Island Camp - Saryang Island

A few weeks ago, I headed to a nearby island, Saryang-do, for a 3-day island camp. I worked a similar camp last year, so this year I was much more prepared and knew what to expect. One thing about teaching in Korea is definitely having flexibility. And if you've known me long, you know I am not usually the most flexible person. This job has definitely taught me to be more flexible and go with the flow more!

I was in charge of teaching the fifth and sixth graders at Saryang Elementary School, and they were wonderful! Because of some renovations at the elementary school, our class was held in the middle school English classroom. 

I tried to make the camp more project-based than the normal class times. The kids came to camp for 7-8 hours a day, so it was my mission to ensure they had a fun time and enjoyed studying English with a foreign teacher (which they normally don't have). 

My favorite project that I do at all of my camps is the egg drop project. It's such a fun time for the kids and lets them incorporate English and science together. 

First, the students got into group and planned their 'egg capsule' for about 10 minutes. 

Then I gave them about 35-40 minutes to build their egg capsule. Each group had the exact same materials, which included a piece of cardboard, a meter of tape, a meter of toilet paper, 2 balloons, a meter of yarn, and of course, an egg. 

After the time was up, each group showed off their egg capsule and we prepared for the drop!

Then, we headed outside with half of the student two-stories above and the other students on the ground to retrieve the eggs. 

Shockingly, NONE of the eggs survived! I couldn't believe it! I've done this project numerous times and about half of the eggs survive, but this time, none of them survived! It was disappointing, but the student still had a really fun time and enjoyed the project!

Another day, I taught the students how to play 'frisbee soccer', so we headed outside to play. The boys really enjoyed the game, but the girls were a bit hot and bored. I guess you can't please everyone!

On the final day of the camp, I set up a 'prize store' to let the students 'cash in' the dollars they had earned during the camp. The students earned the 'dollars' by winning games or showing good effort and other various ways. The student could then use their 'dollars' to buy different supplies in the store. 

Finally, our last project was to give a presentation about their island. It was a bit difficult for some of them, but my co-teacher and I tried to help when needed. They ended up doing a nice job and showing really good effort. 

Overall, the camp was a great success, and I was really pleased with the outcome. I think the students had a nice time and had fun learning English, which was the goal!

Gujora Beach - Geoje Island

Last Saturday, I headed to a nearby beach for a day of fun in the sun! From a Facebook invite, I found out that there would be lots of foreigners gathering for the long three-day weekend and camping on the beach. I'm not much of a camper myself, but I still went for the day (that counts, right?!). Danielle and I headed there in the early afternoon on Saturday, along with the doggy that I've been fostering. Traveling with dogs in Korea seems to be quite easy...and I didn't have much trouble on the buses (until the last bus driver of the day wanted me to have the dog in a carrier!).

If you ever want to go to Gujora (구조라) Beach by public transit, here's what Danielle and I did...Intercity bus from Tongyeong to Jangsuengpo, then the Geoje intracity bus to Gujora (buses 22, 23, 61). You can opt for the taxi from Jangseungpo to Gujora, but that'll cost you about 15 bucks! The bus drops you off in the middle of the peninsula, but just walk about five minutes, and you'll see the huge beach!

As for our day, it was good fun and it was good to get out of Tongyeong for the day. Tongyeong doesn't really have any 'proper' beaches, so Geoje or Bijindo are our closest options. While at the beach, I saw some friends of mine that I made at the EPIK training a few months ago...so that was really nice!

Here are a few pictures from the day:

These guys were seriously working on this tent for at least an hour! It was quite complicated!

Danielle and I with the doggy! We are the happy travelers!

Gujora Beach looking from the far end back to 'civilization'!

The doggy stuck pretty close to me...she needs to become a little more social!

A look at the beach from the other end...towards the rocks and such.

It was a beautiful day and I'm glad I got to enjoy the beach before the hotHOT summer gets here!

Saturday on Jishim Island

Since my camera is broken at the moment (sad, I know!), I did a little video about my day at Jishimdo with Danielle. Take a look!

Hawaii Pictures

Just wanted to let you all know that you can see all of my pictures from Hawaii if you look at my photo site. Here's the link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/saraallbritton

Enjoy!

Hawaii - Days 3-4 - Pearl Harbor & More

Our third day in Hawaii was a relaxing one! Kami and I caught up on some much needed sleep and then hit the International Market to do lots of shopping! We also tried out a Hawaii-only Frappucino from Starbucks and let me tell you, it was delicious! Also, my brother-in-law told me about this unique hotdogs they have in Hawaii, so I tried one of them in honor of him!

If you go to Hawaii, try the Coconut Mocha Frappucino!

My Puka Dog!! Yummy!

Our final day in Hawaii was a busy one. We woke up early to go to Pearl Harbor and then spent the afternoon shopping and walking on the beach! Here's my day in pictures:

A flag flying at Pearl Harbor.

Our first view of the USS Arizona as we pulled up on the shuttle boat.
Part of the USS Arizona.

The sunken ship.

The names of the 1,177 men that died on the USS Arizona.

Inside the memorial.

My favorite picture from Pearl Harbor.

The USS Bowfin.

Back at Waikiki...the awesome palm trees.

The harbor full of sailboats.

The beginning of the sunset.

I loved watching the sailboats on the water.

Pretty Hawaii.

Writing in the sand.

The four days in Hawaii were amazing and it was a great trip. I enjoyed relaxing and just being around familiar things again. That's all for now!

Hawaii - Day 2 - Polynesian Cultural Center

Our second day in Hawaii was a full one. We spent the entire day at the Polynesian Cultural Center and it was fantastic! I really enjoyed getting to learn about the different Polynesian islands. It was definitely worth the money and time! Here are some pictures of the day:

A view from the bus on the way to the PCC.

I think they call this the China Man's Hat Island.
We finally arrived to the center.

A pretty ginger flower.

A tree with crazy roots.

Beautiful sights inside the center.

The Maori people doing a chant.

A Tonga man playing a nose flute.

Kami and I made coconut-leaf fish!

Our Samoan tour guide (Ken) telling us about Samoa.

Samoans climbing coconut trees...so awesome!

Kami and I at the luau!

The men getting the pig from the pit.

The luau performers.

My delicious meal...check out the purple sweet potatoes and roll!

Luau entertainment!

After the luau, we went to the Ha-Breath of Life Fire Show...it was pretty incredible!

Yummy Pineapple Delight!

The fire twirler! So sweet!

The finale!

All-in-all, it was a terrific day! I highly recommend it for anyone going to Hawaii! I learned so much about Polynesians and had a lot of fun doing it!