Lend a Hand to Japan

If you were shocked when you saw what happened in Japan last week, you were not the only one. Japan needs our help now more than ever. After this past week's devastating earthquake and tsunami, thousands of people have lost their homes, their lives, and many more still remain missing. This is a country that means a lot to me and has a lot of people has a lot of people that I care about. They are in a crisis and depending on what happens next at Fukushima nuclear plant, things may only get worse. Making a donation is the best way to be a friend and help those affected if you don't want to fly to Japan. My workplace is going to order these Salvation Army shirts to wear at work. There are other ways to support whether it's done financially, through prayer, buying sponsored t-shirts, etc.. I have listed a few sites below where you can go and make a contribution to the relief efforts.

1. Red Cross - People in the United States can text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Also, people in Canada can text "REDCROSS" to 30333 to make a donation. 


2. International Medical Corps - Text "MED" to 80888 from any moblie phone to give a $10 donation or go to Internationalmedicalcorps.org to learn about other ways you can contribute. 


3. Operation USA - Along with an appeal for monetary donations, Operations USA has also announced efforts to collect bulk corporation donations of health care supplies. If you are interested in donating bulk medical items, visit OpUSA.org.


4. Global Giving - The Japan Earthquake ad Tsunami Relief Fund at GlobalGiving.org collects funds that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake. It has already raised over $100,000.


5. Doctors Without Borders - Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is sending 2 three-person teams to Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan. To learn more or to make a donation, visit Doctorswithoutborders.org. 


6. The Salvation Army -Text "JAPAN" or "QUAKE" to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY -designate gift "Japan Earthquake/Tsunami" 


7. iTunes - Apple has created a simple donation page in iTunes that makes it simple to donate anywhere from $5 to $200 to the Red Cross with just a few clicks. 


8. Mercy Corps - is gathering donations for its overseas partner, Peace Winds Japan, which currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief in Japan. 


9. Save The Children - The organization is currently organizing efforts and donations to it's Children's Emergency Fund will support outreach.

10. Twitter - Twitter has published a blog post asking people of the world to help with relief efforts. Here are some key hashtags to remember:
#Jishin: focuses around general earthquake information
#Anpi: a hashtag for the conformation of the safety of individuals or places
#Hinan: Evacuation information 
#311care: a hashtag regarding medical information for the victim
# PrayforJapan: a general hashtag for support and best wishes for the victims of the crisis.


Hopefully you're going to make a donation right now! Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Yoger Presso & a Poodle

Since moving to Korea, I've become an addict. What kind of addict you ask, a mint mocha latte drinking one. And where does a mint mocha latte addict in Pyeongchon get their fix? At Yoger Presso! 


I have not been much of a coffee drinker pre-Korea ( except for the occasional Starbucks run), but I've always liked the idea of a quaint coffee shop where you can just hangout; The perfect serenity spot to have 'you' time.  Now I feel like I live at Yoger Presso,a small cafe just across the street that is the perfect hangout spot to relax. Sad to say, I even go several times a day sometimes. I'll stop by to grab a cup to go on my way to the park with Louie in the early afternoon and go back to spend an evening there. 


You know it's bad when the proprietor knows your coffee order the instant you walk in. Not only does he know my order, (a hot mint mocha latte with lots of whipped cream on top) but he is well acquainted with my poodle. My poodle, King Louie I, has also become a regular at this spot. Louie has started taking the 'king' in his name literally as he bounds, without hesitation, up the narrow, wooden stairs to his usual spot overlooking the street below. If the spot is occupied, he unabashedly approaches, making it clear that he expects the lowly commoners to move. Like myself, King Louie has made a home out of quaint cafe.


 Well time to get some more caffeine in me, Yoger Presso and King Louie await! Stay tuned...


Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Hello Kitty in Hongdae

Everyone knows, but not necessarily understands my odd obsession with Hello Kitty. Yes, I know I am too old to be in love with a cartoon character, but that is beside the point. The fact of the matter is, I think Hello Kitty is adorable and she somewhat reminds me of when I was in Japan.


So this past weekend, a few of us decided to go coffee shop hopping and have a girls day out. That's right, coffee shop hopping, not bar hopping- I think that means I'm getting old... But anyway, I was obviously the most excited one in the group and my reaction as we walked down a small side street in the shopping district of Hongdae only made that clearer. After making the turn, you could immediately spot the cafe. You could spot it like a fluorescent hole in a wall. Everything else on the street was neutral toned and graffitied. Then you see this building that looks like an explosion of pink ribbons and bows. It is possibly the most adorable cafe I've ever seen. Even though it was a pink overdose, it seems like something you could picture in a fantasy world. It's the type of place I would imagine would exist if Hello Kitty was real and had her own city. It looks like a larger version of a doll house, with the addition of hundreds of stuffed cats.


