Independence Hall Trip (16. October '11)

On October 16, 2011; 5 of my students, A fellow teacher, and I went to the Independence Hall of Korea, just outside of Cheonan.

Of course, I've been here before, but I still haven't seen all of it. Besides, as this is my last term, I want to spend as much time with my students as possible. I was excited to have a few students say they would join me. They could practice their English with Fabrice and I, and they could translate and explain everything in the exhibit halls for us--a win-win situation!

This was a wonderful day. A big "Thank you" to all of my students who came and made this day wonderful!

From the parking lot, we're approaching the entrance.

Some of my students, ready for a good day.

Warm-ups? Will we run?

Meeting and getting to know each other.

Group picture! All 7 of us.

If you can see, the day looked rainy.

I love this monument. It's so photogenic, although I didn't do a really good job.

Golden trees remind us that it's autumn.

Now, only in black and white (the previous was also animated).

The main hall.

My animated group.

Coy fish.

HUGE Coy fish.

I'm sure they were almost as long as my arm.

So guys, which one or ones are we having for lunch?

Autumn, bridge, and monument . . . I couldn't resist.

They want food . . . I want them to be my food . . .

It started to rain, so 2 guys and I ran to the main hall--just in time too. I started to rain hard.

As we waited for the rest, I sat by a column and faced where I had come from. This is what I saw.

Now, let's try a self-shot . . . oh, do we have enough time?

Some of the others coming in with their made-up "umbrellas".

We have arrived . . .

. . . now what do we do?

Zayden for President!

ugh . . . I wouldn't vote for me!

Coming up to a model of Admiral Yi Sun Shin's turtle ship. It's built to about 1/16th of the original size.

Riding to the past on one of Korea's first trains.

Ooooo, technology!

Lunch!

Bibimbap (rice mixed with vegtables) was the order of the day.

She was well prepared. She brought dessert (a HUGE Korean pear).

Fabrice receiving lessons on how to use chopsticks.

Next, a 4-D movie! Let's go watch "Korea Rally Racing"!

"I'm telling you, I make this look good!"

I'm sorry, I didn't know the flash was too bright.

This is one of the most important pieces/sculptures in the entire vicinity.

Stunning.

Hmm, it's time to go; but we'll take the scenic route out.

Staring off to the sunset.

1 looks here, the other looks away.

"I want to be here too!"

What a wonderful day, guys. Thank you all so much. It wouldn't have been this great without you.

My 1st Opera (15.Oct.'11)

October 15, 2011 is the night I went to my first opera; who knew it was going to be in Korea? It was at Cheonan City Hall. They host many different kinds of cultural programs there.

I saw flyers about it and thought I'd give it a try. It's called "Figarro's Wedding." I figured it was a sequel to "The Barber of Seville"--too bad I never saw it. I don't even know the story behind it.

Naturally, they sung in Italian. I understand some Italian, but I couldn't understand what they sang: the words they sang were not always clear. They had translation--in Korean. So I was at a loss.

Well, at least it was an experience and now I can say I've been to an opera.

Maybe I should do some research on whatever I plan to watch before I actually go and watch it.

I sat in the balcony, so this was the view from the edge of the balcony, looking towards the stage.

The balcony.
It was quite empty. Except for the restless kids.



It was still intermission, so I kept on taking pictures.

I don't understand; when the intermission was over and the opera started again, why were the lights from intermission still on? Weren't they supposed to go off?

Oh well, that gives me a chance to take pictures of the actors on stage without needing flash.

Singer + Korean "subtitles"

The play is over, now the cast comes and takes a bow.

Figarro and the rest of the cast.

Final bow at the curtain call.

. . . and let's call it a night.

Cheonan City Bus Tour 2 (9. Oct. 2011)

Hooray! I got to go on the Cheonan City Bus Tour again! We had a really great crowd, although smaller than expected (I booked 25 seats, but 11 showed up). Still, the crowd was great. Thanks to those who came and made it a memorable event.

Okay, enough talk: on to the pictures!

Expectation is in the air as we sit in the tour bus, heading towards our 1st stop.

Ingrid getting to know my Level 4 student, Sooway.

Fellow Bus tour-veteran (this was our 2nd tour) MJ!--with her energetic son.

Hey, Hojun!

I guess he wanted to say he didn't eat the chocolate cookie . . .

Hmmm . . . where are we going? What is there to do?

2nd stop: unofficial (and lacking) group picture.

Ingrid sitting in on an important meeting.

Lucia has a few things to say . . . politely.

Gabe just likes to look at things from a different angle.

Trying to figure out what's there to see.

Our tour bus.

Yes, we're still in Korea.

A traditional home with a natural setting.

Come, sit, and reason.

now, in old tyme.

Lunch!

MJ giving assistance.

Just remembered I haven't taken a picture of myself yet, so I made a quick self-shot before I concentrated on devouring my lunch.

Ever animated Gabe on a different sort of transportation.

Even with Korean traffic, it can be a little tricky.

Flowers and butterflies that caught my attention.

"All things bright and beautiful . . . "

Lucia presenting Yu Gwan Sun's shrine.

Lucia was really happy to be here.

I had the odd feeling of wanting to play chess.

The last stop: Independence Hall

Behold, my faithful group.

I wasn't sure if we could take pictures inside, so I decided to try my luck. I wasn't escorted out by security, so I guess it's ok. Sooway is explaining the turtle ship to the downtown Cheonan teachers, which was 1/16 (I think) of the original size.

There's TONS to see here; one needs at least a day. This venture will be continued.

As we leave and go back to board the bus, a lovely autumn scene unfolds before us.

hmmm . . . my favorite season.