I'm still alive, well, and teaching!
I have been a terrible procrastinator lately, but I have been a busy bee. I have been traveling on the weekends and even working some of the weekends. I have traveled to the DMZ and even crossed into North Korea (under the care of the US and ROK army). I have also traveled to Seoul many times, waded in the East Sea (aka, Sea of Japan), hiked up a mountain to a Buddhist temple in a cave, cried because I was too scared to go down, visited a famous lantern festival, experienced my first brown/black-out, heard air drill sirens, accidentally hiked down a mountain in heels, and debuted on the Seoul acting stage.
As usual, I have made many friends -- coworkers and even random folk from the street. I have had wonderful experiences with them, traveling, laughing, watching K-drama, sharing Clueless and hangover soup, shooting pool, and commuting on the subway.
I have not been a disciplined Korean learner, but with my new affection for K-pop and K-drama, it is only a matter of time before I know the important words of a teenage girl. Or perhaps constantly translating the tweets of my new favorite actor, Jang Geun Suk, will help. (I have every intention of buying his 2012 calendar for myself and possibly for all of my friends back home.) I digress.
I have eaten too much western food, and I am working on learning how to cook Korean food. I like most kimchi and other banchan (side dishes), but I still haven't seen any Korean tacos like Yumbii here. There are Mexican restaurants here, but close as they are, they are burdened by a lack of real sour cream and cheese.
I miss you, Catlanta, King of Pops, Yeah! Burger, Mexican food, Waffle House, Chik-Fil-A, and Georgia Brown. However, I have a popsicle kit, Kraze Burger, Tesco brand Mexican seasoning, waffles in every chain coffee shop, Popeye's, and Hite D.
Showing posts with label Daejeon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daejeon. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Surprise! I've moved to Korea!
(South, of course. Neither KJI nor Billy C are in my close circle of friends yet, but we'll see how that goes.)
When?
A fortnight ago: 18 June
But, Sheila, why would you want to go there?
To teach English! It's one of the most practical applications of my degree, and Korea provides some of the best opportunities/compensation for teaching English abroad.
What about North Korea?
If the Koreans aren't worried about it, then I won't be either. However, there are gas masks and emergency kits in all of the subways. I've been told not to be alarmed when I hear the air raid drill sirens. They seem to be prepared.
Do you know Korean?
No. I've not made many strides to learn it yet, but, really, you gotta respect a language that gives its alphabet a national holiday. For now, my phrasebook and fingers are going to have to do.
Is it safe?
Yes! There's so little crime here. In fact, while trying to find data to prove this point, I found that I'm more likely to share a cell with an embezzler or (software) pirate than an axe murderer. Besides, back at home I've seen cars stolen from my backyard, been burgled on a Sunday afternoon by a man in a welding mask, fondled by a bum on North Ave while en route to class, chased a potential hit-and-run on the highway, and been robbed at gun point. And I actually fared better than many of my other friends. I'm sure Korea's just fine.
So ... Seoul, right?
Nope, an hour south in Daejeon. Just like England =/ London, Korea =/ Seoul.
Where will you live?! Do they even have running water?!
My school has put me up in an officetel, or a live-and-work studio apartment. They pay my housing; I pay utilities and maintenance.
But what will you do without a car?!
Left foot, right foot. The subway might be comparable to MARTA in that it doesn't take you everywhere, but since it was built only about four years ago, it takes you to the major attractions. There's only one line so far, and there are plans for four more. Taxis are ridiculously cheap here and sometimes, split among friends, cheaper than the subway.
How will you meet people?
I actually chose the school I did because it's actually quite large. I figured the school would come with built-in friends. I actually do have friends in various other parts of the country, and I met some cool people at my training in Seoul. I've already made a few!
What about your stuff back home?
My sister has my car, Marie has my cello, and PYT has Jimi. The stuff is in a climate-controlled storage unit.
You're going to be out of the country for Independence Day!
I know, and I'm actually really excited about it. :)
When?
A fortnight ago: 18 June
But, Sheila, why would you want to go there?
To teach English! It's one of the most practical applications of my degree, and Korea provides some of the best opportunities/compensation for teaching English abroad.
What about North Korea?
If the Koreans aren't worried about it, then I won't be either. However, there are gas masks and emergency kits in all of the subways. I've been told not to be alarmed when I hear the air raid drill sirens. They seem to be prepared.
Do you know Korean?
No. I've not made many strides to learn it yet, but, really, you gotta respect a language that gives its alphabet a national holiday. For now, my phrasebook and fingers are going to have to do.
Is it safe?
Yes! There's so little crime here. In fact, while trying to find data to prove this point, I found that I'm more likely to share a cell with an embezzler or (software) pirate than an axe murderer. Besides, back at home I've seen cars stolen from my backyard, been burgled on a Sunday afternoon by a man in a welding mask, fondled by a bum on North Ave while en route to class, chased a potential hit-and-run on the highway, and been robbed at gun point. And I actually fared better than many of my other friends. I'm sure Korea's just fine.
So ... Seoul, right?
Nope, an hour south in Daejeon. Just like England =/ London, Korea =/ Seoul.
Where will you live?! Do they even have running water?!
My school has put me up in an officetel, or a live-and-work studio apartment. They pay my housing; I pay utilities and maintenance.
But what will you do without a car?!
Left foot, right foot. The subway might be comparable to MARTA in that it doesn't take you everywhere, but since it was built only about four years ago, it takes you to the major attractions. There's only one line so far, and there are plans for four more. Taxis are ridiculously cheap here and sometimes, split among friends, cheaper than the subway.
How will you meet people?
I actually chose the school I did because it's actually quite large. I figured the school would come with built-in friends. I actually do have friends in various other parts of the country, and I met some cool people at my training in Seoul. I've already made a few!
What about your stuff back home?
My sister has my car, Marie has my cello, and PYT has Jimi. The stuff is in a climate-controlled storage unit.
You're going to be out of the country for Independence Day!
I know, and I'm actually really excited about it. :)
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