La Vie Boheme

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika

2010-07-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

Word had it that we couldn’t do it – but we have! What an exceptional and spectacular tournament! I’m sure Brazil will be hard pressed to eclipse this one. Unfortunately I couldn’t wait up to watch, but judging from the highlights, a truly magnificent closing ceremony and the presence of Madiba a goose bump and lump-in-the-throat moment. Well done to all the role players and we can indeed pat ourselves on the back for a job truly well done and upholding the spirit of UBUNTU!!!! Congratulations Spain – deserved 2010 World Cup Winners. Olé Olé Olé Olé. Olé Olé.

S A Rocks

2010-06-12T02:42:00.000-07:00

May 2004. We waited with bated breath and then the unforgettable announcement. The entire country partied and celebrated from that Friday afternoon for the entire weekend. We were once again reminded of the euphoria of 1995 and the IRB Rugby World Cup. It’s upon us now and World Cup “feva” has gripped South Africa in earnest and I may add me as well! With only 3 days to go to kick off, I listened to the proceedings of the United we shall Stand parade on 702 and couldn’t help but wish I were there! Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just listening to the bustling crowds and the vuvuzelas was exhilarating and made me rather homesick.

It’s apparent that emotions are at an all time high in South Africa and compares to none other. Africa is not your conventional host - here things are done differently. But I’m sure each and every soccer supporter and visitor to our sunny shores will be gripped and infected by the sporting spirit of the one and only Rainbow Nation.

South Africa has no shortage of the funniest, most entertaining and ingenious kinds of fans the world has ever seen.

No matter what the mood on the field, in the stands fans deliver their own form of amusement for themselves as well as for the "sane"
ones around them [albeit very few] :)

We are proud and blessed to be the first country to host the world’s most biggest and prestigious sporting showcase on African soil. South Africans have the capacity to hope and dream and build on those dreams. We’ve worked hard and tirelessly to build/upgrade our stadiums, airports, roads and the various transport systems and they’re all looking stunning!

A toast toTata Mandela, Africa’s hero and our inspiration, and all who were involved in the successful campaign which has now culminated in this incredibly momentous occasion in
our history. God bless you, God Bless Africa! Viva Madiba, Viva. Halala Halala!!!

I wish Bafana Bafana and all the other finalists and especially my host country, South Korea, Godspeed.

The annals of sport will show:
FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 – Africa – South Africa.

I’m overcome with unbridled patriotic pride and joy and can hardly contain myself. Tonight I’ll be joining some SA friends in Seoul to watch the opening ceremony and the matches. Klippies, met eish, ja, met eish!

Between Dark & Light …

2010-05-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while, in fact a very long while, but hey, I’m back!

So much has happened, gone wrong and gone right – my mother’s favourite: C’est la vie.

Denise and I spent Christmas together in Gimpo. I was invited by Arirang Radio to take part in their Christmas Show where we could be linked up with a family member anywhere in the world – I obviously chose to speak to my mother and she spoke to both me and Denise on air – that was fun. We attended a wonderful Christmas Service at a church in Gimpo. I’ve found a little Catholic church here in Yeongpyong a stone’s throw away from where I live. Holy Mass is in vernacular but at least I can follow the rituals. I teach Christian Doctrine for Children at Dong Boo and twice a month I visit a Korean army base in Yangpyeong where I do bible teaching on request from All Nations Christian Academy.

In January my sister came to visit from Canada. We tried to pack in as much of the Korean sights and sounds as we possibly could and then it was time for her to leave again!

School’s great. I have the most supportive and generous principal, vice principal and colleagues. Thank you Hye Young and Eun Sook for always caring. My students are doing great too – I’m actually surprised to see just how far we’ve come and the great strides they’ve made. Korean kids are so respectful, disciplined and focused despite their extremely long hours of study. I just love them!

I’ve had some good times, some bad times. Many times I felt like throwing in the towel, but I’m glad I didn’t. I remember a childhood friend now living in Ireland telling me before I left home, that it was going to be tough but I should pray and pray and pray. I did. Thanks Thérèse – sound advice. I’m grateful for being alive and well, but I couldn’t have done it without HIS protection, the love and support of my family and friends.

