Asian Flower Design 3/16/09

Asian Flower Design 3-9-09

Another exciting class on Monday! I learned a very valuable lesson regarding the importance of getting the proper length for your first branch placement. For this arrangement we had to visualize the dimensions of the table it would be placed. The longest branch would be the far right placement (1st) and your second would be 3/4 of your 1st placement. (So if you underachieve the arrangement could be too small!) I loved using the Poppy for this one. They have continued to open gradually...so I also included a picture from yesterday to demonstrate the difference! The table is a Buddhist Temple Table from Hong Kong...we love it! (And I think a nice place for the flowers...) This class was held in the home of another student. She had a wonderful house with plenty of space in the kitchen for all of our gear. The best part of her kitchen-industrial size Espresso makers...:-) I love this arrangement and the container. My next goal is to hopefully accompany the instructor to the flower markets to get a better handle on how she selects the flowers, greenery, containers...and the vendors she prefers. Maybe I could be her 'assistant' one day! ;-)

First Day of School!

My backpack had been ready for two days...bathing suit-check, goggles-check, name tag-check, khaki pants pressed-check....:-) Chris helped me plan my subway timing so I would not be rushed. I headed out at 8:00am, walked to the subway and arrived around 8:50...perfect. I was excited but a little nervous since I wasn't sure what to expect. When I arrived, the fellow that is the primary 'Sports' coordinator met me at the door, showed me where to put my back pack and shoes (next time I need to take a pair of my almost 'Burberry' slippers). I was assigned to the "Monkey" age group. That would be 5 years old in Korean time and 4 (or a little younger) for us. ( When a Korean child is born...the day of birth he/she is already 1. ) I greeted the children/parents in the entrance and started helping the kids find their little locker, doff their jacket/cute back packs, console a few frightened/tearful little ones...and started playing! I didn't realize that today would actually be a 1/2 day with no swimming class -that will start next time. So the morning was less structured and more for getting the kids comfortable with their surroundings and their new teachers. Just observing these kids was so interesting. Some of them would just march right in...find their labeled locker...put their personals away and grab a drawing board or toy...other kids would stand with their arms outstretched for you to remove their jacket and guide them to the play tables. Thankfully, there were two other Korean teachers so they were able to introduce me to the kids in Korean...then they wanted me to introduce/greet the children in English. The kids kept looking at my name tag (written in both languages) and showing me their name or some would write on their eraser board . The most popular drawings were : buses, cars, trucks, airplanes, me :-), their home, etc. It was something to hear 21 little ones yelling "Song Sang Nim!"...which means "Teacher"...they all wanted to show me things or serve me various fruits/food items on a tray. One little girl fixed a perfect Korean tray with little bowls..everything...I was sitting on the floor ...she brought it to me....bowed and seemed so pleased as I sampled her food and bowed back! Of course then one of the boys wanted to get into the action and threw a plastic group of grapes and bananas at me...I need to learn in Korean...."We don't throw things at the teacher"...:-) Several of the little boys made a fairly large 'fort' with simulated bricks...then of course a few other boys came over and completely leveled it...there were a few little 'scuffles' but nothing major. I just thought to myself...kids are similar everywhere you go...it was really something to see. I was probably the most amazed when it came time for 'clean-up'...I started putting items away...and I would say a majority of the kids just automatically started helping straighten the room. We worked a lot on 'you're welcome' 'good morning' and 'thank you' today...they loved it. After about 40 minutes the kids started getting a bit restless...so we were doing some group activities...making a train/bus with chairs...things like that. They kept asking me "Where are we going?" in Korean (the other teacher told me"...then they would giggle and say "We're back". You could tell that some of the children had been exposed to English and for others it was their first experience. I asked one child "What is your name?" (We were encouraged to start working on this), he didn't understand me....but his little friend did and told him in Korean what I was asking....it was nice to see him help his pal.

