Teacher’s travelogue shines light on South Korea for 21 Club

A TRAVELOGUE at 21 Club’s January luncheon has become a popular tradition.

This year the members were fascinated by the entertaining oriental journey through South Korea presented by local educator, Tracey Vorster.

Colourful, open fans perched in flower-filled bowls on gold, flanked by eye-catching origami Korean dolls graced each table.

The Oriental dress code challenge was met by many, with flowers in the hair a must.

Tracey hails from Benoni. She achieved her teaching degree at Wits University and launched her career at a boarding school in Limpopo. After gaining varied experience in three provinces, Tracey is currently a head of department at Toti Primary. She is passionate about her profession.

Married to John Vorster, principal of Athlone Park Primary, they have three children who all chose the noble profession after initially studying in other career fields – one family, five teachers.

Melanie and Raymond teach in Toti but Belinda, the quiet but clearly adventurous middle child, has been teaching in South Korea for four years. The whole family went to visit and 21 Club reaped the benefit.

Using an interesting slide show, Tracey illustrated the colourful South Korean lifestyle. The legendary fans, umbrellas and cherry blossoms were in evidence along with the interesting cuisine. Chopsticks are a given and pork the meat of choice. The quaint traditional dress was modelled by the family while on holiday.

Situated on the East Coast of Asia, South Korea is densely populated. Tracey laid emphasis on the exceptional neatness and cleanliness everywhere. Of course, shoes are removed when entering a home.

Children from an early age, spend long hours at school. Teachers get only one 10-day break per year. No talking is allowed on the underground trains, discipline is strict and people conform. The white, blue, red and black flag represents the yin and the yang, the balance in the universe of harmony and movement.

The night life in Seoul was shown and the Olympic Stadium, towers, palaces, a Buddhist Temple and markets were part of the journey. The South Korean economy is booming, but Tracey also outlined negatives – the people are strictly governed in military fashion. North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests pose a huge threat. Air pollution levels require that people wear masks at times, and they endure long working hours.

The country experiences extreme climatic conditions from 35° in Summer to -20° in Winter. The cost of living and rental is higher than in South Africa, and steak is far too expensive to buy.

Clearly, there is no place like home. Thanks to Tracey for a wonderful overview of South Korea. And yes, who can ever forget Gangnam Style?

Thanks to Lords and Legends for the great meal and especially the Oriental litchee dessert. Clever Susan Grobler made the Korean dolls that lent such authenticity to the décor.

Four new members were welcomed Heather Labuschagne, Betty Ledger, Barbara Lane and Maureen Warrior. Many enjoyable times ahead.

The 21 Club St Valentine’s luncheon will be held at Lords and Legends conference room at noon for 12.30pm on Wednesday, 27 February. The guest speaker is Chris Botha.

Confirmation to attend or not must be received by the relevant committee member by Friday, 22 February. Guests who must be invited by a member can only be accommodated if there is space. Remember to take along a grocery item for Kingsburgh Lions Club.