5 things to do on a rainy Busan day

Rain is brilliant. Let me rephrase that: rain is brilliant when you have the right shoes, a big enough umbrella and best of all - when you can stay home with a steaming cup of Ramen noodles, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” and a blanket. 

Yesterday Busan saw a bit of rain and I found myself thinking of all the things I would do under cloud-cover. If you're planning on teaching in Korea, here are 5 things to do in Busan, when it rains. #YouAreWelcome

1. Busan’s Trick Eye Museum

Aamena, Tarryn and I appreciating art. 

The museum is quite a treat if you’re looking for a chance to interact with the art. Step into, step on, stand beside, lie down and alongside the 3D images. I would advise that you go with a mate or two; somebody needs to hold the camera and/or pose with you while you're in the giant sea-monster's grip! Tip: Selfie sticks won’t do you, or the pictures justice.

• Directions: From Jagalchi Subway, exit 7, walk straight out of the subway. Take the first left. Walk one block- the Museum is in the building on your left, on the 2nd block. OR see the map here. 
• It’s open from 10:00 - 20:00.
• Admission: 10,000won per adult.

2. Spa Land

I’ve written about my scrub-experience here, but if you're looking for a day of relaxation minus the skin smarting scrub, head to Spa Land anyway! It's on the must do things in Busan.

• Directions: Take the green subway line to the Centum City stop, get out at exit 2. You will see signs directing you.
• Hours: 06:00 - 24:00
• Admission: 15,000won during the week and 18,000won over the weekend and on holidays.

3. Busan Museum

Royalty for the day. 

Stunning designs after we learnt how to Roof- Tile Rub.

I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through this museum and peeking into Korean history. There are modern Exhibition Halls filled with relics and a Cultural Experience Hall. The Experience Hall was my favourite! Here you have an opportunity to get your hands dirty by doing Roof-Tile Rubbing and playing dress-up in traditional Korean Hanboks (dresses).

I’ve found it a bit challenging to sometimes find souvenirs in Busan, but the Museum also has a Museum Shop for you to peruse.

• Directions: We got lost, but we took a cab from Daeyeon Station, exit 3. If you walk via the UN Memorial Cemetery, you’re good.
• Hours: 09:00 - 19:00.
• Admission: Free (There is a small charge if you decide to do the Roof-Tile Rubbing).

4. Cinema

Have you been to a cinema in Korea as yet madam/sir? If not, I suggest you go on a rainy day! I quite like observing and taking in my surrounds; the cinema does not disappoint. 

The first time I EVER walked into a cinema here in Korea, I was amazed by the very sweet smell in the air. It's from the different flavored popcorn you can get: caramel flavored, to onion flavored… which ended up having a sweet taste to it too! 

The seating arrangement is the same as South Africa- you are assigned seats. English movies are played with Korean subtitles.

The best moments for me, as a teacher in Korean, have been when English speakers may laugh at a joke in the movie, but we are the ONLY ones laughing because the Korean translation may have been different. Other times, Korean folk are laughing, while I’m sitting there wondering what I missed. To book tickets in advance or see what’s playing, check out CineInKorea.

5. Busan English Library

When last did you visit a library to sniff the crisp pages? It’s been ages since I’ve made my way to the Busan English Library mainly because I’m reading my own books at the moment, but I thought I'd share this gem with you. 

The library spans across one floor. There is a sitting and study area, computers, lockers for your belongings and librarians to assist. 

Signing-up is done in the library and you are issued with a card to use for each visit. Five books can be taken out for two weeks. I'd say this is a 'low-key' thing to do in Busan, but still a must. Get more info here. 

• Directions: Take the Green Line to the Buam stop. Walk out of exit 1, the library will be in the large building on your right.
• Open from 09:00 - 21:00 on weekdays and 09:00 - 18:00 on Saturdays.

What do you like to get up to on a rainy day in your town or city? 

Teaching in Korea: surviving in the classroom

The first few weeks as a teacher in Korea can be pretty hectic. I remember hanging onto as many tips as I could in the beginning of my stay here. 

Now, as new teachers arrive from all over the world, I've had some folk asking about life in Korea and about the classroom setting. More specifically, there have been questions about teaching in Korea and how to survive. 

So I asked a few friends who have been here for over a year to give me  their insider knowledge on surviving in the classroom. 

Kristen - New Zealand 

Tip 1: “I think something some people forget is that your co-teacher is in charge. Make sure to ask them what is expected of you. Sometimes you may not agree with everything your co-teacher does; try say your opinion and have your input.

If they are adamant about something, my advice is to let it go. Let. It. Go. Things will change last minute; you will be told things last minute, your co-teacher may change the rules of your activity in the middle of class. Just be flexible. It will make your life a lot easier.”

Tip 2: “Make sure you have someone supportive to talk to at the end of the day. I had a hard time settling in. Not with Korean life, but with school life. What made it harder was that a lot of my fellow EPIK teachers did not understand why I struggled to keep up with the workload and why I was so stressed.

My lifesaver was Skyping my mum at the end of each day. So find a person who is supportive, understanding and encouraging. So that at the end of the day, they will remind you of how much you’ve achieved and how well you are doing.”

