Driving Diaries: Practice Buddy (June 2016)

June 3

We refueled today just barely two weeks after we did. Almost twice as fast if I didn't use the car for practice on the parking lot. This made me think twice and hesitate on going to that parking lot to burn fuel and money just to practice. Save for the exact turning of the steering wheels, I can possibly practice better on the real road. So I didn't really head out just to practice. 

June 7

I drove to the children's library this afternoon. My game plan now is to get my practice on the road while going to 

work.

June 16 

*Alone from other apt. to nearby and back to our own apartment around later afternoon. Visibility is still okay as it is summer and the sun sets late.

June  24

From Hyunchungsa to Home

That's the farthest I've driven so far, still with my husband though. I've done going to the library a couple of times now but I have to take the bridge with a traffic light and avoiding the one joining the traffic after the bridge because it is still hard for me to do so. 

I was able to drive alone around the apartment to the nearest mart last week for the first time after my SIL insisted that I should practice driving  more. It was so exhilarating to get into the parking lot and park all by myself. At first, I resorted to parking on the SA parking slot. It's nearest and wider than the usual. The second time, I've gathered enough guts to park in the regular ones since there was enough space between an SUV and a small car. It was a bit tricky getting out and being able to figure out if there another car just about to pass.  I've been to the mart alone and that was was my feat last week.

I've also driven twice from the other apt. to ours late night after husband drank some alcohol. I pretty much think he can still drive but it was a chance for me to drive after dark. It was a little different indeed. 

The latest one was last night and it was slightly raining and is waaay different. Night time and raining. Double jeopardy. Driving on a rainy day is not a walk in the park. The risks are higher coz side mirrors are obstructed, there will be the windshield wiper running and the windows may be fogged up thus lesser or zero visibility from the back mirror. Not to mention that the sounds from outside can be more muted. Training, familiarity and experience are needed to safely function with obstructed sensory. 

My drive to the Hyonchungsa today was a bit better with almost sunny skies. It was a totally new route that I've wanted to explore since it is almost near my Sunday work location. I think I can try to persuade hubs to let me drive to work this weekend. We managed to get an insurance extension for me starting today for cheap. I just hope that it doesn't only insure my fingers. My husband is not that keen on reading the fine line in documents sometimes. 

Oh well, it's time to place goal posts for the next month. I'll try to work hard and get as much of driving hours behind me this year before we get snowed. I might as well keep a record of km I've driven from now on. Lets see  how much I can accrue this year. I need to be able to get myself familiar with the different regular routes for me with my husband beside before I can drive by myself. 

Sigh! Sounds like a tall order but that is the distant goal.

~~~

So for my goals this coming months in terms of driving: 

(shadow driving)

1. Drive alone to library. 

2. Drive from city hall area to Dong il. 

~~~~

June 29

Drive alone to the library, check. 

Although I still have to get back home safely later. I'm tempted to try driving to Dong il to try to scout my route. 

2 PM. Just got back! Safe and sound! It took me roughly 15 minutes both ways, including the time-consuming parking. I need to time my parking skills next time. At least I can check on the dashboard from what time I pull in the parking area until I turn off the ignition. 

Too bad I didn't try my extended route. Give it a few more days. I'm just not feeling very up to it today since I was a bit hungry and sleepy so I didn't want to push it. There was nobody to complain beside me and push me to speed up. It was cool, not having the extra pressure, aside from the other cars around me. I was able to practice checking around me, the mirrors, and even didn't miss cancelling the turn signals. I just had to go at my own pace. 

7:54

I made it to Dong Il safely. I almost had a problem parking at the near the recycling area but Someone sent a guardian angel who helped me fit into the tight spot. A couple saw me when I was getting in and overshot a bit. When I was starting to shoot for a slot, the guy came over and guided me in the slot. 

I ended up parking very close to the driver's side but it was no biggie coz I can easily slide over to the passenger seat and get out. So there, I managed to get from point B to C and even dropped by at the the spacious parking lot of Mc Donalds for a burger and a bathroom stopover. 

Heading back home was pretty cool with clear night and not-so-busy roads, even though I fervently prayed for that before heading out of the parking lot. One more route tried out today. Hurray!

