A time of readjustment

As you may have guessed, I am back in Minnesota. Actually, a couple days after I landed back in the states I drove up north to Grand Marais with my parents for the week. We take this little jaunt every summer, so luckily even with my 6 month get-away we were able to head to Lake Superior once again. Didi stayed kept an eye on the house for us. ;)

Given that last night was my first time back in the cities, I haven't had much time to gather my thoughts about being back in the US. I did a great deal of thinking (probably too much but that's what being in a remote allows) in Grand Marais and I suppose this was a good location to permit the jumble of thoughts and feelings emerge. To be honest, I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am not going back to Korea (at least for a while). I feel like I am vacationing in Minnesota and heading back home to Seoul. I miss Korea so much already, but that's normal right? Reminiscing about your study abroad experience? The so-called "life changing" experience. Actually, I think study abroad should be mandatory (at least for the most part) because the students who don't choose to study abroad are often the ones who need this experience the most. I am recognizing various changes in myself (whether they are outwardly noticeable I don't know, but internally is more important to me). People have repeatedly told me it's a "growing," "time of your life," "out-of-body" experience. And well, this is one time where "I told you so" seems appropriate. However, it has only been a little over a week since I've been placed back in the states, so I know the adventure (make my mind pipe down just a little please) is far from over. It just seems strange to watch 6 months of my life end and return to what was once considered to be my normal life. I'm a pretty adaptable person, but this may take some getting use to. Either way my senior year (and all the hype-both good and bad-that comes with it) is quickly approaching. Don't worry. I will give it my all as usual, but I have a feeling that my travels will not cease to enter my mind on a regular basis.

My life may not be as interesting now that I have returned to the normalcy of life in St. Paul, but I may be updating this blog every once in a while (whether anyone reads it or not!) Thanks for following me on my journeys throughout the past months. ^^

Last few days in Seoul

Below:[Kelly & me after bungee jumping. Yes, those are...velcro straps]-->

It's 7:41am in Korea. The air in my dormitory seems damp, but then again the past few days have been accumulating a fair amount of moisture (given that it is the rainy season). My roommate returned to the states early, so the room is quiet with the exception of the random beeping of the air-conditioner and sounds of water droplets from my bathroom which is still freshly soaked from a shower that gave the entire room a good stray-down.

This past week (actually past month) has been filled with goodbyes and last minute attempts to catch a glimpse of my favorite places (and unexplored places) in Seoul. To be honest, when asked what my favorite moment was during the semester it is extremely difficult to narrow it down to a single time, person, place or ...single anything. It has been the accumulation of events unfolding throughout the semester, building of relationships, instances filled with "uh-huh" moments in which I feel like I am starting to belong in this place across the Pacific and random everyday happenings. Although I am writing you with the knowledge that I will entering an airplane in a little over 3 days, this nugget of information has not sunk in. Actually, I prefer to stay this way. Perhaps my mild version of insomnia has been helping distort this bit of reality. I have been trying to avoid the last moments of goodbye or rather get it over quickly. I'm even going back to the home that I tutored at to say goodbye once again... I'm kind of a softy. The kid that I tutored was a sweetie, so how can I not go back and say goodbye (no...good luck with the next year)?
I prefer leaving with a smile because that's what this trip has been right? Full of memories and good times, so why change that at the last moment? Some friendships I have made in my previous travels (before the semester) I am still holding onto, so I'm hoping these relationships will be no different. Yes, relationships will change overtime but change is not necessarily a bad thing. Actually it's necessary and keeps things interesting, so here goes. I wonder if I have changed at all while I have been abroad.
Study abroad advisers, professors, friends back home and so on are always talking about how people "change" after coming back from abroad. It just depends in what way. I think the level of change just depends on each individual case. During this semester, I know I have grown (not physically...as far as I am aware of but you know what I mean) but not necessarily "changed" (at least by the definition that you have in mind. I have been trying to be open-minded to nearly everything during this experience but at the same have held on pretty tightly to who I am. So, as far as I know, good ol' Emily Kessel is coming back to MN. I might make several attempts to dodge my plane flight, but in the end the inevitable will happen (I'll some how make it onto that plane...actually 3 planes given my layovers). So, no worries.