Keisha - America

Tip 1: "Be friends with your students. You want to have a really good relationship with your students but on a teacher-student level. Don’t be too friendly with them as you still want to have that authority."

Tip 2: "You want to have good communication between you and your co-teachers. That’s really important."

Anonymous - America

Tip: “Be friendly and engage others. Don't be passive in thinking people will come to you. This was especially true for teachers at my school. When I first arrived, it was said that only my co-teachers spoke English pretty much. Actively trying to talk to [other] teachers resulted in me finding out that many teachers could [speak English]. This developed relationships that were wonderful and helped make my time at work more enjoyable and supported."

Me - South Africa

Tip: “Try to learn the names of your students as quickly as possible. There is something really great about your teacher/friend/colleague being able to pronounce your name correctly. 

In the beginning the kids laughed at me while I tried daily to get their names right, but they took control in trying to correct me. This helped build a rapport with my students and it showed them that being wrong in English class is ok. It’s trying constantly and not giving-up that matters.”

Do you have any tips for the new teachers in Korea? 

Mornings and memories

I love mornings. I love waking with the sun (in Summer), the crisp air that refreshes your sleepy lungs and the memories attached to this time of day.

In South Africa, waking at 5am to the gentle sunrise, the chirp of the birds and my grandfather’s gentle knock on my bedroom door, asking if I wanted to go walking with him, are some of my dearest memories.

He calls me "Sunshine" but if only he knew what a
 light he's been in my life. 

In my town, those who know our family, also know the familiar sight of my grandfather every morning, marching along briskly in his white shorts and t-shirt. His white socks are pulled up, his worn takkies (trainers) are firmly on and his cap is pulled over his short curly hair.

Growing up, you would find me (on and off) walking at his side. In primary school I would ride my bike alongside him, in high school I sometimes ran and on each return from Varsity or work, I tried to go with him a few times.

Here in Korea however, I find that I am losing my love of the early hours to being ‘busy’, or to quickly checking my phone in the evenings and then finding myself I’m exhausted after an hour or two of phone usage. I’ve slowly started making changes to my morning routine here in Korea to find my balance again.

The smartphone: I place my phone and alarm clock out of arm’s reach. I’ve been getting a little frustrated with myself lately for how much I stare at my S4 screen in the morning and evenings, so it’s been banished to the table across from my bed. The phone goes to bed at 8pm and I give it attention around 7:30am on my way out the door the next day.

My alarm clock: My fire-engine alarm-clock is also placed on the table. When it goes off in the morning I’m forced to leave my cocoon and turn it off. In the event that I dash back into bed, the back-up alarm goes off 20 mins later, and then 10mins after that on my phone. Sigh… when you can’t trust yourself. My grandfather is currently 79 and he's been waking up at 5am everyday without an alarm clock! If he can do it, so can I! 

Making my bed: After a sip of water (or the rudeness of the second/third alarm) I make my bed. I’ll never get back into a just-made bed. It’s my thing. I just can’t. I’ll sleep on top of it though! Hahaha! A made bed just makes the tiny space feel less crowded and I leave the flat a little happier. 

Breakfast is a must: I can just hear my grandfather saying to a high school me: “Nadia, we’re not leaving this house until you sit down and finish your breakfast. Don’t rush.” Sitting down with my old man and chatting about the day ahead calmed me and allowed me to give my brain fuel for the day ahead.

Living life as a solo expat here in Korea, there have been some alterations. I'll try put an egg on the stove to boil and then hop into the shower. While having a good scrub and singing session in the shower, breakfast is on the go. After the wash, creams, hair and make-up, I’m ready to sit down to my boiled-egg and toast. Add a cup of freshly brewed coffee from my moka pot and my morning has gone from ‘normal’ to ‘flipping brilliant!’ My grandfather would be proud. 

Two chores a day: There were many times back home when I would moan and complain about doing chores, but how necessary it has become when you live solo. I've been trying something new and it's working! I try and complete two chores before leaving for school. Simple. This can by anything from washing my dishes, sweeping, taking out my trash or when I’m cheating, watering my little cactus. It’s pretty awesome knowing I’ve accomplished a few things in the morning, as opposed to coming home to a mini crash-site. 

A moment to pray: My grandfather’s morning prayers were said during the first 10mins of the morning walk. During this time I knew that I was not to talk to him while he and God had a few words. With my good example marching and praying at my side, I also took this time to pray and be thankful. After his chat with the Maker, we walked, spoke, laughed or enjoyed the morning silence as our takkies hit the pavement and the sun continued to stain the road ahead of us. 

Walking to work: A walk to my school means I get to see things I would otherwise miss if I were on a bus or the train. “Hello Nadia teacher!” is a pretty great thing to hear from a tiny human on a morning walk. Sometimes there's the exchange of a deep bow and a large wave/grin with an old lady that holds a stop sign in one of the roads. About half-way to my school I’m also blessed to see a group of about 11 senior citizens sitting outside a CU-store, chatting and giggling. Sometimes you’ll see them in their hiking gear and passing around a flask of something piping hot. When I pass, we all wave at each other and again I bow and say hello in Korean. I love guessing where they are going at 7:45am, how they all met and what's in the flask!

Are you a morning person? How do you inject calm and happiness into your morning routines?Share some of your tips with me. ^^