dinner with them. My morning Level 1 class was going to come as well, but their schedules did not permit them. We went to an Italian restaurant and later to a French bakery.
Ok, let's go to the pictures now.




The Italian restaurant my students took me to (2nd floor).





Going up the stairs.





My place.




Level 2!




Level 1!




Lighted Night





Animated crowd






Reflections of a good moment






Chicken steak with sweet chili sauce (and others). It was soooooo good!




Animated still motion





Tea Time on Party Day




Elegant vessels





Bird's eye view of my tea cup.



Attention with Coffee





Thoughts and Relaxation




Great Audience





They love me!




I think they put something in my tea . . .

But why? I passed all of them . . .





A fleeting moment as we leave




Our tables




From the back (where we were) looking toward the front.




Now I know where I can find some pasta ingredients (no promise that they'll be inexpensive).




Interpretation




Original



From here, we went to Toujours bakery. My students had me go on a shopping spree, constantly encouraging me to get more. I really didn't want to abuse and take advantage of them, but I understand this is typical in Korea: students like to buy gifts for their teachers as a way to show appreciation. I certainly do feel appreciated: there are no doubts of that! I'm still overwhelmed by their generosity.




Rain of Lamps





Reflecting Group



I am soooo thankful for all of my students and I am very grateful to my evening students for this generous and appreciative gesture. Thank you all so much again. I hope to see you all--especially in my classroom--on Tuesday (1st day of the new term).

Sabbath Afternoon with Melody and Joshua (23. Oct. '10)

On Oct. 23, Melody (the Korean Jr. Teacher Coordinator) and her husband took me out with them on Sabbath afternoon. First stop: Hyeonchungsa.
True, I was just here this week; but hey, I'm not here just for the place, but for the company as well.

Some of the admission info, in case you were curious.


Here I go with the architecture again.



Autumn at the pond.



Scenic bridge




From Admiral Yu's family.




Protection

Next, we went to a traditional folk village just outside of Asan. It was really interesting; especially how there are people who still live there--and sometimes it can be quite obvious. You'll see what I mean in the following pictures.
walking down with Melody and Joshua




panoramic shot



Joshua capturing Melody in a moment.



A traditional house



Further up and further in . . .



They continue side-by-side behind the wall.



Joshua was explaining something.


The long and winding road



On the gate



Proof people live/lived here


Wow, not bad . . .



. . . not bad at all!



Mountains in the distance

Pillars of hay




Vines on a stone wall.


Garden with a gazeebo

Pumpkin flower


Proof people still live here.




A small tree that stands out.


More flowers and vines on the wall.


Yay for the patio!


Small brook along the road.



Pumpkin strips, hanging out to dry.

Still in the traditional village: do you believe me?


You know how I get with nature.



Half-covered or half-uncovered?



Houses and a field



Storage




Joshua teasing



Back towards the parking lot.


A nice house.



Same house, different angle.


Watermill, to ground rice.
Also, a favorite make-out spot for couples.


From above the watermill, looking towards the bridge and admission counter.


From another section of the village.


A high class home.


Aristocrats playing a strategy game (don't know what it's called).



Uh oh . . . Joshua, what did you do?


Joshua explaining how to play Yut.



Storage area from a middle-class house.


Bridge between the parking lot and the past.


Haven't seen a tree like this.


The "plaza" with all the different types of games and activities (like the Yut game in the foreground).


On our way out.
We ate soup and noodles in a traditional restaurant then they took me home. It took a little longer than usual 'cause there was a major traffic jam. I really enjoyed my time with them. They mentioned several places and things we could do at some point, so now I am looking forward to the next excursion--and hoping if anyone I know can join us.