Off to class. I'm taking all my language exams on Wednesdays, so after that I'll try to make a slight change to my blog or update my facebook status to let you know that I survived. ;) haha. Despite the studying, these next days will be filled with good times. I'm letting anything get in the way (except perhaps a briefsnooze in class... ^^ Until I see you again, take care!
Wherever this blog decided to place this photo:[first night out with the group from the ESWS/ Ewha's language program] -->

Life at Ewha: Nothing to Hide ^^

Literally across the street (although traffic is a bit more of an obstacle here than in MN) from Yonsei University sits Ewha Womens' University. It is here that my 3-week language program shall begin (and end sooner than I and my fellow program participants may think...so time is very valueable ^^). First off, I'll get this out of the way (before you see any photos), the university's title may seem a little misleading because male students can study at Ewha; however, I believe it's only open to men international students during the summer session (but this is just a guess). So, besides this loophole (for the guys that is) Ewha remains a womens' university (the most famous female university in Korea). To be honest, I haven't scoped out the entire campus because I have been venturing back-and-forth between my previous campus (apparently Yonsei is still on my good side ^^) and Ewha.

My placement test landed me in level 2, which is definitely a challenge. The class is conducted entirely in Korean, which is probably the best way to learn (out of necessity), so immediately I was given a wake-up call, "Need to work on my listening and speaking skills...practice (hopefully) makes perfect." I need to make practical conversation more a priority instead of just grammar, but it is difficult because in level 2, there are so many grammar points that I need to catch up on. However, what I would prefer getting out of this experience is the skill to communicate at least the point that I will have a stronger (although I already plan to return here) reason and desire to travel back to Korea in the near future. The levels are Ewha are a bit different than Yonsei because they are split into mini levels within each level such as 1.1, 1.2... We shall see. Let's hope that sitting in a class (no doozing off allowed or Emily will become a little more than a teensy bit confused). My class consists of two students from Hong Kong, two from France, one from Canada and three from Japan. Everyone seems cool including the teachers, which is reassuring. Let's see if they can top my Yonsei class though haha. No, I won't do rankings because everyone is amusing in a different way. I'm trying to continue to meet with my friends from the previous semester (and in between stage-vacation time) as well as get to know people from this program. Can I extend my stay please? ;)

By the way, the graduate dormitories are quite a sight. The rooms are spacious (meaning the beds are not 1 inch...excuse me cm... apart), have a modern look/feel and there is no curfew (unlike many of the dorms in Korea). I have even adjusted to the Korean-style bathrooms with the shower and toilet smashed into the same room. Remember my earlier blog (Bangkok) I was quite frightened or rather irritated by the idea of showering in the same area as going to the bathroom? This phenomenon no longer bothers me. Actually I find it rather convenient, as long as the drain remains clogfree. I think of this style bathroom as a quick way to hosed0wn the floor every 24 hours.

Yet again I have landed myself a good roommate. Phew. Grace is another Children's Home Society/Eastern program participant, who is from Oklahoma.
We'll be in touch soon.

And another chapter begins

As you may have figured out, finals have ended. Most people from my study abroad program and Yonsei classes have moved back to their hometowns or countries. As usual, goodbyes always manage to sneak up on me, but I prefer to think of it as more of a "see you later." My friends from CIEE left with bang (or more so in a last minute down pour of acid rain). We lugged their suitcases to the airport limousine bus stop drenched. If I had any bounce or volume in my hair the rain took the liberty of flattening it and adding a little shine. To be honest, I would have been disappointed if the morning had not turned out the way it did (and of course it stopped raining the minute my friends stepped onto the bus). Our group tended to find themselves in entertaining situations. For example, I still reminisce about the memorable weekend in Jeju Island involving missing our boat by literally 1 minute, our "sunrise" escapade, various taxi rides with 1 chatty passenger and 3 others resting their eyes in the backseat, late-night text messaging/Korean sentence connector practices, and so on...

On the 22nd of June, I moved out of my apartment in 신촌 (Shinchon) and took a short journey to 경주 (Gyeongju) with my friend, Lonny's family. We road-tripped it in a mini-van (다 여자 ^^) with her mom, aunts and cousins. Her family brought an assortment of Korean snacks to munch on at the various rest stops. Upon arrival at our hotel, we strolled in with our baggage and food for the upcoming dinnerhour. Instead of eating out at a restaurant, her aunts brought out freshly purchased meat, vegetables, rice and so on. This was quite a pleasant surprise. Normally when I take a family vacation or tag along with an American friend, we never ever considered preparing a meal in our hotel room. I found this rather refreshing. If I ever intend to polish up my cooking skills, so I can challenge one of the Food Network stars to a cooking battle and not be put to shame.

