The Longest Summer Camp Ever

I know somewhere in South Korea, someplace young elementary students at their summer English summer camp are having a good ol' time singing songs, doing arts and crafts, taking field trips to the zoo and local water park -- those kids just aren't at Sang-in Elementary.

Before summer vacation, I was asked to planned for the upcoming summer camp and being the planner that I am, I planned a three week summer camp extravaganza! Tie-dye, nature walks, theatre day, build a camp newspaper, every summer camp activity you could think of I had planned. Well on the last day of school I was sent a late night e-mail explaining "there's no summer camp budget, so no activities"; basically keep it simple.

What was I to do? I was bound for Thailand to enjoy my vacation and once I got back from my break, I was going to need an additional break, I had absolutely no euasthism for summer camp. I follow directions and keep it simple teach the kids grammar, pronunciation and phonics for a few hours and that be it. Right? Wrong?

10 - 12 kids a day who would rather be outside out running and playing. Good luck on attempt to stick to the textbook.

So I tapped into my own pocket, like most teachers do and I footed the bill for most of my activities so the kids could enjoy some bit of camp, at least while they were with me. And I did just that, we made lemonade, painted t-shirts instead of tie dying, we've had movie day with snacks yet payday has come and gone, bills must be paid, and now we're returned back to the basics -- amazingly the kids are enjoying it.

It's true you don't need flashy activities to keep 3rd, 4th, 5th and some 6th graders occupied, it helps, but you don't need them. A stick in a ball worked wonders back in the day, and it still does now.

Today's lesson was all about compound words. I had the kids play a guessing game, we watched some spongebob via youtube.com and pointed out all the compound words, they made a role play using key compound words and phrase and they even drew their own compound words pictures.

It was a good 3 hours worth of compound word fun! Take a look at some of their drawings below.

Peace n blessings.

Derek

The Fourth Tattoo -- Words from Above

To tat or not to tat, that is the question, for some.

For me its never been a real dilemma should I or shouldn't I tat up my body with ink, the question has always been where should I strategically place them.

I've wanted a tattoo since I was 16 years old, that's when I saw my cousin's tattoo, she doesn't know this but it definitely inspired me, I felt she was so aware yet rebellious against all we had been taught thus on my eighteenth birthday I secretly ended up at a raunchy tattoo parlor on the other side of the tracks in my hometown and got my first tattoo. Since then I've acquired two others, and whilst in Thailand I had my fourth one etched into my skin.

Many a year has pasted since this new tattoo because I wanted this one to be meaningful, not that the others weren't, they were more random than anything, but this new tattoo had to have meaning, it had to represent something greater than me, it had to be something that I could proudly display anywhere to anyone. And it had to be words of great importance and wisdom, something that sums up my life philosophy.

So while sitting in Thailand in the coziness of a my nautical themed hotel room, I opened the nightstand drawer and upon my amazement there sat the Holy Bible (new testament only)amazed because Thailand is a nation comprised mostly of Buddhists so why would a Holy Bible be in the nightstand, but it was. And so I opened the book and I flipped the pages to the Book of John, one of my favorite books, and I went to read John 3:16 a well know and one of favorite verses "For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believeth in him shall not perish but have Everlasting life." and I continued to read down to John 3:27 and I read these words "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given to him from heaven." Instantly it clicked for me, this, and only this could be my fourth tattoo and so I had the tattoo artist place the verse upon my right forearm.

For I whole-heartily believe that all things come from God, without the blessing from Him we are nothing and we are capable of nothing. So praise be to Him for he bestows blessings upon us, even when we are undeserving.

I pray that even at ninety, when my arms are saggy, weak and wrinkled and my tattoo has begun to fade, that I still hold true to these word. Until then, I wear this new tattoo with pride and reverence.

Peace & Blessings Fam!

Derek

Thailand: An Awakening

It been quite sometime since I've penned (well typed) a line or two here at/on my public diary. And for good reason. I was out experiencing the beauty City of Angels and re-awakening my senses in the Land of Smiles. I was in Thailand ya'll and it has/was truly a life defining experience for me.

