Showing posts with label Expat. Show all posts

Teaching English in South Korea: FAQs Part II

It's that time of year again! Recruitment season! Emails! Oh my!

Lately I've been receiving emails from readers who are interested in teaching in South Korea and/or traveling abroad and I've been noticing a lot of similar questions. So, I decided to break them down into an FAQ: Part II to help out all you prospective expats out there!

Disclaimer: These are my experiences and opinions. While teaching in South Korea I worked for EPIK (English Program In Korea, South Korea's public school program). I do not have personal experience teaching at hagwons (private, after-school companies), but I can provide information from friends of mine who have. 

Question 1: How did you decide on South Korea, and teaching English abroad in general?


Moving to South Korea was my first experience living and teaching abroad. I initially chose South Korea because I already had a few friends there, but also because of the pay and benefits given to you by Korean schools compared to other countries. Plus, I’d always wanted to live and travel in Asia!

I'd first heard about teaching in South Korea through a friend of mine during my final semester of my BFA degree. She was leaving a month after I saw her to teach at a hagwon (private, after school program) outside of Seoul. She told me that her housing, medical insurance, and flight were all being paid for her by her school. She also told me that teaching in SOKO would afford her the opportunity to earn money WHILE traveling. I think I was sold after that.

Since I made the decision to teach, travel and live abroad I've made it to over 10 countries, 3 continents, and countless new cities and experiences. 

It's been the best decision of my life.

Interested in more details on the road to teaching ESL abroad? See my first FAQ: Here.

Hanok village, Seoul, South Korea


Question 2: What did you study in college? Did you have a plan for what you wanted to pursue after? Has that changed?

Oddly enough, I'm an artist! 

I received my BFA in drawing from Kendall College of Art & Design, Michigan, USA and I'm currently studying for my MA in Fine Art here in South Africa. I've exhibited in the United States, South Korea, and now here in South Africa. Art is and will always be a focus, but I'm always game for more. More, more, more…

My "life-path" is full of bends, winds, and curves. A straight line is a bit boring for me. I want to see and do it all. Being tied down to one career or label just doesn't appeal to me (Which is only something I've figured out about myself in the past few years.). 
I am and will always pursue art. But I also want to be a writer. A dance instructor. A researcher. A potter. A puppy-babysitter. (Is that a thing? Because I really hope it is.) I want to see and do it all. 

So yes, perhaps my goals after receiving my undergraduate degree have changed a bit. But that's the thing with travel. The more people you meet; the more people you see pursuing incredible passions, the more it makes you want to do, try, test, and experience it yourself. But, thankfully, teaching abroad allows you to work and save towards your other passions. 

I met an older, possibly 70+ year old British man in Thailand once who lived on an old WWII ship off the coast of an island in Greece. Him and his wife, who owned a little stationary shop, traveled around making parody videos of classic movies like Titanic for fun. 
Who knows? Maybe once day I'll want to do that. Ha!


I never thought I'd make it China. Yet, here I am!
Jinshanling, Great Wall, Beijing, China.

Gyeongbukgong Palace, Seoul, South Korea

Question 3: Did you find that the diet in South Korea led to any significant weight gain?


Personally? Well, yes. A bit.

Think about the Freshman 15: An enticing cocktail of new food, new freedoms, new social gatherings... new booze. The same can be said about expat-living in South Korea. You may or may not gain a little bit more than stories and experiences.
But, just like living at home, weight can be maintained with moderation and physical activity.

Typical Korean cuisine does rely heavily on carbohydrates and starches like rice, noodles, and potatoes. After a while I would ask the lunch ladies at my school to give me a half portion of rice, then I weened them down to no rice at all. It was a bit difficult for them to understand since rice is such a large part of Korean culture. But I asked them respectfully and sometimes would grab onto a love handle to make them giggle. 
There also tends to be high sodium levels in Korea cuisine that lend itself to tighter waistbands. But! Never fear. As more and more expats move to South Korea, more and more "Western" foods are appearing on grocery store shelves. But please, enjoy the food! Wherever you decide to travel and teach! Try. The. Local. FOOD. The shortest distance between two cultures is sharing food (and a beer!).  Don't drink? Swing on down to Question 9.

Hiking is also a large part of Korean culture. Grant it that the principle of your school may conclude every school-designated hiking trip with a ginormous meal and endless beer afterwards, but hey …at least you went hiking first!

Cass! Mekju! Beer!

A typical public school lunch. Oh how I miss it so!