Driving Diaries: Practice Buddy (May 2016)

Driving Practice Log 1

Wed: May 18

Goal for the month accomplished! 

Got my DL card today!

I now have another year to practice a bit while saving to buy my own car (unless my husband would totally lend me his car). 

5/20 - 1 hour, turning around, after lunch class

H. Almost freaked out when he let me pull out from a busy parking lot. He had no idea I was totally clueless on reversing. I managed to do so anyway. I did a round and reverse at the end. 

5/26 - 2 hrs. reversing, parking, after lunch class 

Went with Pilip to practice and got a bit more on reversing this time. H was even was pushing me to go out of the parking lot. 

*more theoretical videos, pen outline, notes about bay parking and parallel

5/27 - H also had me drive on my way to work today when I mentioned it on the spur of the moment. It was the shorter route but I chickened out on the last minute. I gotta feel more confident on my reverse (I'm getting anal on that, idkwhy) as well as getting out of the bigger and busier streets. 

5/29 Sun, 2 hours (5:45 - 7:15)

Drove from our apt. complex parking lot to the Children's lib, then to the Green Tower. My hubs definitely helped a lot as extra eyes, prodding on and to speed up. I had three cars behind me at the overpass, and even the taxi honked loudly at me. No dirty looks that I've noticed.

I've been practicing more turning at a good speed without braking as much as possible but I still have a long way to go. My hubs still tells me that I seem to almost stop at turns. I must admit that I'm not confident at turning without breaks yet and that's even without hitting the accelerator. I just have to take it slowly to build my confidence. Luckily, we found a good place nearby with a decent road turns and less traffic on certain hours. There's a dirt patch for parking, a half-empty parking lot with crazy bay parking angles, and a brand new parking lot that looks a bit similar to the driving school course minus the steep part. That last parking lot was really the perfect place to practice my turning and parking. 

Speaking of parking, I managed to do two successful bay parking at 45 degrees angle today after watching that trick on youtube today. I've been hoping to do that the last time but it just didn't work in the other parking lot. The trick I did today was to stop at the third line from the space I am aiming for when it reaches my shoulder view. Then, do a full turn to whichever side I was going to park in. It ended up right into the slot. It worked! I would play around with it for now, but gotta keep in mind that if I want to try my Dad's pick up truck later, I would have to check out other ways to butt park. 

More videos to watch to take notes of and fuel to burn...this is starting to get more fun every day. :) Just have to pray more every time we head out coz the risk gets higher with each level.

Driving Diaries: Intro

My driving log will now migrate here from the inotes. 
I've kept it on inotes since it was easier to access but it has grown quite a bit so it's about time.

There are previous entries on the "Driving Lessons" which I have posted before I got the license.

I'll break it down into series and according to months.

First one is a Driving Practice Log when I started practicing after I got my license. This will continue for a couple of months as I try it out driving with my husband.

Next will be the Driving Log as I try out driving by myself completing each milestone I've set for the given period. These are the challenges that I found difficult to do that I wouldn't want to try at all in the first place. There will always be a goal in this first-year driving experience for me as I gain more self-confidence, learn more about driving in different situations and overcome difficulties.

Buying Cars in Korea

Taxes

If you buy a car in Korea, you’ll need to pay at least 9% in taxes. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 7%: Registration tax (must be paid within 15 days of purchase)
• 2%: Acquisition tax
• You may also need to pay some government bonds, however, this all depends on the size and model of your vehicle. They will be between 4%-20% of your car’s purchase price.

Your auto taxes will need to be paid every three months. You can do this at any bank.

Registering your used vehicle:

You must register your vehicle within 15 days of purchasing it. If you request it, the car dealership will take care of this for you. Some charge a fee while others don’t. The registration fee will be 5% of the vehicle’s price.

Other things you’ll need:

• Registration application form
• ARC + passport
• Inspection sticker
• Proof of valid vehicle liability insurance
• Temporary tag number/license plate (lets you drive for 10 days)
• Vehicle certificate (if you cannot prove ownership with this, then you’ll also need an ownership certificate).

