I can't perform in the subway

Sometimes when I leave class and go to get on the subway I find one of the students that just left my class is waiting for the same train as me. It's not my favorite situation. I don't like trying to force a friendly conversation amidst train noise. I'm not good at faking smiles. The only time I can get into performance/teacher mode is in a classroom in front of at least five people. I just can't perform in the subway. I wonder if I would feel worse about it if my students tried to avoid me at the station. Depends on the student, I guess. Depends on whether they tried to talk about the mountain climbing gear they were about to buy or if they had something interesting on their mind.

I've settled in Incheon - in the Jemulpo neighborhood. I'm connected to Seoul by subway, but there is nothing in Jemulpo that resembles Seoul. Actually, there is nothing in Jemulpo. Right now it's a real 'tower of isolation' situation at my apartment. I'm on top of a hill with no roommate and no internet. Also, no water pressure. It's not all famine though; I have three different colognes from my previous students in Sangdo. They smell pretty good.

Looking for a raisin stain solution

I like the food situation on Singapore Airlines. After looking at the menu, I always choose the "Indian Selection." I haven't been let down by any of their meals - apart from accidentally sitting on a raisin and squishing it into my pants.

I like the entertainment situation on Singapore Airlines. They have Radiohead, Yeasayer, and Them Crooked Vultures albums. Also, lots of boring movies. I guess I don't really like the movie part but am impressed by it.

I like Incheon airport. It only takes about 10 minutes to get out of there. I've never arrived there and had to wait more than 5 minutes for my things at the baggage check. Most efficient and clean airport I've seen.

"Oh... Halloween is so awful."

That last blog was total boreballs so I edited it. Flying out of Spokane at 6 a.m. tomorrow. I'd love anyone to come say farewell at the airport, but my parents might treat you like an interloper. Nobody likes an interloper at 5 a.m. Nobody likes being an interloper at 5 a.m. either. I know all about that.

boreballs

Christmas in Beijing

I went to Beijing, China over Christmas break. They have a lot of gaudy Christmas trees in public places, and every store has a loop of about 10 well known Christmas songs playing. Christmas songs like 'Last Christmas,' 'Frosty the Snowman,' and 'White Christmas.' I've never been very fond of those songs, but I really grew to loathe them in China. Probably because I hadn't anticipated being bombarded with trite American sentiment in China, and it was worse than the malls in Spokane.

The Hostel where I stayed put on a Christmas Eve party for all its guests. They did manage to work in one traditional-ish Chinese dance; however, the majority of the time was given over to karaoke renditions of the same songs I mentioned before. As the only Americans who dared to show up to the event, my friends and I were paraded to the front and continually asked to get up and do something - anything at all. Of course, nobody else in the audience was under pressure to leave their seats.

Thankfully, I spent most of my time in China at historical places or trying to get to historical places... So, the trip was far from a disappointment. I did have my fill of authentic Chinese food - which in contrast to Korean food is VERY greasy but not as fishy.

Well, I think that's all I have to say about that.

Feel free to question my dedication to this bog.

That aside, I thought everyone would love to get a good look at some every day pictures. I hope you're going to come away from this feeling like you've just spent a day in the life of Peter Lacey. Five pictures should be sufficient.

First, the view from my apartment a month or so ago... It looks the same now, just without leaves.

Here are some old persimmons rotting on barren branches!

I strive for a friendly classroom environment.

My students like to keep it stereotypical in the classroom.

Ramyeon: the cheap and easy meal.

There you have it. Happy Christmas.

Peter