However, after a short period of time spent there it does get a little obnoxious; Even I will admit that. We indulged in all kinds of sweets such as waffles, coffees, and cakes. It was quite a delight, but after an hour and a half we were definitely ready to be on our way and do some serious shopping. That's all the Hello Kitty I can handle for now! Stay tuned...


Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Spring At Last

Winter is finally coming to an end and I must say that I am relieved. Learning to snowboard was fun and I can continue to work on trying to stay up until May, but I am glad the snow is gone for good. Winters in Korea are not as much fun as good ole PA. At least in Pennsylvania we get lots of snow. Here, it feels like it's just always bitter cold and a little bit of snow, but not enough to play in. Sad to say, but I miss snowball fights. And not just the ones outside of school where you have to scrape together barely enough snow. These past few days have been gorgeous weather. Louie and I have been walking everyday, walking to work, and enjoying the weekends in the park again! 

And when there's warm weather, there's a will to work out. Finally it is warm enough and dry enough to run outside. I might even go out for a soccer team this year. We shall see! The goal is to run a half marathon in June. Fingers crossed that will happen. So far, so good! 

As far as school is concerned, intensives are at an end. Starting next week we begin regular classes and somewhat new schedules. I am thankful to be back on a night schedule. I miss sleeping in at late as possible! I know one thing is for sure, this getting up at 6 or 7 a.m. is not for me. For the most part, I will have the same students. Luckily the students that like to call me Princess Teacher instead of Elissa Teacher will all remain in my classes! They're probably the cutest kids I've ever seen. They let me give them crazy nicknames like Dinosaur, Llama, Rainbow, Diamond, etc. They're just a fun group to work with and make me happy to be their teacher. Everyday when I walk into classes, many of my students will rush to show me the new books they got from the library to read or to show me their Hello Kitty pens or stickers. I think the Hello Kitty part is my fault. I perhaps reference her too much in class. I know this because a few students refer to me as Hello Kitty Teacher... Which could be worse, so I'll take it. Although with the new classes, I will be re-entering the world of middle school. I can't wait to see what my newest nickname will be. I seem to rack them up. Hello Kitty Teacher, Princess Teacher, Tattoo Teacher, and Alaska. What will be next, only time will tell...

It's hard to believe I've already passed my 6 month point and that spring is already here. Lucky for you, spring time equals more traveling and exploring which means more videos and blogs more often! Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!!

Steeler nation in Seoul

I'm Investing in Butt Pads

Winter has been an eventful time in Korea. This past weekend several of us took a trip to Yoeng Pyong Ski Resort in the northern part of South Korea.  I've been to ski resorts on several occasions, but usually just to tube and hang out.  This time, I finally learned how to do something other than tube.  I took my first shot at snowboarding. I have to admit I was nervous about trying, but it turned out to be a great trip. My friend, Becky, went once down the hill with me to instruct me how to brake, turn, etc. After that I was on my own and I am happy to say that I only had one major fall. A fall that I am still paying for today, but it was worth it. I did learn my lesson though, I'm investing in a pair of butt pads! 

In two weeks we have our Lunar New Years and are off of work for five days and am excited to go back to Yong Pyong for another go at snowboarding. I'm planning on going back a few times before winter is over and hopefully it will be less painful by the end of it! Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Season's Greetings & See You Later

Christmas was last week and it was half fast to say the least. Christmas in Korea almost feels more equivalent to Labor Day or Memorial Day in the states. Not to say I didn't have a good Christmas, but it is not nearly as big of a holiday here. There are decorations and trees put up around town, but more for show than celebration. For example, my students wrote letters to Santa and almost all of them included that Santa isn't real or is their parent in their letters. Also, we wore Santa hats (courtesy of my mom) and many kids commented on how silly they were or asked why we were wearing them. It's odd to see, what I assume is safe to say, my country's biggest holiday looked at from another, where it is merely just another holiday. 

Another part of the holiday that was probably the most upsetting was not being able to be alongside my family. It was difficult to see my family all together via Skype and knowing that I was the only one not there. To see my older brother there who I see twice, maybe three times a year, and to see my cousin who I haven't see in months since his departure for the Navy only made the matter worse.  Perhaps the biggest tradition that I missed was my grandmother's traditional Italian seven fish Christmas Eve dinner!

Although I did miss Christmas at home, I did enjoy my holiday here with my friends. We had a tree with presents that we opened on Christmas morning, we listened to Christmas carols, and we all talked to our families. But the one big difference was eating takeout rather than cooking a Christmas feast.