Question 4: Did you learn a good amount of Korean while you were there and if so, was this facilitated by any language classes?


I did, I loved it, and boy was it helpful! EPIK’s 10-day orientation program provided a crash course into learning the Korean alphabet and basic phrases. After orientation EPIK provided a few after school Korean classes for English teachers that usually met weekly. 
There are also other opportunities outside of formal class. Language exchanges are very popular and are often run by Korean university students who want to improve their English. These language exchanges usually take place over dinner or coffee and you can meet a lot of new friends from all walks of life while improving your Korean.

The Korean alphabet is fairly easy to learn too! They say that you can learn the basics in 45 minutes, but it took me a bit longer. But even now, a few years later, I can still read it and speak a few conversational sentences. 

Learning to read Korean will be very helpful to you. Though most Korean restaurants and bus stations will have English there to assist you, some of the more traditional restaurants, shops, and stations do not. But never fear! If you can read Korean you find that some Korean words are actually English words written in English! For example: 치즈 is pronounced “Chi-jeuh”, AKA: cheese!

The early days of learning Hanguel.

Question 5: A friend of mine recently taught in South Korea and said that "having fun" during lessons was frowned upon. Is this true? I'd really like to teach children.


I am very shocked that your friend said that.

As mentioned previous, I taught in EPIK, South Korea's English public school program. I taught grades 3rd-6th and I'd estimate that 50% of my job was in fact creating games or activities that were outside the realm of strict blackboard teaching, AKA: fun!

We did everything from fashion shows to soccer games, relay races to animal-mask painting; anything to get the kids interested and having fun with English. Perhaps lesson rules are a bit stricter in some hagwons (after school programs), but with EPIK I had a lot of time designated to me for "games". Also, we were required to organize and teach Summer and Winter Camps while the school was on holiday. These camps were usually themed and structured with a few parts: Sports, Cooking, Art, and Golden Bell (a final quiz game). I had a lot of fun with my kiddos and I encourage you to do the same!

Rube Goldberg summer-camp creations.

Question 6: How much control do you have over the lesson plans?


If teaching with EPIK, you are required to follow along with a lesson book that is provided to you and a CDrom to match. These lessons are rough guidelines; mostly stories and grammar points that you can then supplement with games and activities. Honestly, this made lesson planning a breeze.
You do however have to follow general government curriculum and standards (EPIK). But I've been gone a few years now and I'm not sure what they are currently, but no worries that is your co-teachers job to inform you and keep things on track. 

In most ESL/EFL teaching positions in South Korea you, are paired with and work with one or many co-teachers. Some co-teachers are as new to this teaching style as you and you may have to work out the dynamic from scratch; which can definitely be to your benefit! Other teachers may prefer a 50-50 type of teaching style and some may prefer that you assist more rather than teach. It really all depends on your co-teachers. My co-teachers were extremely flexible and I'd often do most of the lesson-planning for the days that I taught with each one respectfully. We had a lot of fun together and I never felt like I was stepping on anyone's toes; or having mine stepped on for that matter!
Co-teaching is a bit of an art form and it can be a bit of a challenge; especially if you are used to ave your own classroom. but I really enjoyed it! I'm still friends with many of my co-workers to this day.

If you do decide to choose EPIK, the program itself hosts numerous co-teaching workshops and training opportunities to help further your co-teacher development and strategies.

Question 7: How did you get through your absolute worst days away from home?


Living away from home (or simply the familiar) can be a roller coaster. Highs and lows, pits and peaks. It's true I've had my fair share of days since leaving the US that have been difficult and enough to make me question my sanity. Not every day away is rose-tinted and smelling of flowers, sometimes it's a stinky durian left on the side of the road. But you get through it. 

Vent! Venting is healthy. Not complaining. Venting. And that's exactly what you should do. Don't bottle up your feelings alone. Vent. Global English teaching is booming at the moment. You will not have to go far to find a like-minded shoulder to cry on. This is especially true for larger cities in South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Expat communities are large and more often than not experiencing the same feelings you are.

Write. I found that if I wrote about an experience, or just a general shit-day, that something as simple as finding an accurate and creative way to express what you were feeling was exactly what was needed. That’s actually how this blog started.

Rediscover. I found that rediscovering something you found exciting in your "Honeymoon Phase” is helpful in wiping the grime off those rose-tinted glasses. Go to that place, eat that meal, listen to that song; whatever it is an reflect back on who you were when you first arrived versus who you've become. This bit of in-context self reflection will no doubt be an optimistic reminder that this is in fact a learning experience. And with all learning experiences there are mistakes and pit-falls but, regardless, we are still better for having had them.