After about an hour they decided to move me to the "Bear" group (Age 7/6) to meet the kids and help with 'snack-time'. This group was very excited to see me. I helped pass out the snacks with the Korean teacher for that age. We had what looked like an Apple turnover....but with a tasty mixture (I have no idea what it was) on the inside and Strawberry Yogurt. They were so orderly and waited for me to pass their snack...they took a seat and seemed to enjoy every bite! I sat at a table with 5 little boys who had the giggles...and kept asking me questions in Korean (I'm sure they quickly realized I didn't know what they were saying"...:-) I told them to finish their snack (in English) and they just laughed and laughed....then the real fun began. After a orderly snack clean-up I was instructed to 'Sing some English songs' from the Korean teacher. I have many songs filed away in my brain...but for a moment was at a loss. I finally got going with "Old MacDonald", "Eyes, Shoulders, knees, toes...did I leave something out?" "ABC" (with body/arm movements) and one of my favorites "You put your right leg in..." They loved singing (even if I didn't have all of my words exactly). The only time we had a deafening silence was when I decided to break into 'Are You Sleeping/Frere Jacques"...I immediately realized my error and went to "Itsy Bitsy Spider"....does anyone realize how long it has been since I sang these songs?? :-) I started to lose their attention and decided to call for a volunteer to lead the group in a little song. The little girl in the front, that kept trying to tickle my feet (they all seemed to enjoy trying to tickle me) , volunteered with enthusiasm! She stood straight as a soldier at attention and belted out in a clear/loud/confident voice..."Doe a Deer a female Deer".....the entire group joined right in...and we sang a rousing version of this one! I thought "I have got to remember this for the blog!"

After my time with the 'Bears' I was requested back into the 'Monkey' room...it appeared things were getting a little 'crazy' in there...so extra hands were needed. Since we had already gone through our "Goodbyes" the group seemed a little surprised to see me again...but we quickly reconnected and started playing, singing songs, making English fun with play.... then one of the younger kids had a little 'accident'...the teacher was so kind to him and had him back into action in no time....but the kids sensed that for a moment there would only be 'one' of me and '21' of them...they started standing on their little chairs, jumping across tables, and 'not sharing' their toys as we had gone over in the earlier part of the morning...:-) I did notice that both the male and female Korean teachers were so kind/gentle with the children. They would raise their voice occasionally but usually with a kind expression. I also noticed if they had to pull a child aside for a 'talk' they would finish the correction with a little 'pinky finger hook'...I think they were promising to be good...not sure. It was cute to see. No injuries noted after the momentary free-for-all... and we quickly calmed things down with some more singing....then it was time for everyone to get their coats, scarves, hats and backpacks back on. I'm not sure how....but there appeared to be a pick-up system where about 5 kids were redressed and their parents came to pick them up (ON TIME!) I received a lot of hugs and 'high-fives' at the end of the day...and I'm happy to say...there were a lot of smiles...me included.

A side note...the cute little girl in this photo was our youngest 'Monkey" she does not speak at all (the teacher had met with her parents earlier in the week) Korean (or English for that matter) but appears to understand Korean very well...she was a real sweetie and observed everything that was going on. I believe she is very bright and I look forward to hearing her speak someday. Her eyes look like she has something really clever to express. I asked permission (and was granted) to take a few photos because I wasn't sure...but then I remembered 'this is Korea...they love pictures/cameras/posing' so I took a few at the end of the day.

I had to file a little lesson plan for next week....I'm thinking 'counting' and 'alphabet' to start...they love to count and guess the letters in the alphabet. I plan to get plenty of rest before my next day...I need to be in top form! It was a great day....:-)

Tuesday Update...

We had another exciting flower class on Monday! We decided that the materials were much more challenging..but loved the results! Our instructor said this was a more 'advanced' Variation Upright Style. The instructor brought her very friendly/helpful college student with her...she did another modification using the same materials but in a square container...it was awesome. I have included both of our arrangements in this posting. After the class I went with Dorie to Insadong so she could scout out some of our favorite pottery shops. My favorite fellow was in his shop and seemed glad to see us. It always gives me a chuckle because he seems to think I'm a 'bit' better with my Korean skills than I actually am...so it makes for a fun visit! Dorie was impressed also...so that made it even more fun! :-)

After browsing we hit the Bibimbap place that is recommended in the Lonely Planet book...Chris found this little gem one day and we always enjoy it. The price is very low but high quality food. My only error was saying in Korean that I really enjoyed the spicy Octopus (Nak Chi)...I must have really been enthusiastic because my entire insides were on fire...seriously. I spoke with my Korean teacher and she has instructed me in "small amount of spice please"...:-) I'll try that out next time! After our lunch we rushed back via subway so Dorie could pick her children up from school...and the subways were SO busy! I have this path memorized...so we made it there and back with no problems.