Odds and Ends

Here are some other important things to keep in mind when you buy a car in Korea:

1. You will need a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in Korea. Read WorknPlay’s article on Applying for a Korean Driver’s License to learn more.
2. You will need a vehicle inspection every two years (unless your vehicle is brand new and received an initial inspection at the time of purchase). The fee is 15,000KRW, and you can read more about the procedure itself on the Korea Transportation Safety Authority website.
3. Like many countries, you cannot modify your vehicle to have things like monster truck wheels or glowing license plates. Safety first, people!
4. As always, with the exception of Itaewon, most garage or auto repair centers won’t have an English speaker on-hand. However, most can read English, and if your car is a domestic model, even better. If it’s a major issue though, it’s best to take a Korean friend along with you to avoid any possible miscommunications.
5. With the purchase of your vehicle, you will need to obtain auto insurance. Visit WorknPlay’s article about Auto Insurance for Foreigners in Korea to find out more.

If you own a vehicle that you wish to sell to someone else be it a foreign national or Korean national, you will require the following documents to transfer ownership:

a. Transfer certificate (issued by the Dong office or Transportation Administration Section of the gu office)
b. Automobile tax payment certificate (issued by the Dong office) or the current car tax payment receipt c. Seal impression certificate (issued by latest Dong office) . If you've gone to the Vehicle Registry you may not require this one.
d. Proof of residence (in Korea)
e. Car registration certificate 

You want to make sure that the new owner (to be) has the following:
a. Liability insurance certificate (proof that coverage has been purchased)
b. Proof of residence.

Repost from worknplay korea.

EMS, COL, etc..

A couple of things got accomplished today. The packaged has been shipped and the payment has also been credited to my COL account right away so I was able to buy the URC stocks at a lower price than what I was eyeing last week. Although I got this still at a higher that what it is trading today. But I figured it's okay. I don't want to be greedy. I just tried to get it at a number I can easily remember..haha! What kind of reasoning is that!

With those two done, I can work on the other ones. On my list today are doing that KIIP 5 book, and something outdoors. I am now sitting on a mat under the trees listening to "whattaman" via the PA, and blogging using the public wifi at the park. How cool is that!

Staying indoors  with those two boys each with their own electric fan can be draining to see. I'd prefer my fresh air under the trees specially on a summer like this. My summer days are numbered.  

Korean Post Office Multicultural Family Discount

There's a more publicized discount for multicultural family at the post office recently. I found the flier last time I went there and when finally sent some things today, the helpful staff at the counter mentioned it.

He first asked if I had a Multicultural ID which I know that I have somewhere. Thing is, I couldn't find it when I check at home after I saw that flier last time. I chanced on suggesting "how about the Alien card that still shows an F6-Visa?" He double-checked some list and told me that will do.

I hurriedly finalized the package and filled up the form before he changes his mind or before he goes away and I'll end up with a different staff who can be clueless about such. The teller I ended up with, indeed, almost wasn't gonna give me that 10% discount on the EMS. I had to refer her to the other guy I talked to earlier. It wasn't so bad. Mission accomplished with a 2k something discount at that! I was a happy trouper.

A Korean Bank Rant

Dear Korean Banks,

Why do I have this feeling that you don't want me to leave or use MY money outside this land? Sure, I may be able to send but online purchases can be very frustrating. Specially tickets. Why?

I've tried to score some good deal on tickets last Aug. 5 only to spend an hour on my phone dealing with CSR to set up my card to purchase it no avail. Last night, I've decided to use my KH card, thinking a Korean one would be easier, only to face the same brick wall. Hubs tells me to do it the next day. I totally doubt it. The prices do drop quite not so often. That was another good deal missed!

So, what is it that is hindering me from purchasing those tickets? Meant to be or not meant to be? I need to be patient and keep trying. Keep the positive thoughts that there is something behind all of these.

I just hope I can still get my cash back from my hubs acct. lol

Korean Money: Bills

Korean paper money has very limited denominations: 1000, 5000, 10000, and 50000. 

As the amount increases, the paper size also increases. 

The 50k is the very recent addition to this. It has has been a long over due one, and it is the only bill with a woman featured on it. There has been proposals to have a 100k bill since it might be really handful to just carry 10k's and 50k's but it hasn't pushed thru because of the possibility of easier source of corruption. 

I have yet to see if they would decide to do so in the future. 

Burned Car in a Parking Lot

Last weekend, I went for an afternoon drive to the lake nearby and saw this. 