I compiled a list of Tips to Curb Expat Homesickness. You can check it out: Here

Question 8: Is it safe? I mean, North Korea and all..


South Korea is safe, yes. It's one of the safest countries I've ever traveled in and quite possibly the safest country I've ever lived, including the United States. But like every other country you travel or live in, including your own, you need to be smart. Be aware of your surroundings and remember, not everyone is on vacation or gap year like you. 

Of course, things happen. Things happen in every country. Just be smart. 

And as for North Korea... most South Koreans rarely give the "doom and gloom" lurking beyond the border a second thought in their daily lives. 

I did however visit the 38th parallel, DMZ area separating the North and South. That was an interesting experience. I highly suggest you organize a visit through the USO during your time in Korea. It is a moving, educational, and bewildering place. 


Visiting the DMZ, on the border between North and South Korea.

Question 9: Would you consider it reasonably safe as a young, single female to travel Southeast Asia alone and, did you ever travel alone or were you always with a group? 


Once again, yes but be smart. 

Using Korea as a jumping off point, I traveled to many countries in South East Asia solo. Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia… It was an incredible adventure. But, you do have to take precaution as a solo-woman traveler. Walk with purpose. Conceal your money. All the usual preventative measures to ensure a fun and safe route from point A to point B. 
Personally, I didn’t encounter anything that would make me not want to do the trip all over again. 

I thoroughly enjoy traveling alone. But if the road becomes a bit too lonely, you will no doubt find friends along the way. After my EPIK contract finished I embarked on a lengthy backpacking trip through South East Asia; most of which was done solo. Halfway through Vietnam in Hoi An I met an amazing Australian girl in a hostel, we became friends, and traveled the rest of the length to Ho Chin Min City together. Hostels are great like that. Hostels and backpackers can also help organize group tours or direct you to companies that do. There are also many expat-centered excursion companies in South Korea. These groups organize everything from zip lining to roof top pool parties. 

Woman crossing the street in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Question 10: I don't drink. Is that a problem?


No. 
South Korea does have a large drinking culture. Beer and soju (Korean rice alcohol) flow well into the night 7 days a week. But you can abstain. You will most likely be offered to drink at teacher dinners, but if you let your school know early on that you are not comfortable drinking alcohol, they will respect that.
It is however Korean custom to pour drinks for elders and superiors. If your principle pours you a drink (even if it’s a Coke), this is a sign of respect and you should return the favor. 

Question 11: Do you have any regrets/self-consciousness about where you are in your life right now? I come from a place where it seems everyone in their early to mid-20s are either getting married and/or pregnant, or working towards their PhDs. How do you reconcile this?


No. No regrets. The only regret that I’d have is if I had not taken the leap.
Don’t waste your time on social pressures or comparing your life choices to others! It's your life and if you want to travel...DO IT! Please, do it. Having regret is far worse than having a passport full of stamps. 
I just turned 28. I’m not married and I do not have children. But I’ve walked the Great Wall of China. I’ve climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I drank local moonshine in a hut in the mountains of Northern Vietnam! Perhaps I will fulfill those other check boxes at a later date, perhaps not! But different strokes for different folks. Just don’t let social pressures thwart you from seeing or doing the things you want to see and do. Life’s too short man.
And besides, teaching contracts in South Korea are usually 1 year long and one year abroad is worth it. You never know where it'll take you. And if one year is enough, great! Then you can go back to your original life-path having a new outlook, perspectives, and experiences to enrich it. 

I don’t know anyone who has regretted going abroad. But I do know a fair share that regret not going.

My 27th birthday! Not too bad I'd say...!

Question 12: Where are you now? How has the expat lifestyle influenced your future plans?


As mentioned previous, I am currently in South Africa studying for my MA in Fine Art. I am still teaching ESL, but my classroom has moved from physical to online. 

The past 4-5 years have been an incredible and eye-opening experience. I’ve gained confidence, world perspective, and opportunity. This lifestyle is addicting and I can’t see myself giving it up any time soon.

Cape Town, South Africa. 2016.

If you have any questions not on this list, be sure to check out my first FAQ: Here

Still haven't found your question? Message me in the comment section below and I'll be sure to get back to you!

Explore on.




post signature

Teach English From Home or Abroad with VIPKID!

