noraebang

I went to a noraebang (private karaoke room) last weekend. It was the second time I went to one. The first time I went I was with coworkers and too drunk to remember much about it. I was drunk this time too, but not too much. I was kind of surprised by some of the English songs they had. Among the bands that caught my attention were Iron Maiden, Nirvana, Metallica. There weren't a lot of English songs I liked, but there were enough. I sucked at it. Bad enough that I don't think I would want to go there sober, but it was fun.

trying to control my class pt. 2

All the teachers have something like a small stick (12" - 18") that they use to hit the students or hit on the desk or table to get the students attention during class.

The students seem to think that since I am speaking to them in English that they can ignore me and keep talking even when I tell them to be quiet. I don't have a little stick, so I brought in the chasing hammer I made last year to hammer on the desks to get their attention. It's really loud. I brought it in last week, but I don't want to leave it at school cause I am worried about it disapearing or something. So maybe I will find something else to use.

trying to control my class pt. 1

The English classes are divided up according to ability. The lowest level classes have no interest in learning English. So most of the students in the low level classes would rather sleep, or talk to each other during class. Even a lot of the ones who are awake and paying attention still don't want to participate in class.

Last week one of my low level classes would not participate at all. I was trying to get them to repeat what I was saying. They understand "repeat after me," but they wouldn't do it. The Korean teacher told them to repeat, but only a few did. When I told them again, they didn't do anything. I had the Korean teacher ask them if they understand "repeat after me." They did. After a few more tries I made them all get on the floor and do push ups. They hate push ups. After making them do some I asked if they wanted to do more push ups or participate in class. They said they wanted to do class. They were a little better after that. That was the second time I have made a class do push ups cause they would not listen. I kind of enjoy making them do push ups.

Bennigan's

I went to Bennigan's in Seoul Thursday night. It looks just like the ones in the US. I am not sure about the menu cause it's been so long since I have eaten at Bennigans I have no idea what's on the menu at the ones in the US.



I have also been to Outback Steakhouse last October when I was visiting. It's about the same at the US. They have TGI Friday's but I have not been there.

Some American fast food restaurants I have seen here are McDonald's of course, Burger King, and KFC. I wish there was Wendy's here.

boring day

I'm at school right now. I just found out I don't teach any classes today. First period there is a meeting. Second period my co teacher needs more time with the class to get them ready for some test or something. And my two afternoon classes I am not sure why I don't have them. I wish I could go home, but I have to be here whether I am teaching or not.

a centipede

I found this centipede while walking around my school. It seemed half dead, otherwise I probably wouldn't have held it. I gave it to one of my students.

this week

Wednesday was an election day. We didn't have school so I went to Seoul to meet a friend. I love having Wednesday off. It makes the week go by so much faster, and Wednesday is my hardest day cause I have 4 classes in a row.

On my way home from school a lot of Korean soldiers were out. More than I have ever seen out before. Usually I only see them occasionally, and its usually only a few. I only got a pic of these guys below: