Great start!

So, my classroom is about 90 percent ready, I went through all of the new program orientations, and I believe I'm ready to go for the new school year at Maya. What a great school with amazing, kind, and positive people. I like being in a school where positivity permeates throughout the halls. It's a feel good situation. Anyway, tomorrow is our welcome back party at our director's house. Apparently about 60 people are signed up to go.

I survived orientation, love the academic program, and am ready for my 10 students. yep I said it 10!!!! Russia, Argentina, Korea (of course), Guatemala, Mexico, the US, and England are where my students are from. I'm really excited!

Take it easy, I'm going to relax until tomorrow. I have to go to the bank tomorrow, do laundry, and just get ready...by the way I got a 100 percent on my final grad school capstone! Life is good!!!

A day of adventure

I checked out of the hotel today at 10 am and was picked up by Jennifer to go to my new house. We arrived and I unloaded my bags and immediately went up the road to school to get my Isuzu Trooper. I was finally going to drive in Guatemala. Of course, I forgot that it had a car alarm, so I set it off like 5 times throughout the day, but I'm learning. I had an orange crispy bowl at Applebee's and then went to Hiper Paiz (Guatemalan Walmart). I bought tons of household items for the kitchen/house. I then unloaded them and went back in for round 2 of food shopping. I bought tons of stuff, so I was happy with my purchases.

I finally moved in and unloaded everything included my clothes, etc. I put up my paintings and my rugs and other Mayan goods from Antigua, and fixed myself dinner. I'm home at last and enjoying my couch!

Orientation is in the morning! Gotta go to bed!

My living room:

Antigua, Sweet Antigua

The trip to Antigua began on Friday at 645 a.m. They picked us up at the Santander Plaza Hotel and we loaded up and went...All of the new teachers for my school. I was very excited to begin the journey. I had heard so much about Antigua and read about it, but I never got to see it with my own eyes. A colonial city right in Guatemala...wow. We arrived at Villa Colonial, and this is the view that I saw as part of my hotel. I was taking the picture from the end where my room was at. I was amazed at the architecture, the colors, the flowers, the plants, and the view through the city. We traveled down cobblestone roads. We arrived at the center of town and waited for our tour by Elizabeth Bell to begin. We were bombarded with lovely Mayan women trying to sell us their goods. I met Ruth as she told me "Dustin, you have money, help me with your money, you take my picture, but you no good man cause you no give money...Business is business..I no lie." I didn't want to buy anything right at the beginning as I was sure that they would try to charge a higher price because I was a "tourist." Sure enough, I was right.

Here Chris, Lauri, and I enjoyed the sites and just loved interacting with the locals. This picture isn't Ruth, but just a picture of some of the people. We began our tour with all of our teachers and others...Shannon, Dexter, Chris, Lauri, Zoe (sp?), David, the kids, my new director and his wife, and a few others. We went through cathedrals, government buildings, saw volcanoes in distance, and learned about jade, Guatemalan government, schools, housing, industry, etc. It was an extremely interesting tour of which I got so many amazing pictures. Here are a few of my favorites:

We had lunch and returned back to the hotel for rest then a meeting about the do's and don'ts in Guatemala. After that we left for dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Frida's...Wow! The food was amazing and the margaritas were even better. I returned back to my room to relax and get ready for an early morning shopping extravaganza.

On Saturday, we all woke up and hit the markets of Antigua. I found myself bargaining for Mayan blankets, rugs, paintings, and other stuff along with my boss and his wife. It was fun and I came out with some really cool stuff. In a future blog I will show it all as I am going to put it in my house.

We returned to Guate City after an amazing Guatemalan lunch which consisted of cheese fondue and I ordered a dish known as Sabun iq which combined pork, beef, and chicken in a tomato sauce. I was also a fan of the miniature tamales known as tomalitos.

I'm back in the hotel in Guate City and ready to move into my house in the morning. I'm going to get a 9:30 am start. I'll post more when I have more to say. I will never forget the ride home where one of my coworkers, who is from England, first grade sons said "You speak English so well, aren't you from Mexico." hahahah Oh Kids!

Take it easy.

Dustin

Down the Carretera a El Salvador

Driving down the Carretera a El Salvador back to my hotel. This is what I get to see everyday on the way to and from school. I will take a picture of the volcanoes in the distance soon when it is clear enough to see them. What a beautiful place Guatemala is! I went to school again and am slowly preparing my classroom. Tomorrow I sign my house lease wooo hooo.. Off to bed early I'm tired.

Classroom Prep, Enchiladas, and Tecate

Here is a look at the street to my hotel at night. It was raining, as it usually does in Guatemala during the months of June, July, August, and September, but the rain brought a very peaceful feeling to me.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon preparing my classroom, moving furniture, hearing more about the curriculum, etc. I am going back today after a trip to the Guatemalan version of "Wal-mart. I am going to buy some stuff for my house which I'm getting excited about. I move next Monday. Last night was cool. I found myself eating enchiladas and nachos with guacamole and enjoying some beers (Tecate). I sat and spoke to another guy in Spanish for about 5 hours. I am really pumped that Spanish is coming back to me. I am hoping that I continue to get better with practice.

Well it's off to the store I go...Hasta luego!!!

Guatemala City, Night One, Day One

I finally arrived in Guatemala City at approximately 9 pm on Sunday night. I had plane problems in Indianapolis and had to switch numerous times causing me to miss my Houston to Guate City flight and reschedule it. This gave me a layover o about 7 and a half hours. Regardless, I arrived at night and was taken by Jennifer, my school's business manager to the hotel, Santander Plaza. Hotel is nice and the people are so friendly. I received a welcome basket of goodies and a cell phone and was ready for bed. Tomorrow I would be able to go to my school and house.

I woke up and was picked up by Jennifer at noon to get a quick driving tour of the city. I was impressed by the cleanliness. I have been in the more affluent areas. Jennifer came with another new teacher, Chris who I have been chatting with for awhile now about school and Guatemala. She is very nice as well. We went to our school up the Carretera to El Salvador, 12.5 kilometers. Along the way I got to see the amazing view, but it was rainy so it was kind of hard (my school is about 1500 meters I think about the city itself. Anyway, along the road surprisingly was many American chain food restaurants and stores. I plan on going shopping for house stuff later this week and will be hitting up numerous places.

We got to school and I met a lot of the administrators and took a tour. An amazing campus with very friendly people. My classroom is nice too. I started my car and am thinking that I will be taking it away from the school later this week when I get a better understanding of where I'm at.

I was then taken to my house which I absolutely love. I will be posting more pics of it once I move in from the hotel. Until then, I'll keep you in suspense...a very quiet residential neighborhood. I'm going to get along great with it :) Here is a photo:










As for now I'm chillin in the hotel room after a late lunch of none other than TACO BELL! We were in a hurry so we went to it as it is close to my school.
I also am very happy to have had about a 20 minute conversation in Spanish with one of the drivers (Manor, I think I don't know how to spell his name). He told me that I will be speaking more very soon. I can already feel like a lot of it is coming back from university and high school days...HOW EXCITING!

I am thinking of relaxing a bit before having dinner in Zone 10.

I'll keep you posted. I think this has been a very wise move for me. Everything so far just feels right!!

Until next time,

Dustin

Leaving for Guatemala City

The time has come for me to leave for my next adventure in Guatemala. I am currently waiting in my house to wake my dad up in 2 hours to take me to the airport. What an amazing visit home with family and friends. I have the best mom, dad, brother, and family I think in the whole world. We had a blast. I'm also so happy to be so much closer to them being in Guatemala than I was in Asia....I think it's a better move for everyone!

I'm a bit nervous about my next adventure but have a really good feeling about this move. I am planning to blog more as well about my adventures and am looking forward to a new country with new friends in a new house with a new culture.

Til next time,

Dustin

Blogging Absence

It's been awhile since my last blog. I must say that I have been quite busy with my two classes. I'm finished in 2 weeks and CANNOT wait. Only to start 2 more! The Lotte Giants are back in action. They played in Seoul this weekend, but I didn't go to the game. I just watched it on the television. It looks like I have about 8 weeks to go in Korea or less. I booked my flight and I leave permanently on June 13th. I have to start selling my things and closing my accounts as the end is near lol. I'm headed home after that to spend time with family and friends, and I just got an email that I have to be at my school in Guatemala on June 25th. So, I'll be home for 6 weeks not 7. anyway that's quite a long time to see everyone! I'm pumped. Well that's it for now. Nothing exciting, just the same ole stuff.

Reflecting on Cebu, Back in Korea

Island Hopping on Thursday was amazing...Went out on a boat all over Mactan Islands with a group of 5. All inclusive lunch and beer....food was great chicken, pork, fish, mangos and rice.

Friday Jerry, Dan, and I went to Kawasan Falls. It was a 3 hour road trip and was worth every minute of it.

Not going to write much more other than I had a great time, and I feel relaxed. Now I'm back in Korea and I'm cold again. I can't wait until summer in the USA!

Still lovin' it

It's Tuesday and I have to leave on Saturday from Cebu. I'm loving the Philippines. The people are so nice. It's incredible. Today I spent the morning resting and the afternoon in the jacuzzi. Now im just lying on a beach chair checking email by the pool. Nothing exciting today just a whole lot of nothing which is great!

I'm gonna be working on two assignments later on this week, but it's not that big of a deal

Last night went to the Waterfront Casino for an incredible buffet which was only about 13 dollars....

Love how cheap this place is.

Hopefully I'll have more to report next time I get out of this chair :).....Vacation..OH THE LIFE :)

Day 2 and 3 Philippines

Day 2 and 3 went by quite slowly in a good way. Day two was spent down by the pool. We met Steve from Australia, Jerry from Seattle, and Tonya from Hong Kong. We spent the day in the sun drinking and listening to music. We followed up the day with a nice buffet dinner at a fancy place called Marco Polo...After a long cab ride home to Mactan Island...it was time to rest..The food was delicious...but im so sun burnt...I'm in serious pain.

Today (day 3) we went to the beach. Pineapple shakes and watermelon smoothies with fresh fish at the restaurant. It was nice. Maribago Blue Waters is where we went...now im just resting...this weather is beautiful...i just hope i get over this sunburn LOL

Anyway...life is good :)

Cebu, Philippines Day 1

Arrived yesterday at 400pm in Cebu to find myself at a very secluded resort....its very peaceful. Went for a night swim and a beer at the pool and have enjoyed catching up on much needed rest. Today, I woke up and had a great breakfast. I'm off to the beach....more will come as soon as I get a grasp of the place....so far so good, weather is amazing, food is great, and the people are so friendly....til next time!

School Read-A-Thon

Today was a cool day at school. This week was Read-A-Thon week. To celebrate the end of the week, students and teachers dressed up as their favorite book character. A fellow K2 teacher brought in 3 animal suits and my co teacher dressed up as Harry Potter's girlfriend. Dan was the lion from the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Narnia), Jess (was a bunny I forget the story) and I was the Frog Prince....I still cant believe that we get paid to have this much fun.

Afternoon, is my last Spanish club. I am teaching the students how to make chicken tacos while using Spanish vocabulary :)

Tomorrow at 830am my flight leaves for Cebu (Mactan Islands) of the Phillipines...It's time for the beach!

Hasta luego!

St. Patrick's Day in my Classroom

Today is March 17th, and I thought I would bring a little St. Patrick's Day tradition from my past to my current classroom here in Seoul. The kids made a "leprechaun trap" and sought out to trap a leprechaun. Before today, they all made plans of how they were going to trap it.

The day started with the children entering finding that all of their name tags were switched, chairs and activies upside down, a chair in the sink, and green glitter with a note that stated

I am the sneakiest man that you have ever seen. I have tricks and surprises. I turn things green. Watch out! I'm here to make some noise, to trick all you little girls and boys.

Love,

the Leprechaun.

So, the kids went crazy thinking all day they they heard the leprechaun, and I had other teachers make noises outside to get them excited. Children made little leprechaun sized hats and everyone wore green today.

Well the afternoon came, as we were dancing to Irish music, a loud THUD was heard. The leprechaun was caught in the hallway with our trap. The kids ran to the trap only to find that the green cookies that were left for the leprechaun were missing and a note with gold glitter was left on the floor. The note stated:

"This is the best trick that you have seen. It's now time to drink milk that is green. It is true what you have been told. The leprechaun is here to give you gold. You tried to catch me, but I'm too quick. I hope you enjoyed my special tricks. Happy St. Patrick's Day, I'm off to Ireland.

Love,
The Leprechaun

So the kids picked up the trap only to see that the "leprechaun" escaped by cutting a hole in the back.

I turned the milk "green" with my special magic paper that the "leprechaun" left a.k.a. food coloring at the bottom, and the kids went wild...WOW you are magic Mr. Dustin. Then, we had a scavenger hunt for gold coins that the leprechaun left.
The kids finished the day by eating green cookies and drinking green milk.

Now I'm headed home as I need to rest. I'm starting to get a cold.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hate Mondays!

Tomorrow is Monday. I hate Mondays. I have a presentation for my school parents on Tuesday, four grad school papers to do this week, have to lead a meeting for the language arts committee, then its off to Cebu. I hope I get through this week alive.

It rained all day today. Last night, I went out with friends for a pre-St. Patricks Day party. Green beer and all! Finished the night with a great Korean barbeque....Why can't the weekends be longer?

Up and at em early Saturday morning

This morning I had to wake up to meet my other grade level teachers at Seoul Grand Children's Park as we were going to do a previsit for a field trip that we want to take our kids on. Well Dan and I couldn't find the other two teachers anywhere...we walked about 2 miles around the "Seoul Grand Park Zoo" thinking we were at the right place. After viewing the Dolphin Show, we got a call from the other two teachers who said that they couldn't meet us at the Dolphin Show because there wasn't a dolphin show in the park. Come to find out, we spent the entire morning doing a previsit at the Seoul Grand Park and not the actual location: Seoul Children's Grand Park. Well anyway, we had fun, enjoyed the dolphin show, saw some cool animals, took notes thinking we were going to map a route.

At lunch time, the take-out line for Korean food said "Come out Food"...looks like the person translating shouldn't quit their day job.

Then we took a luxury taxi (not by choice) to Shinsegae to shop with our gift certificates from our school parents. I bought some new Armani Code Cologne....to hide the smell :)

Worked on a power point for a few hours now my eyes are getting drowsy.

Off to nap, then its out for green beer for a pre-St. Patrick's Day party...

My Blogging Absence

Hello world! It's been a few days since I have been on here blogging about my crazy life abroad. There are a few reasons for this. First, I have been working on a presentation about emergent literacy and the building blocks of reading for the parents of my student body. Next week is reading week, so as the Language Arts coordinator, I have been asked to present. I'm done with that, so that's one check mark off the list.

The second reason is that my new graduate school classes start (Educational Research) and (Schools and Society: A Comparative Analysis). They have to be two of the most demanding courses to date. So, I'm busy writing many papers and presentations.

Here is the good news though: My Phillipines trip is back on track. I decided to reschedule the trip after cancelling it. I thought I wasn't going to have enough time, but I decided to work ahead here in Korea for the next 9 days, then enjoy and relax on the beach. Of course, I'm taking my computer to do a few things, but overall I'm hoping to take the week off to lie on the islands of Cebu!

Anyway, that's all for now! Tomorrow is an in-service day which means no students. We have to attend a KORCOS conference which is an educational conference for international school teachers residing in South Korea.

Life is busy, but good :)!

Hangover Heaven

Last night was my birthday party. We went to a brewery. It was all you can drink beer for 16 dollars....quite the deal. Then we went to two other bars in what I think was a birthday bar crawl. It's Sunday now, so I'm going to rest on the couch all night.