Like any true romantic, and I dare say I am one, after leaving such a life provoking country such as Thailand I have been completely discombobulated. The life I knew here in SOKO is a distance memory and I'm having such a difficult time just trying to get back in the "swing" of things.

I'm hedonist, always have been always will be. Pleasure is what I enjoy in all shapes, sizes, colors, fragrances and forms, etc., etc. I can't deny it, nor will I try.

And Thailand hit every sensory button imaginable.

The people were quite amazing and attractive. The scenery and beaches were like a bit of heaven here on earth. The food was spicy, yet sweet and salty a spectacular arrangement in every bite and so damn cheap!

I found love and passion, a new awareness of self and with every experience even a bit of sadness. Friendship were tested, some built up and others lost. I'd even go far enough to say that I was enlightened while passing along the reclining Buddha, or maybe it was the sway of the long boat as it glided over the Chayo Phraya river.

whatever it was that happened, I'm glad it did. Thailand was a feast and I can wait to partake once more.

until next time my friends and family.

peace and love

Derek
* click the title for pictures*

Mountains, Beaches and Soju Cocktail

Hey fam,

I know its been a minute since I've updated my blog, but its been pouring buckets of rain the last two weeks here in SOKO off and on, and that has made a bruh extremely lazy at a time when I should be overly productive, yet I'm not complaining because I enjoy the drip, drops of raindrops and understand its usefulness - every thing has a purpose!

So what's been going on with me:

A week ago, I took a school trip with my teachers to Seoraksan National Park. Seoraksan lies about 5 hours East of Seoul. It's in the beautiful region of Gangwon-do province; Gangwon-do literatlly translates into "Heavenly Blessed land" and it is just that. Mountains formed of sandstone granite, sprawling maple and pine forest and when you think you've seen it all there emerald green beaches that kiss a rocky, pebbled beach. Add this beauty with the company of 50 + Korean teachers who love eating, singing and sipping soju as much as I do and I had one the greatest company trips every!

Pictures of Seoraksan

I've also taken to attempting to be more healthy fam! Ya'll now for whatever reason the last year or so, I blew up, ya boi went for thick to just damn LARGE, and so here in Korea I'm attempting to get back on the right path, being here has cleared my mind, relieved me of stress and I have started on a journey of purpose and growth and your mind cannot function with yo body, so its time to meld the two. So I bought a bike and I ride it to and fro school almost everyday, and I use it for my sole source of transportation in Bucheon, I can't help but eat healthy here in Korea so I've lost 15 pounds! Alas if I could leave the beer and cocktails alone ya boy is gonna be on track!

Lastly, I'm off to Thailand in 9 days, so get ready for that blog and tons of pictures.

I love you all.

Peace & Blessings,

Derek

A SOKO Fourth; Happy Indepedence Day, America!

Fam,

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. And I'm sure the bbqs back home was smoking, the crabs were spread out over the table, and fireworks were lighting up the sky! Well, less the fireworks (well major ones) my fourth of July was freeking awesome!

Only two months in and I co-hosted a July 4th rooftop bbq. There were hotdogs, hamburgers, charred chicken wings smothered in bbq sauce and side dishes galor. I had to give the crowd a little something extra so I introduce my homemade chocolate fudge brownies and soju cocktail -- its a creeper. (It's the bartender in me, that's what I do!)

The music was reminiscent of home, from Marvin Gay's let's get it on, to Biggie, biggie, biggie can't you see... We even cupid shuffled!

Yesterday I was transported back to the States for a few hours. The American luv was in the air, festivity was rampant and everyone's energy was high.

So much so that we didn't end the night there, we headed as a large group to the local foreigners' bar Rhythm and Booze were we danced into the wee morning hour to Hip hop and Ol' school rnb.

You would have thought we'd be finished there but no, we kept the party going and moved over the one of the largest norabang rooms I've ever been in (Korea, just keeping on giving surprises), and you know I sung my heart out!

Like most things here in Korea, yesterday was a memorable experience I know I won't forget.