Then on the 25th I moved into a guesthouse called KoRoot. It's located near the 경복궁 (Kyeongbok Palace) fairly close to Insaedong
Currently the area is surrounded by buses and police force (due to the protests, which I still am trying to understand...for a number of reasons).
I am so glad that my friends recommended this place. It is a house for Korean adoptees from various parts of the world. Actually I wasn't aware of the number of adoptees living in the Scandinavian countries. And surprise surprise, many adoptees from the US are from ...Minnesota (not all). Everyone had such unique upbringings and are coming back to Korea at different points in their lives. I was amazed how quickly I began to feel at home (damn that sounds cheesy). I don't know why, but there is just something comforting about being surrounded by people who have a major thing in common. Although how one identifies or thinks about this greatly differs (no clumping everyone together). I've had some of the most profound, intense and light-hearted conversation in only a matter of days. It's interesting to hear their differing thoughts on various manners (what brought them to Korea, views on adoption, upbringings, Korean culture in general and other topics not related to such matters...). I am learning a great deal from everyone, but this does not surprise me. People fascinate me fr numerous reasons.

I tend to be a reflective person, but lately I find this to be even more so. I believe it has something to do with nearing the end of my years as an undergraduate student, spending a significant amount of time away from home (in MN) and asking questions that are causing my mind to spiral in more directions than I can keep track of. Everytime I think I have found an answer the path crumbles and my once clear vision becomes a blur. Everyone keeps reminding me that this is all normal or I suppose I would be more of stolid, mindless drone. Yeah yeah, I know they're right, but sometimes frustration becomes a little too powerful (don't worry it's not too visible on the surface). But anyways, I'm still thoroughly enjoying my time in Korea. It helps that I have a small break between the my Yonsei semester and Ewha class to "cool down" (as is noted on my YMCA trendmill after a heart-pumping jog). Hope you all are doing well.
잘 보내요!

A brief 안녕!

I apologize for my lack of postings. A proper posting is on its way in the near future.
Last weekend I travelled to Jeju Island with three friends for the extended weekend. It seemed like we used nearly every mode of transportation during our short stay (train, boat, multiple taxis, foot...). Jeju turned out to be quite the adventure (that is when we made it Jeju), but I believe that unpredicable occurances make life a million times more exciting. Let's just say that we had to make more than a few minor changes to our agenda. ^^ I'll explain soon.

Currently, I am in the middle of finals, so a good chuck of my time has been dedicated to studying. I will be relieved to have them finished.

However, I did post new photos on facebook. Here is a link to my photo album, but it is also linked to my blog. Until I can write again, I hope this will occupy a little time.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073926&l=14047&id=40103756

By the way, here is a link for the Poongmul group members!

http://hdw1266.cafe24.com/3779781/AddrME.htm

대동제 뭉 아카라카 (Yonsei's Festival!)

Welcome to the wondrous phenomenon I like to mildly call the... Yonsei's Spring Festival. Are you ready?

I wish I could extend my stay just so I enjoy the fall festival, which I heard is even more elaborate. ㅎㅎㅎ Well this isn't the main reason, but it definitely would be a plus.

Our Poongmul group (데 동아리) performed on Wednesday afternoon. Here is a photo of some 데friends enjoying the night before AKARAKA. Many student clubs/groups sold food, drinks, etc under tents stretching from the center of the campus to nearly the main gate entrance.

AKARAKA concert was on Thursday and lasted from 3:30pm ~ 11:00pm. After the weeks of of drumming practice and the performance, I slightly suspected that my legs would collapse. But as with many unexpected happenings, the eruption of energy from the mass of blue brought me to life. And somehow I became wide awake, alert and ready to do whatever Korean students do (move your body!) An assortment of blue shirts filled the Yonsei stadium as enthusiastic students piled (not filed into nice, neat rows) into the packed area. Amidst the blazing blue, a few blotches of red spread throughout the crowd. Yonsei (in blue) University's rival is none other than Korea University (in red). To quote one of our 떼 friends, "If you see Korea University student [red] kick them." ㅎㅎㅎ

Never before have I seen such a lively batch of students. It is an understatement for me to say that Korea university students have school spirit. After the initial shock of beinyanked forward, backward, left and right (not in the normal sense you may be picturing) I was fully awake. "왼쪽, 오른쪽...!"
When cheering, dancing and singing you were anything but stationary. Even if you wanted to stand quietly in place I doubt your surrounding peers would permit such behavior! There were two Japanese exchange students seated to my right. The guy was quite an interesting fellow (sooo enthusiastic), while the girl was a bit reserved. I suppose the energy rubbed off because after having someone abruptly grab me around the shoulders, I followed suit and pulled this girl right down with me. Not to worry. This helped loosen everyone up! Oh AKARAKA. And this took place without the appearance of popular Korean singers.