Hello readers! I want to share an opportunity with you that allows you to make income while traveling. This December is my one year anniversary teaching with VIPKID and I couldn't be more grateful for such a fun and flexible company. VIPKID is an online teaching program that allows you teach K-12 English skills to Chinese students via online platform. It's fun, flexible, and pays in USD regardless of your country location.

VIPKID requires that you have North American passport (United States or Canada), a stable internet connection, and outgoing personality. Teaching experience is also a big plus!

VIPKID English, 2016 
VIPKID is based out of Beijing and class hour range from 8AM-10PM Beijing time. You can work anywhere from 7 hours per week (the bare minimum) to full time teaching. You are paid per class and each class is approximately 25 minutes long. All the classroom materials are prepared for you. Just follow along with the ppt. and add your own teaching finesse through the use of props and other fun accessories. Each class is one-on-one and once you have been teaching a few weeks you start to have regulars which makes the experience all the more rewarding. I've been seeing some students once or twice a week for an entire year already!
VIPKID has allowed me to teach, travel, and attend graduate school for nearly a year now. Every day is a new experience and what's best is I get to meet, interact, and share cultural identity with these incredible children halfway around the world. It's THE BEST.
Interested to know more details and criteria? Click this link (link) and be sure to mention my name when registering!


Any questions about teaching abroad in general? Send me a message and I'd love to chat!
Explore on!
-Jmo
post signature

Purely Pretoria Craft Beer Festival, 2016


It's no secret that beer and travel go hand in hand. Swapping stories with a local or a fellow traveler over a beer is one of the fastest ways to a new friendship, regardless of culture. Another perk to beer-travel is that a good beer can tell you more about a culture with each sip. Local ingredients, the talent and tradition of the brewer, the history of the brewery and the country of origin...all come together to create one of the greatest social lubricants: Beer. 

And in Pretoria, South Africa you will find not just "beer", but GOOD beer.

The craft beer scene in South Africa is drastically on the rise. There is currently over 160 craft breweries operating in this nation of 53 million people, with the number of brewhouses increasing what seems to be daily! This weekend was a glowing example of that rise of local-pride with the 1st annual Purely Pretoria Craft Beer Festival at the Hazeldean, Cowhouse Market.

The first-of-its kind festival hosted 8 breweries (Friar's Habit Craft Brewery, Hazeldean Brewing Co. , Stimela Brewing Co., Zepplin Brewery, Drayman's Brewery and Distillery, Legend's Brewery, Frontier Beer Co., and Leaky Tap Brewery)  from Pretoria; an enticing 40 beers to taste and try. 

Hanging with the guys of Friar's Habit Craft Brewery: Louis Van Der Merwe, Christopher Klapwijk, and Jaco Cilliers.

 I've been fortunate enough to have a front row seat to the exciting rise of the craft beer scene here in South Africa. My boyfriend is one of the owners and brewers of the local, Pretoria brewery Friar's Habit Craft Brewery. And. I'm lucky enough to have been donned "Official Taste Tester". It's a difficult job, but someone has to do it...

The craft beer scene here is young and exciting. I've tasted many South African interpretations of American beers and South African contemporary-classics all their own and I must say that this Michigan girl is converted. Of course I'll still hold true to my Michigan beers roots, but there's something special happening here in South Africa.

 But, I've also seen first hand the time and dedication it takes to bring a passion for beer to the masses. These brewers work hard. Many 3am weekday nights, loss of beer due to load-shedding (loss of power due to government regulation) and other circumstances,  attempting to juggle the "day job" and family with the brewery life, and a long-list of learning curves go in to each beer. But the hard work is absolutely worth it. I can't say I've ever seen this many people before so excited to talk about their "job".

Stimela Brewing Co. chatting to Friar's Habit and company.

Here's Chris! (Dig my SA shades?!)
I remember two years ago when I first came to South Africa, it was hard to find anything but a lager! And more difficult to find was someone willing to try anything but a lager! Or Brandy & Coke. But things are changing. The craft beer section of "bottle stores" nowadays is beginning to look like my old college town of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rows and rows of deliciousness: IPAs, American Pale Ales, California Commons, Golden Ales, Stouts, Dark IPAs, Pumpkin Porters (Yes, even the Pumpkin Spice craze has crossed the Atlantic.) are now making an appearance. 