So Happy B-day America! I'm proud of you and the direction you've finally decided to take.

Eh, it took 233 years but who's counting?

Peace & Blessings

Derek

Day Four without MJ

Fam,
Shocked is not even the word, to describe my feelings when I heard Michael Jackson, one the world's most talented people had been called home to rest amongst the angels.


Michael Jackson was a phenomenon!

I have so many fond memories surrounding Michael Jackson. I wasn't yet born when he was singing with the Jackson 5, but I know most of their songs! "Give Love on Christmas Day" and "I saw Mommie kissing Santa Claus" are two of my favorite all time songs. And when he started his solo career and gave us: "Man in the Mirror", "Thriller", "Billie Jean", "Black or White", "P.Y.T", I know exactly were I was when I heard'm, how they made and still make me feel.

Michael Jackson was definitely a caged bird, he sung and sung, but was never really able to flap his wings. He was often criticized about his lifestyle choices, and the scandal(s)(indecency with young boys) which was never proven tarnished his career slightly in the late 90's

But what ever you or I thought about MJ, his music, dance moves - THE MOONWALK, "Heeee Heeees!", "Shomes!", crotch grabbing and glittery white glove have been put to rest and they will surely be missed.

God blesses the world with creativity like MJ only so often, and I'm glad I was able to experience the magnificence in my lifetime.

R.I.P.
Michael Jackson, King Of Pop
sunrise 1958, sunset 2009



PEACE & BLESSING!

Galbi, Renoir, and Bucheon by Nigh...

So fam,
It's Sunday evening once more, and ya boy will be heading back into the classroom tomorrow. I definitely can't wait for summer break. Derek luvs the kids, but them damn classrooms can get the boot!

Okay so here's the deal. I don't know if the Korean Education Administration or my principal at my school is trying to save $$ but we be (the kids and I) sweating bullets in those damn classrooms. We have fans, which they wont allow us to turn on until middle July, and we have aircon which I dont think will ever be on! I've already gone through two hand fans, and I think I'm building muscle in my forearms. LOL!

Anyways enough wit the rant. This weekend was quite relaxed. I went again for Galbi but this time with my Korean co-teachers. I'm addicted to Galbi and Homeplus. And they're both winning. Galbi is just so damn tasty, grilled pork, that sweet and tangy, wrapped in a lettuce leaf, add some garlic, soy paste, veg and you got a meal!
After the gabi we went on to Central Park.

Saturday it rained like crazy all day long. The humid kept the air warm and me sweaty, I wanted to lounge in but instead went into Seoul with Crystalyn to the Seoul National Museum of Art, which had a collection of Renior's lessor known works on display. The museum visit was quite nice but a little pricey for $12,ooo W and only included Renior's works -- but he was one of the world's greatest impressionist painters so it was good just to be in the same space with his art.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/06/148_45789.html

It's inspired me to follow my passion and attempt to paint my own masterpieces. I've purchased a how to paint book and next I'll be picking up my easel and paintbrushes!

After leaving the museum, Crystalyn and I decided to venture out to this French Festival in Sorae, we found the festival and it was awash, but it was great to be around Koreans who fluently spoke English -- I guess it is true once you get one "romantic" language down, all the other are easy as crepes! We bolted from the festival and headed to COEX mall.

For ya'll back home, COEX (which I keep calling COTEX) is like Pentagon City, full of shops, a movie theatre and even an aquarium, Oh and a hotel and casino. Its a mega mall and has the best damn Benigannan's in Korea! We had the SW sampler and I chowed down on a Caesar chicken salad (anchovies on the side). We ate, passed on the movie and ended up at Jamsil. After some window shopping, we said good bye and I hit it back home.

Today, I have been quite relaxed. I but my convection oven to good use and roasted me a chicken and I've been watching movies. If you haven't seen Burn After Reading --please watch, it's funny as hell.

I'm gonna end here, not too much amazing to share. Attached are some pics of the my city by nigh! Enjoy.

Peace & Luv

Derek