The National Museum, June 29

Today was the second day of our lecture series at Korea University. We have had lectures on Korean language, art, economics, culture, and North- South relations. We also toured the Korea University campus yesterday. And we have met some high ranking government officials. After today's lectures we went to the National Museum. There are so many stunning artifacts-- which is to be expected from a country as old as Korea. We had a chance to look at some beautiful examples of celadon and white porcelain pottery. My favorite room however was the Buddha exhibit.

There are many different types of Buddhas and every different facial expression or hand gesture has a meaning. The hand gestures are known as mudras. Then there are the Bodhisattvas, who are not Buddhas, but humans who are considered enlightened beings. At night a group of about fourteen of us went our due traditional Korean BBQ. You cook our yourself on a grill built into your table. The owner placed a tray of hot coals inside the table and adds bowls of meat, garlic, lettuce, julienned green onions, and various other items around the grill and you cook it and eat it with your desired accoutrements.

June 27, 2012

Today we took a tour of Seoul. We walked to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and witnessed the changing of the guard. Then we walked around the block to tour the Folk Museum. I, and a group of about ten intrepid explorers, then explored the Bukchong historic district where there remains the largest community of traditional style houses in all of Seoul. Learning to navigate the Korean subway was an experience. And the subways are super clean here. Tonight we had a "getting to know you" dinner with representatives from the Korea Society and students from Korea University. We were served a traditional meal that consisted of several courses-- mostly seafood. I didn't eat a lot.

Welcome to Korea

I arrived late to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York due to weather that kept us in a holding pattern over Washington, D. C. for a while. Bit once I arrived, checked in, and exchanged money I met up with some fellow participants at our departure gate. We were going top be flying on a huge two story jumbo jet ! My first Korean meal took place on Korean Airlines about two hours into the fifteen hour flight. It consisted of biminbob, a traditional Korean vegetable and rice dish, seaweed soup, sectioned oranges and some type of vegetable pickle. The seaweed soup was actually pretty good. It tasted a little like collard greens. Topped it off with a little white wine to help me sleep. Twelve hours is a long time to stay awake on a plane! I wish I'd taken a picture of it. At 5:25 pm local time, 3:25 am central time, we landed at Seoul - Incheon International Airport. Fourteen and a half hours after leaving JFK . This flight was brutal. After an hour long bus ride we arrive at Seoul Garden Hotel. The streets of Seoul are busy. I'm on the 9th floor and I can still hear traffic. Dinner for me was at the McDonald’s across the street (why not? ) where I had something called a "Taste of Australia" burger. Then a quick jaunt to the 7-11 on the corner for bottled water and it was off to bed.

Day before takeoff

Seventeen hours from now I will be on my way to the airport. In New York I meet up with about a dozen other Summer Fellowship participants. Then it's fifteen hours to South Korea. I'm really excited about teaching my lesson to the students there, but also nervous. I don't know how well it will be received. Hopefully internet service well be available at the hotel and I can keep up with the blog. So until then, 작별 인사. (Goodbye)

Friday, June 22

Three days away now. I went to #TuskegeeInstitute today to get some materials for the lesson I'm going to teach on George Washington Carver. Shirley at the museum was so helpful. Its amazing to see all that Carver accomplished in his lifetime. I think the students in the Korean school will really like their gifts.

Countdown to Korea

Only five days away now.  We finally got our in country itinerary yesterday.  My flights are confirmed.  I've made contact with the other participants who will be flying out of JFK.  My packing is done except for electronics and last minute clothing.  All that's left is that I keep my family members up to date on what their responsibilities are while I'm away.  My Korean lessons aren't going as well as I hoped, but my lesson for Korea is planned and I've got all my resources together.  My last day at work is tomorrow, so it's full steam ahead from here on.  My only concern is the long flight.  I've got sleeping pills and a sleep mask.  Please Lord, let that be enough.

December 2, 2011

For my last Costa Rica entry, I thought I would post a little dedication I made to my fellow TITP participants on our last night together. I was deeply affected by this trip and I really wanted them to know how much it-- and they-- meant to me. "When this adventure began I thought I had some idea of what to expect. But this has been so much more than I could have imagined. Over the last 14 days we have learned, laughed, and lived together. I want to thank Toyota and IIE for giving us this incredible opportunity. Thanks to Mike, Karen, and Rhonda for putting up with us. I have learned so much from this,and I have so much to take back with me and I've made some wonderful new friends whom I will miss. I will miss Kim's calm demeanor, Tim's sense of humor, Valerie S. ability to drink the men under the table, Josh's All American boy charm, Paolo's boisterousness, Katie's katieisms, Tammy's laughter and Bhavna's giggle. I'll miss John's intelligence, Jeremiah's laid back California surfer cool, Kelly's dry wit, Tracy's willingness to try anything, Loris' generosity, Erin's smile-- and her eye for cute porters, and Robert's good humor-- but not the bawdy jokes. I'll miss Angela's energy, Sondra's earnestness, Valerie M.'s "earth mama" vibe, Greg's dimples-- and his hot pants, and learning from Chris C., who is the kind of teacher I hope to someday become. I'll miss Kris M.'s intensity, Emily's sweet nature and her eager desire to be the best teacher she can be because we need more teachers like that. I'll miss Ann's friendliness, Chuck's daring, and Susan's caffeine addiction, which rivals my own. To our fantastic guides, you are amazing. Isa, when I grow up I want to be just like you because you know everything. Julio, thanks for your quick smile, unending patience, and delicious chocolate. Eduardo I wont miss you at all because I'm taking you back to Alabama with me. You will totally fit in my luggage. And so here am, nine suspension bridges, five toucans, four rain forests, three snakes, three bats, three handlers, countless insects and one Jason later, I am a better teacher, a better person, and much richer for the experience of having known you all."