I thought that it was an old one but I can still smell the stench and feel the remaining heat. It must have happened just a few hours earlier. I totally have no idea what caused it for sure but reminded me of possible things that one can leave inside a car that might cause it to burn or even explode. Another possible one would be an LNG car perhaps? 

I really have to be mindful of the car whenever I leave it. I should always get this list check before I walk away from it.

1. Side view mirrors tucked in (to prevent getting scratched or something)

2. Windows

3. Trunk

4. Door lock from the key

From inside:IPA 

Ignition key locked,

Parking brake ON

Any gadget or plastic water bottle that might dangerous if left inside a hot metal thing.

Other things that I might find handy to have in the car as a new driver: 

Umbrella, gloves, wet tissue, the driving book (reading material when waiting), hook behind the passenger's seat for the bags, long umbrella and maybe even the box of tissue. I'll have to google for some ideas how to keep the interior clean and tidy. 

Immigration and Integration

Sarang Plus activity last Tuesday left me thinking again of what exactly is the purpose of that program. I do remember that it's basically geared toward the newcomers who has been here for not long enough to experience and learn some culture. This I appreciate since I never had much chance to join a lot when I first got here.

But then again, I felt some activities, if not most, left me thinking that if this is a way of integration, it sure failed me a bit. Why? I really don't feel comfortable on the way they handle lunch. More than twice that I felt that I am always will be a guest, an outsider. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that.

This made me search for programs other countries has for integrating immigrants. The best one that came to mind is Germany. It's a little hard to find English literature on the subject but this one got me reading a bit, Global Migration Research Paper by Zuzanna Hubschmann.

It was in the middle of the night that I woke up to run to the bathroom and couldn't go back to sleep that this thought really came to me. Something can be improved in this program. I wonder how other countries go about their integration programs? As usual, I wonder about things a lot.

Some notes that struck me.

"Moreover, migrants enter these programs with already existing networks and do not wait for the program to start integrating, finding jobs, apartments, meeting people. Surprisingly, the program does not provide any opportunity to connect with German nationals, except for the teacher. It gives no assistance in creating networks with locals, which is a key factor of integration. Thus, after completing half a year of integration courses, a migrant may be still be isolated from the German community, despite an increased feeling of attachment to the country."

"providing the migrants with greater opportunities to connect with Germans could improve the long-term outcomes of participating in such a program" p. 33

Good points for the Damuwha programs though is they got that part on the job thing and stuff.

"Apart from teaching basic German and creating an opportunity to meet other migrants, the program provides little assistance in a “real-life integration”: finding a job or learning how to do so, connecting with locals and migrant associations, learning how to participate in political and social life. Despite the program’s claim that the integration certificate will help in finding a job, the level of German acquired at the end of it is too low for most employers. Writing resumes, practicing interviews, assistance in translating migrant qualifications into the German market, educational opportunities available to migrants, could all be incorporated into the structure of the program. Currently, no such efforts are made and migrants are left to their own devices to find out where to go and what assistance is available."

Indicators:
Indicators of integration that measure its process and progress vary depending on a nation-state’s vision of what successful integration means. Among the most common indicators are labor market participation, language proficiency, socio-economic status, level of participation in public discourse and civil society, as well as cultural and religious practices.

This has been an interesting read. I would have to find another time to rearrange my thoughts on this matter and how Korea fares in immigration and integration. For now, I've got to prepare for the Korean 1-on-1 session later.

My conundrum is finding someone who is willing to talk and hang out with in Korean only. Who would not let me feel being talked down, who would not just lecture me about stuff but give me a chance to speak out. A well-trained language teacher is what I have in mind.

What's Taboo Topic Nowadays?

This will be another quick one as I was watching some youtube videos about processed food that includes ice cream, ketchup, or even waxed fruits and even water. Yes, apples may be natural but if it has gone through mass process...

This drove me to the ever-changing diet fads through the years: Atkins, Paleo, etc. It can be an interesting topic for small talk but because it can also be a dangerous one. So this brings me to common taboo topics like religion, politics, and now, maybe even diet?

Back to my stuff now...

