Heuksando (흑산도) – Another Island Escapade

Following in the footsteps of a peaceful and mentally productive Chuseok on an isolated island abode, I decided to double-down during a three-day weekend. Following the Korean Harvest, the next holiday is National Hangeul Day (한글날) - a day of dedication to King Sejong and his scholarly minions who made a bold political stance for …

Chuseok in Geomundo (거문도) (pt. 2)

After a disappointing, yet fulfilling meal of ramen and apples, I settled into the bed-less rented room to indulge in my greatest vices - a snacking and YouTube binge. Fuck it! It was vacation. As much as I want to chastise myself for indolence and aim for productivity (I packed countless reading material in the …

Chuseok in Geomundo (거문도) (pt. 1)

Before coming to Korea, I didn't know what Chuseok was (a harvest holiday where Korean families get together to share mountains of homemade cooking). For foreigners, it's a great chance to travel and pow around with friends. I spent one such holiday in Seoul with misfit friends now long-gone. The next two years, I spent …

Geumodo (금오도) A Peaceful Island Pathway

2020 got you down? Me too. Sitting in a post-summer slump has a magical ability to pack on a few pounds. So as summer rains subsided, I thought it no better time to once again explore some local islands around Yeosu - get in a hike and allow the trees to shower me with their …

Super Photo Corner – New Apartment = PICS

Back in August I took the leap from the apartment secured by the Institute and struck out on my own - finding my own apartment with the help of a local real estate office. After some initial challenges and hardships common to all who move, I feel very satisfied and comfortable in this 2-bed, 1-bath …

Flipped Learning at JIEI (Part Two)

Now that we have the basic definitions and commonly-stated pros and cons to a flipped classroom, how did I come to implement flipped learning in my teacher-trainee course? And more importantly, how did the trainees like it? Finding My Niche When anyone asks I identify myself as the speaking and listening instructor at JIEI. I …

Flipped Learning at JIEI (Part One)

I remember sitting in the Fair Oaks branch of the Sacramento Public Library four years ago - my backpack bursting at its seams from books, a laptop, and all the trappings of a nerd - occasionally lifting my nose from a book to people-watch the unique cast of characters that populate a public library. I …

Alcohol – On To The Next Mountain

This is not my first rodeo. I'm super experienced at quitting alcohol. It's easy. I've done it like 20 times! But my experiences in teletherapy have powerfully shifted me toward the path of giving up drinking altogether. After a friend's birthday party, I had to look hard at the man who stared back at me …

Cutting Down on Alcohol (Repost)

My next post plans to address my rallying resolve toward quitting drinking altogether. So I thought I'd start with a re-post from an older blog of mine to share a past attempt I made at reducing my drinking. Since my first Temple Stay experience, I’ve committed to reducing my drinking. It began during an evening …

Year 3 Cruises Toward Uncertain Closure (Part Two)

Ian Says Goodbye to Newfound Friends Once Again Of the eight native instructors currently under contract at JIEI, three are leaving over the next six weeks - three instructors I've come to consider close colleagues. Look, Ma! I can macrame! Muffin One man (let's call him Muffin) will step onto to the International School circuit …