To Luché: In SA it’s not your birthday yet, but in Korea it is. Happy birthday baby, aunty Kimmie loves you! How many fingers today??? And Happy Birthday Ma for tomorrow.

Together with my US family and friends I wish to pay tribute to and honor those who have fallen in wars. On this Memorial Day I salute the troops at the US Army Base in Yongsan and in particular my friend Joshua Tanner. My thoughts are with my brothers, Thurman and Jerome, and the entire Holliday family whose lives have been affected by war. May He guide and protect you all.

I leave you with this thought: We were not born equal but our self determination and tenacity, levels the ground on which we stand. (Nathan Sopke)

‘til next time,

Yours truly.

Yangpyeong - Home

2009-10-18T03:27:00.000-07:00

Okay! Doengseoul… okay, hold on (let me get my bearings right)! Yangpyeong to Doengseoul – direct, non-stop bus ride – got it! Then take the subway, third line at Gangbyeon Subway (that’s the Seoul Subway station) to See Cheong (City Hall) and transfer at 1^stline (blue line) to Jonggak – got it! Now to find my way back home… is that North or South? Did I get it right the first time? Strange… I do think I saw that sign twice in 15 minutes… I wonder? …Lost? Me? Never!

A bus ride from Yangpyeong to Seoul takes approximately 45 minutes and, 20 minutes from Yangpyeong to Yunduri, where my school is situated. Korea is surrounded by verdure and densely wooded mountains -- pervading a sense of tranquility throughout. I always look forward to my morning bus rides; the dewy freshness of morning’s breath, misty windows, hustle and bustle – giving meaning to ”God’s Grandeur” (Gerard Manley Hopkins).

With the onset of autumn comes a chilly morning frown which spreads into a balmy smile as the day progresses. I need to stretch my legs and get out for some fresh air. Much of my time here is spent wandering the streets of Yangpyeong, being socialized in the nuances and idiosyncrasies of this small town and its people. A cordial, “Aan Young Ha Sayo” (good day, good afternoon, hello), to the elderly shop-keeper around the corner who bows graciously and replies, “…de, aan-young-ha-sayo”, his face creasing as he smiles broadly. My day is made and there’s a song in my heart!

There are many alleyways with shops and pavement vendors. Flagging both sides are life-size billboards in Hangul all over the urbanscape of Yangpyeong. As I saunter along I’m greeted by the gaiety, joviality and animated conversation coming from across theYangpyeong Bridge. As I approach the air becomes more and more moist. Charismatic music and a sprightly female voice booms through the air to the bustling town behind me.

The whirring, whizzing, sound of an engine catches my attention. There’s a speed boat and a man water-skiing down below, leaving a snow-white trail in its wake. I’m a little surprised but nonetheless thrilled by the sight. I’m even more enthralled by my latest discovery – a park and picnic spot right at the foot of the mountain with a magnificent view of the river alongside. A wooden pathway seems to wind on forever, but under the tingling warmth of the sun all cares dissipate.

Yangpyeong has a wonderful rugged, mountainous terrain. On my way back, I make a mental note to climb up the mountain next time. I’m told it’s worth doing and that March is a good time for skiing.

The day is ebbing away and I slowly make my way back through the town – still hustling bustling well after 6PM – no subway, no buses this time – just a very leisurely walk back home. I have happy recollections of my visits to Seoul and Gyeongbokgun Palace and I make a mental note to pencil in the sites and places still to see and visit. Itaiwan, I believe is Foreigner Capital, so that’s my next stop and then… let’s see… a BuddhistTemple? A few festivals coming up… Snow! Ski Resorts (Yeah!!!)… There’s also the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, that sounds interesting and maybe, a day spa… Hmmmm. These are sensational “must-do’s”! I’m fully booked for quite some time!

Home From Home

2009-09-04T06:21:00.001-07:00

It’s only been a few days, (1 week today to be exact) and Korea already feels like home.

