A little bit more detail... And an end to quarantine.

South Korea, year 2^^

Okay, I think I should have been more specific in my ‘quarantine’ status. Swine Flu in South Korea is being viewed as a pandemic. People here are CRAZY about this new virus. I went to school this morning for a teachers meeting and in the front of every building there is a table with antibacterial spray and directions about hand washing. Pharmaceutical companies must be making a bundle on all of the crap being bought and people paying to get checked out! When I was on the plane I was handed a form to fill out about my health. When the plane landed everyone’s temperature was taken. As we walked from the plane everyone was handed wipes (wet towels, wet naps, baby wipes) and instructions on proper hand washing. Everyday I hear at least 2 people mention it. They say, “People are dying from it.” I look at that square in the face and say, “That is true, but that is also true of every other flu. It is a virus. People with weak immune systems, the elderly, and babies are at rick of dying from any flu.” It is hilarious the power of the media. And by hilarious I mean terrifying.

I was told not to come to school for a week and to report any signs of fever, sore throat, etc. to my co-teacher and to go to the hospital. Needless to say, I have been without symptoms. However, I have been able to use this week very productively. I have rested and played and am ready for the school year to kick off on Monday.

I am having a little trouble with my ego. I am feeling less than adequate about my level of Korean. This insecurity is causing me to use Korean excessively and almost compulsively. I’m working on stepping back excepting the reality of the impossibility of perfection. I was writing a yoga diary entry and I was writing about how I know English is viewed in a positive and negative light in Korea with its colonial roots and how I am part of the system perpetuating its prevalence. I was writing that I feel guilty using just English in yoga class and that I get overwhelmed thinking about the fear of English that all of the yoga students have. Then I saw through that screen and realized I needed to call myself out on my own bullshit. It was my ego talking. I needed to validate my ability to speak Korean; that is all I was looking for. It was about me, but I was trying to put focus on my students so that I didn’t have to see it. So now I am working on that.

The weather here has been prefect since I got back. Not too hot, not too cold, with a light breeze. It has made bike rides, walks, Frisbee, and bus rides rather enjoyable. The little fish shaped waffles with red bean paste in the middle (bung oh bang) are back on the streets! So delicious. It’s turning into fall in front of my eyes and all I can do is revel.

I am hoping to head to India in December. If everything pans out, I will meet a friend and we will study Sivananda yoga. It is a basic form of yoga that I really appreciate. My friend is doing most of the research. I am hoping to spend Christmas and New Years there, but maybe it will be before either of those holidays.

It has been amazing being back, but it is already different. I can feel more responsibility on my plate in two ways. 1) I am officially a teacher at Ayurveda Yoga, so I have a duty to act accordingly at the studio. The owner treats me with more respect (not that he didn’t before, but now I it is different, like his world has opened up to make a little more room for me). I am practicing Karma yoga at the studio (teaching and cleaning without receiving money). 2) I have been in South Korea for one year, so I am aware of much more of the cultural norms and expectations. I cannot get away with as much, so I feel as though my behavior is being kept in check sometimes, which is interesting, challenging, and at times frustrating. I am more aware of the slip-ups I make and am working to be as forgiving of myself as I was this past year.

I found the greatest little cupcake shop in front of Yeungnam University. I want everyone to go there and support the lady who opened it. It is very urban shabby chic. The cupcakes are delicious and such a rarity in South Korea. Incredible. It’s called ‘Pastel.’

I’m contemplating staying here for another three years, which would bring my total SoKo staying time to 4 years. I think most of my goals could be accomplished in that time. We will see over the next few weeks as I get back into the groove of work and such.

I got a new phone cover because mine broke and kept popping off. It is one of the most Korean isms about me right now. I am in love with the cover; I just wish the little poof balls had a name.^^

Okay, off to the singing room (norae bang) ie karaoke with some friends! Peace.

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