Word Sampling:
Today seems to be a day for excerpts, I sent one off, from a friend's message, and got another one right back, so to tilt the balance here is one of my own, a piece of my reply to a very generous message from a friend:
I came back from my first meeting with the students about an hour ago. I have more pictures for my blog now, we toured the site and ate some early dinner, also had some rice wine. They are shy, but starting to lighten up. I have five young men in my studio, all have done their military service already and are certified in Tae Kwon Do. I think the average graduate student male here (I haven't really met the women) is a very complete person in tune with his mind, sensibility and the capabilities of his body. It's already a great starting point. The catch is that they don't speak that much english. But Sangduk is doing a really god job translating back and forth. Women, are more plentiful in the Interior design department, there are fewer in architecture.
The students who came to my class did it out of interest in the syllabus I sent, it was either the first or only one to be posted. It outlines all the semester's assignments and already implies a lot of work. I think I chose the site well, aparently Kim Seiyong had told his seminar students that he was intersested in the site himslef, before.
I had coffee with Seiyong this morning, at the place with the ducks, and a very pleasant conversation about, NY, Seoul, possible comparisons and essays that could be written. Then we went into the building that houses the faculty's offices... (the school is spread out in different buildings until the renovation of its own is finished), for another round of knocking on people's doors to introduce the new foreign professor. Then there was a welcome speech by the director and both the new professors said some words. Mine ware brief, the ending puctuated by a 'hamsa hamnida' or thank you, which went over very well with the student crowd.
The students were interested during our site visit and they were checking out the things I took pictures of, and paying attention to what I did and said of, it was, as you said, very rewarding. Especially because walking back, when we parted, the taciturn guy that I thought was going to be the rebellious one, used his few english words to say... "interesting, I enjoying", that really made my day.
Tomorrow I have a much lighter day, just to get my inmigration card, and do laundry, although, I anticipate that, like everything lately, these small things will turn into adventures in their own right.
Also, I got an e-mail from Sang Woo, he is in town, or one hour from here, in his family's house. He must be enjoying a break from the hard work in California. I am really looking forward to seeing him.
I have to thank my friends who have written me lately, their encouragement, questions , advice and good wishes is getting me through the sporadic loneliness of being half a world away from what I have ever called home, not to mention Gladys.
Here is a word sample:
"...carry those students through the year on waves of knowledge and references and insights. gratification will be enormous, on both sides. ask a lot from them, too. immerse them in a bath of ideas and spaces and opinions. make them voice their opinions. I'm serious..."Sounds like a plan!!!R.