EoM May

I've just finished my group lunch class when someone asked me if I find my classes interesting. But of course! I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't that fun except for the income. lol. Seriously, I do find it fun and satisfying. The teaching part is fun and the income, satisfying. :)

This set up is right up my alley. Small group, with more interesting students and decent pay. If I would be teaching in a classroom setting in my homeland, I don't think it would be that fun for me. The issue of doing something that you like and getting paid for it will probably be not that satisfying. The noble purpose of teaching is defeated since I have to teach a lot of students, thus, might not be that fulfilling. To top it all, it won't pay that well either. With what I do now, I get my almost ideal teaching setting and get paid well at that. I don't have the job security as someone employed in a brick and mortar company but freedom to have a flexible schedule and even location serves me to a T. I can meet new students every now and then, change teaching locations, revise my curriculum anytime, experiment with different set-ups and have flexible hours to a certain limit.

This is what I came here for aside from my son's language, that is. There might be some problem that may arise every end of the month, specially recently, I'll try to overcome them. I just need to vent this out now. Should I write it down now or what? I'm not sure. It might open the flood gates of my tear ducts.

Suck it up and do more constructive things for now.

Novice Home Baker Series: Late Nite Loaf

Just had to write down the recipe before I forget.
It started raining late this afternoon and the temperature has dropped a bit for me so I just had to bake some bread. I haven't exactly baked for more than two weeks I think. This is all rough from my head.

2 C bread flour

1/2 C whole wheat

1/2 C ground and boiled oat groats

3-4 t sugar

2.25 t yeast

1 t salt

1/2 C water

1/4 C milk (was running out of milk)

3 T canola oil

Used the bread machine to make the dough. Putting the flour first before adding the rest. Did the whole dough process on the machine.

Then I transferred it to the 9x5 loaf pan for the final rise until it was half an inch above the pan. 

Baked it for about 30-35 minutes. 

I am now waiting for it to cool so I can find out if it is not very grainy that it will fall apart when sliced for a sandwich. 

The Story of Us

I don't know why I kept at this series ever since I checked out the pilot set in El Nido. The story has almost an uncanny similarity to otwol series that has just wrapped up. Sure there are differences but the setting being in US is just all too familiar.

The leads for this series are also newbies when it comes to a little non-comic setting. Even with the strong  support of other veteran casts, the leads really have a lot to work on for. They fared well with previous rom-com a bit but not on this more serious one. It's a struggle to watch the leading man act. I found him cute before with his piano and guitar playing skills in light acting projects but not on this one that demands more serious acting.

Oh, well. I don't think this will end soon though. But come to think of it, maybe it will this month.

Getting a Driver's License in Korea for Foreigners (shortened version, Part 1)

This is my attempt to write a shorter version on how get a Korean driver's license. (I had previously written a few more-detailed entries of my own experience but this one is a waaay shorter entry.)

This is for a total newbie.

I. The most straight-forward way is find a driving school that will accommodate your limited Korean-language skills. Some are not that willing to take on the risk of miscommunication that might result to an accident. 

Driving school academy (437, 800W) which includes the following:

• 1 hour video plus 4 hours lecture with lunch break (but lunch expense is not included) 
• theoretical test that includes a drive going to and fro the testing center
• 1 hour hands-on training for the technical skills test

Then if you passed both test,

• 6 hours road practice for all the 4 courses for the test

Separate testing fees will be needed as follows: 

computerized written test - 7, 500 W 

technical skills test -  37, 500 W (?)

road test - 55, 000 W

Any additional hour of practice you need before you take the road driving test will cost another 55,000/hr. So you either use that 55K to practice two courses or risk it to take the test which you may complete the whole course or barely get out to the road and still fail. It's all up to one's level of confidence. 

II. Semi-DIY. This is an alternative to save on that almost half a million dough. 

You will need: 

• driving test reviewer book
• which may or not come with a DVD - the DVD will be helpful to view videos that may show up in the test (usually 2 questions)
• youtube videos 
• car

So for the computerized written test, one can actually do a self-review using the review materials. But attending or watching a lecture may be more helpful for some people depending on one's learning style. 

As for the technical test, youtube videos will help but an actual hands-on is definitely the way to go. How do you go about that? Hi-jack a car, maybe one that comes with someone willing to give you the basics in operating a car or simply risk it and figure out how to work it. (More info on the test details here.)