In the beginning, a Yonsei dance club/group entered the stage. One of my friends performed on the very stage that 쥬얼리(Jewelry), Big Bang, VOS, 소녀시대 (Girls' Generation), JYP and other Korean artists would soon enter. I was taken aback I am older than a majority of the budding new singers (of course with the exception of JYP). Normally, in the states I wasn't a huge fan of pop music, but Korea seems to do a good job of opening your mind (even when it comes to something simple like Kpop). Who would have guessed that a school festival could bring about such crazy memories?

Prepartion for the upcoming Poongmul Performance-- muscles, bruises and things of that nature

How I miss blogging. Actually I really do missing writing in general. It's very therapeutic (a good way to relieve stress) and/or relax. Lately, my days have been primarily consumed by poongmul (drumming) practice because we are preparing for a performance. This week is AKARAKA, which is Yonsei's spring festival. I have been told that many famous Korean bands/singers (such as Wonder Girls) come to Yonsei for this special occasion. Being that I have yet to attend a concert in Seoul, I am extremely excited! One of my favorite bands is coming to Incheon for a Rock Festival at the end of July, which I will be missing, so AKARAKA helps make up for this loss (at least acts as a Target-brand bandaid which will at least stick for a good few hours).

Anyways, our performance is quickly approaching. This Wednesday, we will wear our white, yellow and red hats (flowers made out of tissue paper, etc), white clothing and attempt to remember the routine. This has been a tiring but fun experience that I will never forget. My arm and leg muscle mass is quickly growing. However, nothing (including "sexy legs" as my puk leader calls them) comes for free. I have obtained some nice "battle wounds" as I like to call them (aka bruises) on my legs and stomach, but I wouldn't trade them for anything (except perhaps a KTX ticket to the southern coast or Jeju Island and an unlimited supply of pot bingsu--red bean ice cream/ice dessert). Learning how to play the puk from scratch, memorizing an entire routine in 2 weeks and attempting to gracefully spin, walk (don't laugh...it's not ordinary walking!) and sit/crouch down the Korean way has been a challenge, but definitely worth it. There is something to extremely satifying about working towards something that once seemed impossible. I am definitely not even close to being at the same level as my fellow group members, but I know my friends and I have improved in some sense, which is all that really matters right?

As I said before, there is something to be said about struggling through a situation and reaching success in some form. Lia is playing the janggu (장구). Pang is playing the sogo (소고). And I am playing the puk (북). Not to sound cheesy, but I am proud of both of them. Good work girls! I just hope we will be ready by Wednesday (considering that we just learned our instrument solo sections yesterday ha!) and function with the large hats on our heads.

However, I have to admit that there is something extremely satisfying about working towards

Past members of the poongmul group often come to observe our practice and bring snacks. And yesterday they ordered pizza (sweet potato pizza is my favorite). They are rewarding us for our hard work and dedication in preparation for the performance. This is a common practice in Korean. Actually, I often am unsure how to handle a situation in which someone who is older or more experienced (in drumming, etc) offers to treat me to something. However, I have become more accustomed to this cultural gesture.

After each practice the group sits in a circle and reflect on the happenings of practice. During this ordeal, my friend and I attempt to use Korean, which the rest of the group finds endearing (or amusing). We tend to use the same words everyday (with a slight variation), but puttig forth the effort is good. The group listens intently when the three international students speak. Oh my. This is one thing that makes this Yonsei club (데) unique. I have rarely felt such a strong sense of unity and acceptance in groups I have been involved in the states. It is difficult to explain. I wish you could be here to see and experience the group atmosphere.

Well, I shall notify you about how the performance goes. Keep your fingers crossed that we will be able to stay focuses, alert and energetic for the entire 1.5 hour performance! Take care everyone. ^^