My next goal was to locate a person to pick up a Buddhist Temple chest that was being shipped from HK. This requires someone who speaks Korean much better than I do...and can negociate! The shipping was free from HK but we were responsible to get it from the port in Incheon to Seoul. It seems that our little table is simply 'too small of a job' for anyone to handle....but it is way too big for a car or small SUV. I thought the ship was coming into port today...so I was scrambling....then someone called (not sure who) to let me know that they would pick it up in 10 days...after clearing customs. Only one problem...I have no idea who called or with what company! :-) Things seem to 'work-out' over here with the Koreans...I have no idea how...but they do...you just need to make sure you have a native speaker with you for these types of activities/scheduling.

One funny...we were walking in Itaewon Sunday when the Turkish Kabob shop owner (Omar) spotted us and yelled "Hey, I see you"....well, I was thinking 'yes, you see us...we're right here'..then he said "I see you last week Wednesday...crossing the Hannam Bridge with your blonde friend!" I told him he should have honked his horn or waved and he said "No way, I was going at least 90 miles per hour!!!" :-) I emailed Kristin with this story....if you don't know what happened last Wednesday.....just scroll down to the blog entry "Han River- A Survivor's Tale" and you will find out! :-)

The "Orientation"...

Well, this has certainly been an interesting weekend! We started the weekend on the right foot by having Bev & Joanna over for a Gran Torino 'screening' on Friday...followed by some tasty ribs that evening with our buddy Jim. One important note about Jim...he reads my blog faithfully and knows all of the characters from the Housewives of the OC ...his favorite is Vickie...just fyi! :-)

The attached photo is a building being reflected in another building...Hong Kong. This was an 'artistic' photo attempt!

Saturday we went for my Kindergarten orientation. Chris went with me (just to make sure I made it) and he explored that part of Seoul while I had the meeting. The group consisted of 4 Korean men wearing nice suits/ties, 3 Canadian guys wearing t-shirts/jeans, 1 Canadian (OSU grad) wearing a dress-shirt/tie (and being ridiculed by the other guys), 1 British gal wearing an off-the-shoulder blouse, me (dressing appropriately of course!) , and another very talkative American. :-) The two Korean gals who appear to be coordinating the program are both graduates of US Universities...1 from NYU (Modern Dance) and the other from MSU (I have no idea what her area of study was...but she seemed to have had a really fun college experience!) She just kept saying "I love the Spartans!" Anyway, we were welcomed by the Korean gentlemen with the NYU grad giving us an English translation. Then we all bowed and the fellows exited the room. Now...I was face to face with these Canadian guys who seemed to know a lot about teaching...inline skating...and hockey (but I'm sure more than that!) The gal to my right started asking questions right off the bat about getting these kids reading in 100 days or something like that...the tallest/most athletic of the group said "Well, to be honest, working on the letter "A" could burn up a whole month"..."they are only 3 and 4 "...silence followed...the Korean gals tried to redirect the conversation and mentioned something about 'flash cards" being helpful. I became thankful that I would be mostly involved with the music program and swimming....and introducing these kids to English in a positive/fun/functional way....hopefully! Once I had a better understanding of the goals...I could see why these sports minded guys were recruited...plus the kids went wild over the guys, when we were asked to introduce ourselves and give a little background. The two Korean ladies mentioned that they hoped the kids were not scared of the big guys....and I wondered how they would respond also. When one of them finished speaking, a young boy in the back yelled "See you soon!" (They loved him!) The auditorium was packed with parents and children...all on a Saturday morning...it was nice to see so much enthusiasm for learning! (Or maybe they were curious to see who in the heck these Westerners were!) The only instructor I was unsure about said he was a dual Citizen of US/Canada...and appeared to have just stumbled out of a disco and into this orientation. He smelled like a combination of Soju and a pack of cigarettes....it's going to be an interesting year. :-)

One final 'funny' of the day. When the Korean gals were giving us instructions regarding the importance of smiling, being on-time for class, and being prepared...she mentioned to one of the Canadians..."please bring your speedo"....the look on his face was hilarious...he went from looking like 'I'm a cool hockey dude" to utter fear at the thought of donning a Speedo for his swimming class (I'll be in the same class...can't wait!). She did clarify and said "or swimming pants"...:-)

Han River...A Survivor's Tale.

When other foreigners discuss differences/idiosyncracies/annoyances etc. about the Korean culture...I usually try to find a bright spot, humor about the incident, redirect to a more positive topic, laugh and move on or just shake my head and say "That's just how it is" or 'It's a cultural thing." Today was a bit different.