Basically, one should be able to figure out and perform the following on cue:

• start the car while holding down the foot brake
• release parking brake
• change from P to D
• use the windshield wiper (turn on and off)
• use the turn signals (turn on, turn left and right)
• use the headlights (high and low beams)
• what to do on emergency (hit the foot brake and the emergency signal)
• drive the car (without the use of accelerator) for 50 m
• turn off the ignition
• change from D to P and 
• set the parking brake

All of the above done with the seat belt on or else!

Notes: 

The computerized written test might will definitely have an English version or other language for that matter. Just make sure you choose the language you are most comfortable with so it will be easier to negate some vague translations. 

The technical test, on the other hand, will have lesser chances of an English version available. It will most likely be in Korean. The instructions are pretty simple though but you have to train your ears on the cues of what and when to execute it. The driving instructor told me to listen for "yo." And remember the to keep the seat belt on from the start until you hear, "hapgyuk imnida" or until the instructor shouts at you to get out of there.   

To be continued...

Driving Lessons: Part 5

Take 2! That's how far I had to go to get the passing score of 76. I wish I could have done better but I didn't realize that it would be easy to get 10 points deductions from the starting point of 100. It's a blessing that I had to take the same course D which I also did last time.

This I saw when I sat behind during another test-taker's turn. We started off all right and she managed to complete the test. She still failed with only 60 points left on her side. She lost ten big points at the corner when she was about to turn left heading into the thoroughfare but was in the 3rd lane instead of the first. She also forgot to go neutral while waiting at the signal light. Another deduction made was when she was turning left from the first lane and ended up in the second lane after the turn. That is textbook mistake. The same thing as hitting the brakes very sharply at the start. The testing instructor pointed these out after the test. Fortunately, I learned something from her mistakes.

When it was my turn, the traffic light was red and it was just a fraction second to decide to go for it and follow the two cars ahead of me. First hurdle done. Now, on to the going-straight at a bit of speed. My next big hurdle is going back later to the big road where I made the mistake last week. I made it coz but I think there was a bit of glitch when I changed lane after turning. I might not have hit the turn signal long enough before I actually made a turn because I was keen on just taking the opportunity to do so while there was no car coming up from behind me.

Another tricky part in course D is the corner between two banks. That is basically the second corner after turning right but there's usually a car park at that corner and another one coming out to join my lane. Which is really not so cool coz I had to change lanes and do the signals in such a short time with other vehicles waiting behind me. Sharp senses, and quick decision-making without breaking any law or hurting anyone or anything for that matter are really the underlining points in driving. That is a challenge that makes driving fun as a beginner!

The driver's license will be available for pick-up next Tuesday after 5 according to the lady after I pay for it. Time and that 7,500 W are what's left standing between me and that driver's license. My birth month goal is almost close to completion.

I can get back to my Korean language learning now with that driving thing behind me.

Driving Lessons: Part 4

The D-day came around and I was very excited to just do it.

I headed there after my lunch class and even had to take a cab coz I was afraid that I'll be late. Turns out, as I've expected, that I still have to wait anyway since they put me second to the last.

My turn to wait more near the "testing tower" came at around 3:15. I watch the testing car leave with another test-taker sitting at the backseat. They were gone twenty minutes later and it came back with the testing instructor behind the wheel. By the looks of the lady who got off the passenger's seat, she didn't look that happy. I was then called on to take the backseat and sign on the tablet. We then headed out, with the older woman test-taker behind the wheel. I'd be watching her take the test. Exciting!

But all my excitement was dashed when the lady barely made it out to the road after almost hitting the wall of the construction site heading out from the academy. The lady has no sense of what she's doing it seems. She hardly used the brakes when she needed to and she was slower than me to turn the steering wheel. She was holding it so hard and has trouble turning it properly. When asked how many hours she has clocked in, she said only eight hours. I would have had the same level of confidence if I hadn't clocked in more hours. We still managed to get on the road but we turned around when the testing instructor had a chance. We pulled over and he took the wheel as he drove us back to the center. It was almost too quick for a 55,000 W ride. He continuously gave extra tips to the lady on our ride back while I try my best to listen in and understand. I was lapping to every tip he gave. haha...I know I can do better than the lady.