But thank you to all of my friends that made it out last night and made the night special. I really enjoyed myself and think that everyone else did too!

I have a headache! lol

My students threw me a birthday party

Today was a great way to end the week. I went to school knowing that I was already having a "surprise" party thrown by my students and the parents. The kids (5 and 6 years old) tried so hard to keep it a secret, but kept telling me about it and told me about all of the letters and cards that they made me. It was so funny. One girl told me ("I have a surprise for your birthday, but I'm not going to show you until the party.") She must have forgotten that i proofread her letter which was addressed to me ahahha. Oh the things kids do.

So my room mom brought cupcakes and bought me a very nice gift from the parents. What a great group of parents and kids!

At the end of the day, my student from India's mom brought me a huge sack of homemade Indian food: chicken masala, Indian rice, and pakodas. I enjoyed it so much. It was such a surprise, and she made so much, so one of my roommates and my best friend Jaimie ate it watching American Idol reruns! Korea is a year behind, so I have to download season 9 off of the Internet.

So, tomorrow is my actual birthday. We are going to a brewery, 16 dollars (all you can drink) and half priced food. It should get interesting.

I was kinda bummed tonight, because I am cancelling my Spring Break trip to the Phillipines because my next two graduate school classes are going to be very time consuming. I also have to do a presentation for my school's parents as I'm the Language Arts Coordinator, and I have to write narrative evaluation reports for my students as well. So, the next 8 weeks will be extremely busy, but it will pay off in the end!

Got my two grades for my last 2 classes, and I got a 98% in both, so that was a nice pick me up.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow for good beer, good food, and great friends! Good night Korea! Good morning America!

Monday, Monday

Happy March! Today has been quite a lazy day. I woke up and looked out the window and saw that it was snowing again. I am hoping that the nice weather comes back soon. It was here for a minute and now its chilly again. Anyway, nothing great is going on just the same ole same ole. I just finished two of my grad school classes which means that I am getting a nice little 9 day break. My birthday is Saturday. Not too sure what the plans are yet, but my friend Jaimie is moving back to Korea today which is quite exciting! :)

Well its back to the couch for now for a movie day. I'm thinking about checking in Itaewon later to see if the new Taco Bell is open yet....mmmmmmmmmmm 4 years in Korea without a Taco Bell....now that's roughing it!

My First Blog

Hello! I thought it would be a good idea to sign on to this website and start documenting my life. My family has been encouraging me to start journaling, so I guess I'll give this a shot. Every time I start to write things by hand, it was too tiring.

Well, I have been in Seoul, South Korea for four years now, and I'm completing my last semester at an international school here in the city. Since being in Korea, I have been all over the world, and I love to travel: Kenya, South Africa, China, India, Uganda, Hong Kong, Thailand, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Jamaica, Mexico, North Korea, Phillipines (in March) just to name a few (a total of 23 to date). It has been quite amazing. Snorkeling in Thailand, white water rafting in Uganda, volunteering at an orphanage and Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya, climbing the Great Wall of China, riding elephants and Gandhi's cremation site in India and seeing the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Egypt and awesome beach in Sharm el Sheikh, floating in the Dead Sea and the Wailing Wall in Israel, lunch and visiting Jesus's birth site in Bethlehem or as some call "Palestine", cruising the Caribbean, Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison cell)-Table Mountain-and the wineries in South Africa, partying in Hong Kong, crossing the DMZ line into North Korea *yikes,* visiting the palaces and Namsan Tower of South Korea, Hagia Sofia and awesome Turkish food in Istanbul, Buddhist temples and Taipei 101 in Taiwan, experiencing my first culture shock in Japan, and much more. Although I do not have it written down, my pictures will tell the story.

So, from this day forward I will document my trips.

Currently, I'm excited about June. I'm going home for the entire summer to be with family and friends, then it's off to Guatemala to teach second grade at an international school. I hope to travel all over Central and South America, so my journeys have just begun :)

I'm also working on my master's degree in International Education. I will be finishing next fall with future plans of becoming a principal of an international school.

That's about it for now. Let my blogging adventure begin...