Friar's Habit was serving up their California Common, Nitro Irish Red Ale, Honey Weiss, and Friar's Rabbit IPA
("It's hoppy!") at Purely Pretoria, 2016.
 I must give special thanks to Marius Botha and his team over at Hazeldean Brewing Co. for organizing the Purely Pretoria event. I remember sitting down with Marius not too long ago when the idea of celebrating Pretoria breweries came up and he's a champion for following through on it! Craft beer isn't just about the beer, it's also about the communities of people involved. And that being said, we had an excellent time and we can't wait until the next one!

Jaco Cilliers, mechanical engineer and brewer of Friar's Habit Craft Brewery.

Cheers!
Interested in more beer stories? 
Check out these other booze-related stories from The Ticket, The Ride:
-Beer Prices Around the World
-Clarens South Africa Beer Festival, 2015
-My Personal Top 11 Party Destinations 
post signature

27 years and 8,461 miles away: My South African Birthday Surprise

     My past three birthdays were spent in South Korea. The first birthday I was 3 weeks-new to the expat game, yet somehow managed to find myself on stage winning a Gangnam Style dance contest. That night raised the stakes pretty high in terms of world-wide birthday celebrations, I must admit, as it fed some serious fuel to the expat-lifestyle-fire. I feared it was to never be outdone. 
     Fast forward three years to now, 2015. I’ve since left Asia and currently find myself in the diversity and complexity of South Africa. Transitioning here has been bumpy, and sometimes I can’t help but fantasize back to the neon glow, safety net of South Korea. But alas, love makes you do silly things…

     Turning 27, or as I like to call it Three Away From Thirty, in my current surroundings was leaving me feeling a little bit irked. I’ve felt quite out of place in South Africa and seem to constantly be struggling for a foothold. Perhaps the fish-out-of-water feeling has finally lost its honeymoon, trial run appeal. Maybe the suitcase needs to be put in the attic for a wee bit...
     With all that being said, I’d always thought when growing up that I’d be well “settled” and “established” by my mid-20s. Whatever that means… Ha! That mindset has since evolved obviously, and it’s one that I’m completely fine with throwing to the wind nowadays in chase of a plane ticket. I’m really usually not too concerned about getting older, I swear! I don’t mind finding new smile lines. That is, until September 15th creeps up on the calendar and I find myself feeling older and disjointed and disconnected in a foreign country; a sure cocktail for gloom. 


But don’t you worry! This quarter-life crisis, self pity party has a happy ending. :)

__________________________________________________________________


     The Sunday of the weekend before that dreaded calendar day, Chris, my partner in crime, travel, and drinking too much, woke me up at 7:30am. He said we needed to leave around 8:30am to “get there in time”. I had no idea where we were heading off to but I could clearly tell by his kind eyes and smirk on his face that he was quite proud of himself. 
     We started driving out of the city and by my round-about sense of direction, I noticed we weren’t heading towards Joburg. So that ruled out the Johannesburg Art Fair, which was finishing up that day, our friends photography studio, and the Johannesburg Lion Park. We kept driving and the red dirt grew higher and narrower making its way onto the road and upwards to form hills and cliffs. We drove until the red dirt grew then receded back to give way to a more lush countryside with a lone ostrich running along its fence line. We drove further and met the base of mountain surrounded by small towns, fever trees, and eventually a large dam giving off the feeling of a small oasis. We were in Hartbeespoort. 

     Still not sure of our end destination we continued through the little touristy town full of bead shops, boutique accommodations, and hat vendors. We curved around a slight bend when I saw a slender, pale yellow sign: Elephant Sanctuary. I gasped and welled up. “Is this where we’re going? …Is this where we’re going!?” And that’s when I ugly-cried.

     This is something that I’ve always wanted to do! And Chris knew that. He’s the best.
I’d seen and been around elephants before. My first jaunt here in South Africa I was lucky enough to be taken to Kruger National Park where I saw African elephants for the first time in the wild. It was a stunning experience and one that I wont soon forget. Prior to that, I’d only seen elephants in zoos or being wrangled for tourists in South East Asia; neither of them being treated very well I’m afraid. And this is why I’d wanted to visit a sanctuary so badly. 