This morning we decided to go for a nice/relaxing walk along the Han River and hopefully get a little exercise in. It was pretty quiet (as most mornings are) so there were only a few little groups of 'professional' bikers in their matching gear, racing bikes...the works. As we were chatting and checking out the skyline on the opposite side (we had crossed the bridge) out of absolutely nowhere came a Korean woman (around 50 or so) on a non-professional bike and hit Kristin with her back tire in her left calf area. As you can see from the photo there is a wide path and two clearly marked lanes for walking, rollerblading and biking. You may be wondering how her back tire hit Kristin...the only way I can explain it would be to say....visualize a 'skid stop' like a police cruiser may do...or Starsky&Hutch...with major leaning from the Korean lady (but she did not hit the ground). We were stunned but just brushed it off and kept walking...thinking maybe she lost control (on the level surface?) or was a new bike rider/nervous...something along those lines. We kept walking for about ten minutes with no bike traffic or people then AGAIN out of no where...on a slight incline of a hill...she came straight for us and crashed into Kristin...for the 2nd time! How she built the speed up for this collision...we have no idea. This time she did not 'skid stop' but instead hit Kristin in the hip/leg with her front tire and handle bars... then proceeded to fly over her own handlebars and landed 'ever so gently' on the path with an extra roll thrown in for good measure! This time we were really stunned and for one of the first times in my life (people who know me I'm sure would agree) I was completely speechless! I was unable to say anything in Korean...my automatic English came up and all I could say was "What do you think you are doing....trying to hit us??" She grabbed her shoulder and said something in Korean. Honestly, in a normal situation I would have rushed right over to assist/start first-aid..something! This situation simply didn't feel right and we both started walking quickly away. Also remember, she did not hit her head when she fell and was completely alert...no blood...no guts flying anywhere. :-) A few minutes later we looked back and noticed she was sitting on the side of the road and seemed to be talking to a large group (about 30 bikers in matching outfits...all black and red). We have no way of knowing for sure...but after she seemed to speak with them, they peddled very quickly toward us (remember I said about 30) then at the last minute would go around us on either side and yelled little things in Korean...now remember..this is a large path with plenty of room for them to pass us on the left...plus we were trying to move toward the right and get out of their way...it's tough to describe...but a bit unsettling to say the least. After we were passed by the bikers we were met with a Korean Police Officer on a scooter. It could have been a coincidence but we wondered if she had reported a bogus incident to him. We stepped our pace up again at this point. We kept walking, then after about 10 more minutes we see her... AGAIN! She came up behind us...we darted to the right (completely off the path into the grass) and she just peddled by us like a pro with both hands on the handlebars and said the only words that I recognized in Korean ..'thank you' with a big grin. We are unsure if this was some type of scam toward foreigners, terrorist activity with a bicycle (you never know!), or just a very odd person (to put it mildly) on a bicycle...who needs to return to good ol' fashioned hoofing it! :-) We had to laugh and just move on. We decided that (other than the 'bicycle attack') it had been a super walk and a beautiful morning. I guess once I got home I started thinking if it had escalated what would we have done? I don't like to be an alarmist, (seriously) but the only way to have escaped would have been an almost vertical climb up the bank OR jumping into the Han River and swimming for it! If truly confronted with serious danger I believe (at least in my mind) that I could have scaled that embankment (with Kristin right beside me...or in front of me...she's quite fit and agile!). This is one of those stories that you hope was just an innocent/one-time-only incident and you really hope this was not directed at us because we are foreigners. I truly want to be a positive ambassador for America...and demonstrate that the vast majority of us are good, decent, and kind human-beings...there are a few bad eggs in any culture...we may have just run into one! :-)

Just a note...I did receive permission from Kristin to upload her photo... I did warn her that this could turn into a web sensation.......:-) Thanks for reading!

Asian Flower Design 2/23/09

As you can probably see from the numerous photos attached today...I really enjoyed my flower class this week! The "Asian Fusion" Centerpiece with the Orchids was the focus of the lesson...and I just loved it. You can adapt this style for a variety of table sizes/shapes...I chose Round/Oval design. The long/thin arrangement was actually from last week with additional 'tweaking' but the instructor when she arrived. She also gave great feedback and made the two smaller arrangements look much better. It is amazing to watch her take a leaf and use it for 'camo' for hiding varied lengths of stems etc. We used some wire to make the wooden vines behave a bit...:-) She stayed extra time today...and as she was slipping off her slippers at the door (I recently purchased 4 pairs of 'almost' Burberry slippers for less than 2 dollars a pair)....she said "Nicole, we have the same hobby...flowers!" I really hope I can bring this 'Asian flare' back to the US for my future flower designs!