This season is sad, not only for missing Christmas, but my kids are moving up to middle school. I couldn't help but become attached to certain students. I've had most of my students since September and it's hard to think I won't see any of them on a daily basis anymore. My last class yesterday made me want to cry. All the little girls in my class asked for my cell phone number so they can text me and wanted to take pictures. It was adorable!! (Although I have a feeling they will still drop by form time to time for the seventh floor since they know I always have candy in my bag!)

We start our winter intensive course tomorrow and my classes have changed a good bit. I am now teaching younger and lower level students, including the new cupid class, which is the lowest level yet. I am excited to start seeing my kids three times a week instead of the regular twice a week. These classes will last until the first week of March.

Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Time flies

Well I know it's been over a month since I've posted last and for that, I'm sorry. Been working and being sick, I just haven't been too productive lately. But things are about to change! I'm finally starting to feel better and Christmas is almost here!

Classes have been going really well I would say. Although, lately my classes have been significantly smaller since the kids have been testing in school. Today was the first day that I have had full classes in nearly two weeks. I had just started to get accustomed to classes with only three or four students. But on the bright side, they are all back and hyper as always. I will confess that I do miss the wild kids when they aren't in class. They truly make my day. 

This week I've really noticed a difference in some students. I've had the greatest feeling lately. Realizing that the kids are improving and breaking out of their shells and becoming much more lively in class. Specifically, there are two girls that I have that have always been two of the shyest students that I've had, but in the past few weeks, and noticeably this week, they are now always volunteering to read and speaking really well. A month ago, if you would have told me this, I wouldn't of believed you, but now they seem much more comfortable with the speaking skills that they literally want to read everything.

Also, my kids are just plain cute and they know it! My kids are constantly asking me, "Teacher, when are you going to learn Korean?"  In class, they will try to explain Korean to me in English. They've been trying to teaching me basics like counting and who are the cool pop bands to listen to. It's absolutely adorable!

These kids also know how to act if I'm mad because they're not doing their work. If I say something to them, they always respond with, "Teacher, I love you!" or "Teacher, you are beautiful!" A few have even been bringing candy for me. 

These past four months have really flown by and I can't believe it's already Christmas season. It's insane to think that I am 1/3 done already, but the saying is true. "Time flies when you're having fun!" I promise not to wait so long to post again and I will post more videos soon!! Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Happy Halloween!!

Me and my ferocious lion, Louie at school for the Halloween party 

No words to describe this! (part 3)

No words to describe this! (part 2)

Meet Louie!

Meet my new little buddy, Louie! He's an 8 week old Toy Poodle!

No words to describe this!

Culture Gallery in a tunnel?

Everyday when get to school an hour before classes to prep. Most of the time we go across the street to grab some lunch of coffee. To get there we usually take the tunnel crosswalk rather than waiting for the crosswalk above ground. The tunnel is called "Pyeongchon Culture Gallery". It's interesting because they always have art hanging on the walls to decorate a small tunnel, why is beyond me. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable to look at. They have some great paintings on the wall and a rather large picture of angel wings that you can pose in front of. It's odd, but I like it! Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae

Pyeongchon: The place to be

It's the middle of October and I've been here since the middle of August. Life so far is very enjoyable here. Teaching is going well. I am teaching all elementary kids now and think I made the right move by switching from middle to elementary.  My kids are definitely warming up to me and have become much more outspoken in class. Most of my students are great. There are a few kids that test my patience and tolerance levels. At the end of the day, I love what I'm doing. (Even if I have to bribe my kids with candy to get them to behave!) 

A festival in Pyeongchon Central Park

As far as life outside of work, everything's going great as well. I expected to feel slightly out of place since I don't speak the language, but it's not nearly as bad as I thought. My friends all speak Korean, which really helps, but with that aside, I still fell extremely comfortable wondering around by myself. Doing daily things like ordering food, going to the grocery store, or taking a taxi all feel normal and not at all strange. Surprisingly, most people here speak a little English and I know very few words, but can get by alone if I truly need to. There's a coffee shop close by that I love. I went in today to grab a coffee to go. Obviously I am a foreigner, and the men that worked at the coffee shop recognized that and immediately began attempting to speak English to me rather than me trying to butcher their language. They went out of their way to make me feel comfortable in their shop. It was adorable and I really appreciated their efforts.

This place is really becoming a home to me. I have everything I need within walking distance. The store is across the street, there are tons of restaurants, bars, convenient stores, and things to do like batting cages, pool halls, and a park, all within 5 minutes of my apartment. 

I really lucked out getting this position and being placed in this town. I don't think I could have asked for anything more. Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,
Elissa Rae