     The sanctuary facilities and surrounding areas were beautifully kept and ornamented. Wood carvings, playing to every tourists wants and needs no doubt, packed every space inside the welcome center. The backside of the center, prior to elephants, was a large forest area that dropped off and bled seamlessly into the center itself. This was the monkey sanctuary. 
     We followed our charismatic and knowledgable guide, Simba, down the pathway leading through the trees. Branches flicked above announcing the presence of macaques and lemurs. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lemur before in a zoo, let alone one in the wild. Simba pointed out a long black and white tail fluttering amongst the branches. “Look, there’s King Jullian himself!”, he recited. 
Simba also explained some interesting flora in the sanctuary. There were these trees that if you looked at them starting at their trunk, they looked to be a normal tree. But if you followed your eye upward, instead of typical branches they changed course to find what looked to be cactus. Interesting, and deadly. These trees are highly poisonous so don't mistake them for a water source. Or a fire source. Apparently some hikers used the dried branches of this tree to make a nighttime fire years back. Unfortunately, the group never woke up because of the poisonous fumes given off. Yikes.
     We walked a bit further and just before we reached the gate to the elephant enclosures we stopped. Littering the path and jumping between small trees were teeny-tiny squirrel monkeys. These little suckers were fast! I half expected one to jump out and onto my shoulder. So sweet, so lively and something I’ve never seen before.



     We entered the elephant sanctuary and were led to an opening with a few logs as benches and a thin wire rope to separate us from what was to come. Simba gave a brief ‘how to’ when it comes to engaging with an elephant and gave a brief history of how the elephants came to be at the sanctuary. Some were rescued from habitat destruction, others from under-funded zoos, and others from the threat of poaching. These elephants were not “trained” by any means and were still very much wild. Their caretakers though have built up a relationship with their respective animal through food. “No food, no relationship”, said Simba.
     We waited for a few moments (the elephants were on “Africa Time”) and then, silently, these gentle giants appeared. There were two of them and they were huge. As much as you can read in a book “African elephants are larger than Asian elephants”, seeing them both up close and witnessing the comparison is an entirely different event. They were also a red-sienna color because they’d be enjoying a dust bath.
     It was also clear that the elephants had very different and distinct personalities. The larger of the two seemed to be enjoying her time in the spotlight, while the other one seemed as if he couldn’t be bothered and just wanted his treats. We were set to touch the “movie star” of the two. But before the encounter began, the elephant handlers asked each elephant to “trumpet”. Both elephants flapped their ears and let out a powerful call, so powerful you see red dust rushing towards us. Then the handlers asked them another command which made the eles let out sound that was comparable to a low purr. I had no idea they made that sound! 

     We were motioned over to cross the thin wire rope and began our encounter. At first I just stood their stunned. I forgot I could reach out and touch them! Then the guide promoted me, “Touch! Touch!”, and then I felt along the side of her cheek. Then up her trunk. Her skin was much softer texturally then I’d imagined. The dust created a velvety layer over her dense and prickly skin and the grooves and wrinkles created faux barriers between different features. I couldn’t believe how deep the wrinkles seemed to go! 
     The handler then told us to look at her long eyelashes and to feel the under-flap of her ear and then to rub her belly. She didn’t seem to mind as she was preoccupied with vacuuming up all the goodies being tossed out in front of her. She continuously swept her long trunk across the dirt floor in an “S” motion looking for more snacks. A woman after my own heart.
     We then moved to her backside and she lifted up the bottom of her foot for us to feel. Underneath her foot was dense, hard, and slick much like a human fingernail. But what’s incredible is that an elephants foot has an extremely sophisticated network of muscle tissue that allows it to walk along in the forest without breaking twigs and making sound. The muscles feel along the ground and compensate and shift to accommodate what they may be stepping on. 
     Then we moved on to her tail, which looked like an old Chinese painting brush. Large, barb like bristles protruded out from its end. After the tail, we moved back up to the front and the elephant opened up her mouth for us to check out her teeth and tongue. She seemed pretty happy to do this because after we snuck a peek she munched down an entire mouthful of pellets and fluttered her ears back. (Side note: In the wild it’s said that when an elephant flutters its ears it’s a warning sign and you should back away. These guys however used it as a show of gratitude and enjoyment.)
Beaming~


     After our ele petting, we were offered a “kiss” from the small elephant of the two. Definitely couldn’t pass this up. Chris went first and got a slobbery trunk, suctioned cupped to his cheek. I soon followed and was greeted by a vacuum sealed trunk to my cheek and throat followed by what can only be called a “raspberry”. haha! I walked away with a face full of red mud and a dorky smile that can only come from being kissed by an elephant. 
     Chris and I waited as the other people from our group took turns petting and engaging. We were part of quite a diverse group and I couldn’t help but think of how incredible of an experience this was for people of all backgrounds to engage in. Books and film can only do so much. Actually seeing these beautiful, powerful, and gentle animals within arms could very well change someone’s mindset on animal conservation forever. As Jacques Cousteau once said, “ We protect only what we love.”