Friday evening 29 August 2009, 21h30 and I arrive in Korea. I feel like quite a VIP when I’m greeted by a big placard reading: KIM GEORGE. There to meet me is Mr Scott Kim. Mr Kim, bhh, is very welcoming and reassuring. Mr Kim tells me it’s a typical Friday night in Seoul, the traffic is heavy and according to him what would normally be an hour’s drive might very well be a 2-hour one.

The city lights are captivating, but soon the tranquility of the West River and its surrounds has me dead to the world!

We finally reach Yangpeong in the still of the night. I receive an equally warm reception from Hye-Young Kim who is, incidentally, also my senior colleague, and taken to my flat. Hye-Young has very thoughtfully bought me some provisions in case I am hungry when I get “home”.

Saturday morning Hye-Young allows me to phone my mum and then we set off for some girlie time. I have Sunday lunch with Hye-Young and her family. On Monday Hye-Young accompanies me to sort out the rest of the residency issues.

I was given the first week off and thought that was nice. But because I hadn’t contacted my mother for a couple of days, she phoned Jane, who established that the school decided to let me stay indoors for the week as a precautionary measure. You know, the H1N1 thing. And that was news to me! Since I’ve had the laptop sorted out I’ve been keeping myself busy surfing the net, chatting to my family and listening to Talk Radio 702 on audio stream.

I’m a bit hampered right now, but things will pan out alright once I have the “Alien Card”. Sounds so un-PC!

Tonight I’ll be attending a welcoming and introduction dinner and am looking forward to it!

I love my flat(let) as cleaning house is a pet hate!!! I don’t have to walk over to the fridge; I don’t have to walk over to the stove, TV, or whatever. It’s quite fun just having to turn clockwise or anti-clockwise, stretch out an arm – and hey presto!

My friend, Denise Churchill, is on the plane to Korea as I write. I’m quite excited about it!

So far, so good! The people I’ve met so far are friendly, kind and gracious. It reminds me a lot of home. For the most part South Africans are inherently friendly and helpful. Back home we call it “UBUNTU”.

I start work on Monday, 7 September (first and second graders) -- AND -- I can’t wait to meet my kids!!!

Till next time! May the Force be with you!

Auf Wiedersehen

2009-08-27T03:23:00.000-07:00

Finaly!!! 'Rush Hour' is over and I'm ready to go.

I'm leaving for the airport now and will chat to all soon from Yangpyeonggun (?).

Bright skies, sunny days and laughter till your belly hurts...

Bye for now..

Okay, I love you, Bye-bye (Tweety bird)

2009-08-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

My bags are packed. Now just to tie up some loose ends and say my last goodbyes. I’ll be leaving Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon. Friday midday I’ll arrive in Hong Kong, Friday evening Korea. D.V.

I’m excited!!! Can barely wait. Father Time’s a rickety ‘ole rack -- but hey -- it’s only a day away. No nerves, because I know I’ll be in Teach ESL’s very good hands!!! And, I’ve already made friends with other South Africans also going to teach in Korea for the first time. A lot to look forward to but mindful too of the job at hand. My maxim: hard work is always richly rewarded.

Thanks to the wonderful people at Teach ESL Korea, eZenglish, Jane, Scott, Cynthia, Dan, Michelle. Look forward to meeting all of you some time.

Welcome to La Vie Boheme

2009-08-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

...up the hill (pant) and down again (sigh) and up the hill (pant) and... now I'm ready to board!

It's been a hectic period, but hey I'm ready for take off. It's just a hop, skip and a jump away. Korea! Here I come!

My life seems suddenly charmed, like I snatched the gold finger of Midas... New life is the spring of eternal hope and joy. All's right with the world. Deo Gratias!

Congratulations to my cousin Janine, on the birth of her baby boy, Kelsy. He is soooo adorable!

I was so glad to be reunited with my "long-lost" cousin Doane. It was such a great and wonderful surprise to see him again. And his wife and kids. Beautiful!

All the blood, sweat and tears have finally paid off and I'm now ready to explore. Word has it that there are many good things in the offing -- so, with the sun at my back and the journey of a thousand miles before me -- my sights are now set on the future.

This is yet the first of many blogs to come. You're welcome to join me on my sojourn.