My turn came but we had to wait a bit more. Bathroom break. The other girl after me showed up, and took the backseat. I got in the driver's seat, and was asked to click on the tablet again for the random course that I will be tested in. The instructor had asked me a few questions earlier about my nationality, Korean language level and offered me a choice to take it in English. What? There is a choice now?! My online researches were a bit outdated it seems. So going back to my road test, it went fine for the first half of the course. I was able to find my way even after I fumbled with the starting off. I missed the B, I, D and P for a sec (brake, ignition, drive, and parking brake.)

To cut it short, I failed this first attempt. Why? I missed the cue to change lane after crossing to the bigger road. With that one mistake, I didn't have any chance to change lane anymore later on to get to the left side when I was about to exit the road. It was not a good one but it was still exciting. I almost made it back to the academy. My other possible big hurdle was the parallel parking at the end of the test but I didn't made it to that part. Hopefully, I will be able to wing it better next time around.

I had another chance to sit through the other test-taker after my turn since we were the last ones for the day. She clearly was a better one than the older lady. It was almost perfect and she did pass the test. Turned out, it was her 4th time to take the test. *big grin. I don't think I'll hit that mark though. Just one more on that "talking car" and I'll be waiting for my license soon. (I gathered that it only takes a week to get it after passing the road test.)  I immediately had to sign up for the next test schedule.

Oh, well. I know I can do better. I'll just have to be ready again for the next one. I think I should be better with the audio instructions factored in. I will have to go over the individual routes again mentally and note down the change lanes, and other possible bumps. Until the next and final test!

Colorful Flowering Trees in my Hometown

Photo credits to thoughtstalesandwhatnot.com

It's spring season and it's time for cherry blossoms here in the peninsula. This reminded me of a tree of the same moniker, cherry, from my hometown. Palawan cherry tree as it has been dubbed, or balayong in a more local term, has been a common sight in my high school and other spots in my hometown. I found the photo above from a blog with as equally beautiful shots of the Palawan tree. These, along with the fire trees, are often seen together in the same area. But the dearest to me is the golden shower tree.

I remember one in our front yard when I was a child. It almost always blooms specially around my birth month May. Those were the picture of my childhood: yellow blossoms, regularly-trimmed tree that sometimes hosts caterpillars that turn into beautiful butterflies. The seeds itself can be quite stinky coz I remember playing with it as a stick only to find the stinky seeds when I happen to break it. But those seed pods will give rise to new set of beautiful yellow blossomed trees. When they bloom, it looks like a yellow bouquet.

Photo credits to treesplanet.blogspot.kr

Now, I wish my father didn't cut that tree down. I would have loved to grow old on a small house with a tree like that on the yard. That should be on my bucket list: a relatively spacious front yard with at least a golden shower tree, a Palawan cherry tree and maybe a fire tree as well. But of course, there should also be a small herb and vegetable garden. I do like flowers but with my practical-thinking mind, I can handle the flowers up on a tree than use up the land area beneath it which can be better planted with something edible.

I'm not that big on fruits but I'll be happy with a mango, chico, kalamansi, banana, and maybe some papaya. With these in mind, I initially thought that 500 sqm is enough but maybe 1000 sqm is needed to accommodate the fruit trees. And off I go to my dreamland again!

Driving Lessons Update: Part 2

So I signed up for the whole kit and caboodle of the driving lessons because there was really no other way to get my hands on a steering wheel since my hubs will not let me. My previous post here on the first time I got behind the wheel.

My next session was to learn the other courses, B and D which are located in a less-familiar area of the town. I have to figure out the the streets, turns, signal light changing, and speed at this one since it's goes through some school zone of sorts. Well, I'm not exactly sure if there is a school immediately nearby but the speed limit is pretty clear at 30 km/h.

I had a lady instructor this time so it was a bit different. I noticed that her English language is not as good as the previous one so we had to struggle a bit specially because she kept referring to N in Korean, 중립. It wasn't that easy at first but it made remember the Neutral on stop lights better. Another difference is she is plays too safely. Totally different with the ajussi who made me speed up not just once but a lot of times. She wasn't sure of my abilities so I guess she totally played it safe.