     After the “encounter” we followed Simba up a slight hill to a clearing that belonged to a large, 45 year old giant that was rescued from a Bloemfontein zoo. He was big. Perhaps the biggest I’ve ever seen. And you could tell this one had another personality all his own. He fluttered his ears and looked at us longingly. We were about to hand feed him and obviously he knew that.
     One by one we scooped food pellets into our hands and walked up to a line drawn in the sand. The big guy then would reach his trunk forward so we could dump his long awaited treats into nose and he would flutter his ears once again in appreciation and shoot the pellets back into his mouth. 



     After a brief anatomy lesson, the culmination of our tour at the sanctuary was walking “trunk in hand” with an elephant. We were led out to a large, circular area adjacent to the pens the elephants sleep in at night. One by one we were called out to join with a guide and take a stroll around the enclosure. The guide told us to stand in front of our elephant and drop our hands backwards, palms and fingers curled up, so the ele could grab hold of our hand as we led. The entire process went a bit fast and I think I was in a bit of a surreal shock to have really enjoyed every moment of it, but I do remember the texture of the inside of the nostril. Imagine the most corse nose hair… but fifteen times the length, paired with hot breath puffing down onto you. Elephants’ trunks are the strangest things if you think about it. Mouth? Hand? Nose? All of the above? Whatever you classify it as, I had my fingers up in it!



     The tour itself lasted about 2 hours. It was sad to leave of course. I could’ve stayed there all day (all week?) perhaps. But next on our agenda was catching a pint at the local Chameleon Brewhouse and heading up the Hardebeesport cableway to take in the view.

___________________________________________________________________

     It was an incredibly beautiful day. And one that breathed a bit of life into my time here in South Africa. Much needed breath. I was feeling a bit of an expat lull; displaced, depressed, discouraged. None of the above being a wanted companion thousands of miles away from home. But standing next to something so graceful, so beautiful, incredible and monumental can put your small things into perspective. Compared to the size of an elephant, my issues are Sure, not every day can be spent at an elephant sanctuary (Well, maybe it can. I mean…seriously, let me know eh?), but why not turn and try to face each day not as a means to an end, but on the backs of enjoying the big, the small, the different, and the familiar.

     Telling the customs agent at the airport you’re another year older really isn’t that terrifying. What’s terrifying is falling into regret, monotony, and the pessimism that comes with focusing on a number to compare yourself too. A standard. Sure I feel in limbo here in South Africa. But this is due to certain outlying factors that I can’t really control at this very moment. But what I can control is relishing in the moment: Relishing in where I am, what I’m seeing, what I’m doing, and whom I’m with. And the beauty of that is: Where I am is incredible. What I’m doing is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. And whom I’m with, I love. Taking all that into account, being 27 with a very blank page ahead of you doesn’t sound so bad after all. 

So here’s to you Three Away From Thirty!  May I greet you tomorrow with open arms and a dirty face from where I kissed by an elephant. Bring on the year I say~



For more information on the Hartbeespoort Elephant Sanctuary visit: http://www.elephantsanctuary.co.za
And for more information on conservation efforts of the African elephant, please visit: http://www.africanconservation.org
post signature

Only In America

     Living abroad gives you privy to other ways of life. But. It also allows you step outside of your own culture, look back in, and realize... "Hey, that's pretty cool!"
  
     Some things that may seem common-place in The States (more specifically Michigan, USA), can seem strange, interesting, or downright exotic! to non-Americans. Cultures other than our own always invite comparison and often eye-opening exchange. Those small, little things that we take for granted in every day life might amaze someone!
      So here's an optimistic and longing look at what I've come across fondly as, "What? That really happens there?!"

#1. Free Refills on Coffee (and other).


     This one is the best. Bottomless coffee. The same usually goes for soft drinks as well, but who has time for that?!  One word: Coffee.

     I think I'm going to make a beeline to the nearest diner once my South African boyfriend gets off the plane in Detroit to show him the wonders of the filter.  Ohh yah! That's another thing. "Filter coffee" is often a luxury and instant coffee is deemed the norm. That makes the bottomless coffee at your local diner even more amazing. 

     Now, I'm not saying that this is the best coffee around  [insert scene from Elf here], but it is thought of as a luxury. So, snuggle up in that pastel coloured booth and drink up!



#2.  Drive, Drive, Drive.

