Small face, big eyes

That my friends, is the definition of cute. This is what I was told by one of my students. The attitude towards one's image here is so funny. In class one day the kids were to do this collage about themselves. So while flipping through the magazine, they would point to every woman they could find and say "ugly... ugly..." (but it would be more like "uh-guh-lee"). Only the old men, and the cartoons with big eyes get the favored title of 'cute'. It's odd because you see a similar concern about image in adults too. If there is a mirror to be walked past, whether it be ten inches or ten centimeters, almost everyone that I've seen will stop and check themselves out... It's funny. And hey, we may do this back home and I've just never noticed it, but those who I've seen were very obvious in doing it. Anyways, just an interesting thought.
So, Becky and I are headed to Busan! Our contract to work at Haeundae Beach turned out to be a contract to work near Pusan university instead (communication errors I guess..), but this seems like a good thing... Haeundae was SO packed, and since I visited all I've heard is negative things about it. Though a busy place in the summer, it's supposed to be empty in the winter. The cold winds that come off the ocean make it a harsh place to live in those chilly months. And it is one of the most expensive areas in Busan as well... So, we head to the cheaper, more student oriented life near the university. We leave in two days, and actually start teaching in early September.
How fun was 'How Fun English Camp'? Well, I must say it has both positives and negatives. I've really enjoyed hanging out with the other native teachers I've met, as well as the T.A.'s. And the food has been great. Because there are hardly any western options I've been forced to dive into the local food, and besides kim chi (and those odd mini hotdogs), I really like it. Yet the one overarching issue that seems pervasive among the western teachers is this wall that has been placed in between 'us' and 'them'. This is an issue that'll be talked about in later blogs I'm sure, but I wanted to mention it quickly here. It seems like the staff here have this idea that they need to protect their own interests by placing a divider between the Korean people and the foreigners. Thus, we teachers are on a need to know basis, and it seems like we never need to know. I wonder if there is this overarching mindset passed down through generations that makes Koreans feel like they need to protect their identity or way of doing things from outsiders. Is there still a spirit of oppression among them? I don't know. It might just be at this camp (and probably is just at this camp) that the westerners are told "you wont understand because you're not Korean". And although this is true, after running into a few westerners who have been here for years, some who are even married and are settling down here, it seems like there is no way to be truly accepted as a local if you were not born here. (Disclaimer: this is just my experiences here at this camp. In no way am I generalizing any other part of Korea to be of this mindset.) And it's not the end of the world that westerners are restricted on how far they can enter into the Korean here (at How Fun), but it does pose a problem with building any type of community or friendship. I just think it's too bad that we can't click a bit more with the staff here... they seem like really cool people.
Anyways, hopefully this post doesn't jump around too much. It's late and my mind isn't on any one topic. For more pictures check out:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38693&l=d04e1&id=517865133

The meaning of pilgrimage...

The word pilgrimage seems to be one of those words that often escapes definition, at least one that is more specific. And as I learned in May of this year, the reasoning behind the journey for each individual is usually quite subjective. As I walked this trail called St. Cuthbert's way, a path that dates back to around the middle of the 7th century, I pondered the possible reasons that I would want to walk this 100km trek from Melrose, Scotland to Lindisfarne England. My reasons are many but they wont be discussed in this blog. Instead, I'll give you the run down on a bit of the history of St. Cuthbert and this trail according to "The Scottish Borders" brochure.

The life and progress of St Cuthbert has provided the inspiration for this route to be developed. St Cuthbert started his ministry in Melrose in about 650AD. After a period at Ripon, he came to Lindisfarne to be Prior. While here, he became famous for his healing powers. He was appointed Bishop of Linisfarne, and for several years travelled widely, preaching the Gospel.

He spent the last part of his life on Inner Farne island in retreat, died there, and was buried on Lindisfarne. Eleven years later his coffin was opened, and hjis body was found to be perfectly preserved, which led to his beatification. In the following centruy the Community of St Cuthbert was responsible for the Lindisfarne Gospels, perhaps the greatest work of art of the Anglo-Saxon period.

- The Scottish Borders Council; 2007.

I hope these videos will play ok for you, and give a brief glimpse of our trip. They are in order, so if you are one of the pilgrims viewing, start from here moving down. That way you get our walk in order... Enjoy.

The island of Iona... it was so beautiful.


To be that man who walked a thousand miles and falls down at your door...


St. Cuthbert must have been in shape...


Of the bus, onto the trail


The darkest woods and the greenest fields


We near the end of our journey.


Credits