First day with her was the initial learning the routes for Courses B and D during the two hours. This wasn't not as exciting speeding but I did get to traverse the bigger road with 80 km/h speed limit. Next day, we did the four courses in the two hours that I had. During this session, she tried to use the tablet but I don't think it was maximized. I felt that I will fail because of not being able to understand the test instructions from the tablet. I had to sign up for another set of sessions.

Four more hours cost me an extra 220 k but I need to more confident with that table thingy which what got me in the 50 m operational test before in the first place. Luckily, it was rectified early on and I managed to pass the test in the end. During the last session before I had to take the test, the male instructor quizzed me on that turn signal audio in Korean. I had for the life of me, failed to recognize what "turn left" sounds like in Korean since my hubs just insisted on letting me listen to the video that had "right turn" or ohye-jeon in Korean. When I asked about other possible deviation on the test, he insisted that there won't be any. Hah!

Going back to the driving sessions, on to my next post.

Driving Lessons Update: Part 3

For a recap on my hands-on driving lessons: (hands-on because my hubs tried to teach me a bit but its mostly talk, and insisted on "try to memorize the theory and use your imagination" ---what?!!)

Course A (Asan Area) the most straightforward course

Course C (Asan Area) mostly lane changing and right turns

Day 1 (3 hrs)
H1 - driving around almost without accelerator in the driving course
H2 - Course A, with instructor driving and showing the route
         Course A, me driving
H3 - Course C

These three hours were pretty too much to handle for my brain so I opted for a two hour schedule for the following sessions.

*Day 2 (2 hours)
H4 - Course B
H5 - Course D

*Day 3 (2 hours)
H6 - Course A and C
H7 - Course B and D

Day 4
H8 - Course A and C
H9 - Course B and D

Course B (Bebang Area) with U-Turn

Course D (Bebang Area) with more complicated turns

This is pretty much where I am right now. I have managed to get into the 80km/h road, change lane, speed up and reach the second traffic light without seeing the red light to stop. The downside was I almost forgot to hit N as I wait to get out of the road because my hands were up in the air celebrating that 70 km/h!

I have to decide tomorrow to sign up for the road test this Thursday. I am a bit confident now in terms of turn signals, neutrals, accelerator and brakes. I have yet to work more on 

1. changing lanes at a speed
2. turning the steering wheel at different angles except for a U-turn and a sharp right-angle turn
3. getting in and out of traffic (Note here: Getting in, I can safely do that with a red light of oncoming traffic but have to watch out with other cars coming from the other directions.) 

I have unconsciously found myself figuring out how to use the side mirrors but not the rear-view mirror ever. Never had the chance yet. Come to think of it, I noticed my husband was able to drive with the rear window blocked with ice last winter. It may be helpful to learn that later on after I passed the road test. My extra learning sessions will only cost 50 k by then, after the Hapgyuk (합격)

My ajussi instructor promised me that he will use the table tomorrow so I can be familiar with the audio instructions for the test. Good thing I changed back to the male instructor, at least he knows my history with recorded audios in Korean. Sticking with the same instructor was something my hubs pointed out when I tole him how my driving lessons are going. Makes sense as I've realized. At least, hubs did give me a some of tips. 

Now as I prepare more for the road test, I try to find other websites as resources.

Here are some blogs/links that I found helpful and encouraging so far:

• no korean - Irish with no or limited Korean language skills going thru it
• Another Pinay blog - the initial parts of acquiring the license (written test etc.) She had to do her written test twice coz the husband gave her the wrong test reviewer. Funny but hey, at least she learned something about motorbikes. 
• And this is the hands-on part in a driving school she enrolled in. She only did the six-hours-behind-the-wheel and managed to pass the road test. This really gave me hope that I can finally wing it this week. I've already clocked in about 9 hours and two more tomorrow so I should be able to do it soon. 
• ESL forum about getting a Korean driver's license

That should wrap it up for this entry. My next entry should most likely start with PASSED! (I will probably wait for at the most another year before I get a chance to drive my husband's car or my own car. Why? He has just renewed his car insurance last Feb or March so I don't think he will be willing to alter that to accommodate me. So either that or I'll have to be able to afford having my own by next year.)

My next month's target is to concentrate on the Korean language again, and finish the KIIP language series. If God willing, I might even have enough courage to start the immigration papers this year. If not, the Driving License goal should have been accomplished. That calls for another entry all together.