     Americans drive everywhere. Being from Detroit specifically, the automobile has always been the mode of transportation; scoring much higher in the ranks than the bus and the train. It's just in our blood.

      I once told my Korean coworker that my home is about a ten hour drive away from New York City (a landmark everyone seems to know). She nearly fainted. "Why? Why would you drive that far?!" It's just something that we ...do! We measure distances in minutes and hours rather than miles and laud the All American Road Trip.

     Though I do believe that the American railway system needs an extreme overhaul and would not only benefit our environment but our infrastructure, I do miss having the freedom of a car while living abroad. The freedom to jump in and take a spontaneous road trip to the lake. Or NYC?



#3. Buying Vodka Across From the Clothing Aisle
     In Canada you have the 'Beer Store', in South Africa you have the 'Bottle Store', but in The States... we have 'The Store'? 

     Sure, some stores still honor the traditional of not selling alcohol on Sundays. But, for the most part, you can buy your booze at any grocery store, convenience store, or... gas station. Not only that, but you can hop over to the Outdoors section and pick up a rifle while you're at it. Yay?



#4 Sales Tax
     This one... I'm not exactly nostalgic for. In many countries around the world, sales tax is included in the sticker price of the product you are buying. Some states factor in the sales tax but Michigan, my home state, does not. This tax accumulates at the end of your bill. Sales tax varies state by state and I'm sure this can come as a confusing surprise to foreign tourists. Sorry about that!




#5 Pop!

     No, it's not "soda" or "cola" or "cool drink" (as the South Africans say).  It's pop! Trust me, you'll get funny looks if you ask your local waitress for a "cola". 

     It wasn't until I left The States, and Michigan for that matter, did I realize how cute this idiom is. 



#6 Euchre


     What's that? Some type of dumpling? An elderly person's name? How do you pronounce it? You-Cray? -All of the above would be incorrect. 

     Euchre is a card game that has a died hard following in only a few States in the MidWest. If you know how to play this game, consider yourself one of the elite. Simply mentioning it outside of Michigan is an open call to head tilts.




#7 Map Hand

     I'll often bust out my "map hand" when trying to explain to people where I'm from. And, instead of clarifying, this often confuses people even more. Apparently us Michiganders are the only people who do this? I've even busted out a "map hand" in reference to South Korea and the entirety of The United States (it kinda works if you turn your hand sideways and stick out your thumb to represent Mexico, haha!)

     It's an extremely hard habit to break. But! It's also a fun ice breaker...
          Local: "Where are you from?"
          Me: "Michigan!"
          Local: "Which state is that again?"
          Me: *map hand*
          Local: "Wut?"
          Me: "Do you know Detroit?"
          Local: "Ahh yah!  But wait, what was that hand thing you just did...?"




#8 The American Flag

     Other nations have pride, of course, but our pride for the American flag goes far beyond most. It's a symbol that we are born and bred to be proud of and connected to. Not many people get the warm and fuzzies when seeing their flag being flown quite like Americans. 

     I've often been questioned about why we love and value our flag so much. And, I haven't really come up with an answer. It's just something that we do, something that we feel?  I'm proud of it regardless. (And I've carried one with me along the way from country to country as proof!) Maybe this is product of growing up with Global Guts? C'mon, you all wanted to be on that show!




#9 Recycle. Get Money!
     "That's so cool!", I often hear. And yah know what? Yes, yes it is.

     This is a win-win-win! I'm an advocate for recycling. But where there's a little extra incentive in the form of 10cents per can, everyone's an advocate. 

     For those of you unsure of what I'm talking about: Larger grocery stores in Michigan have "bottle deposit stations". You bring in your bag of cans and bottles (usually full to the brim in a sticky trash bag that's been hanging out in your garage collecting your future ten cents) and pop them into their proper slots: glass, can, & plastic. Once you're done, you print your receipt and bring it to the cashier to collect your funds. Not a bad way to encourage recycling if you ask me!


Lesson for the day
Be proud of where you come from! Where you were born is unique and interesting to those who haven't been! Explore your own backyard and take advantage of everything it has to offer. 

I'm heading back to visit The States after being away for nearly 6 months. I'm beyond excited (the reason why I wrote this article).  I can't wait to drink my coffee and play euchre. Oohh! Maybe I'll drink coffee and play euchre at the same time... wrapped in an American flag? haha

Happy Exploring~!




post signature
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
All views expressed are that of the author. All rights reserved. Powered by Blogger.