Busan Calling

So it's Sunday night. It has been a very successful weekend. Saturday morning I woke up and had a wonderful conversation with my aunt and uncle while they were at happy hour, over facetime. I love having internet on my laptop. As I was leaving my apartment to go get Jayna from the subway stop a car stopped in front of my apartment and honked at me. It was the director from my school, Mrs. Kim. She had come, with movers, to move my furniture in. She told me, in her broken English and my broken Korean, that I should go meet my friend.

I left for the subway station and quickly realized that I told Jayna the wrong subway stop. Well this is an adventure after all. We did find each other, she is a very calm, go with the flow person so that definitely helped. We took her stuff back to my apartment. Did you read that right? MY APARTMENT!!! Ahhhh awesome. We dropped off her stuff, messed around on the internet trying to figure out what we wanted to do. All of a sudden several Korean women walked into my apartment. It didn't take long for me to recognize them. They all work at the school. They were there to clean the apartment. I moved in before they could do so, so they came to do it now. We were ushered out and told 10 minutes.

We ended up heading for the subway and figured we could get lost downtown. We found out that above the subway but below the streets of downtown is actually a kind of mall. We walked around it for a while and found some fun stores that will provide many a gift in the future. When we finally made it above ground we were a bit lost. I hadn't been downtown in the daytime before so we explored a while. We found a good Italian place and had some lunch.

While we were walking we found this great store that Jayna likes in Busan, it's called ArtBox. It had a mix of everything. I loved it. I am going to go back this week I think. We walked around and ended up going to Diaso. It's basically the Dollar Store of Korea. I got lots of odds and ends for my apartment; trash cans, bath mat, mixing bowl, cutting board, basics. Two huge bags worth of stuff and it was 32,400 Won. Awesome.

We went back to the apartment and called up Luisana. Thought a Costo run would be a good top to the day. Both of us got wireless routers, so we can be wireless. Ha ha. I got Colby Jack cheese, a precious commodity here, dill pickles, bananas and the best part DR. PEPPER! You cannot find it anywhere. I carried a 24 pack with me through the store, around the exit (which was ridiculous) and into the taxi cab.

The night consisted of burgers for dinner and Jayna and I were talked into hitting the bars downtown. I had my first bag drink. It's basically a huge Capri Sun with alcohol. We hit a couple bars, made a late night McDonalds run (my first since I got here) and headed home.

Those are bag drinks. Pretty potent if you want them to be. Definitely an experience.

Sunday was fun. Jayna and I just wanted to be lazy. We went to the corner market and picked up a few more essentials. As you can tell, here it is a little complicated to get everything at once. We got eggs, oil, toilet paper (30 rolls, crazy), laundry detergent (gotta figure out my washer), peaches (we will see how they are) and Pringles for Jayna on the train ride back. 

 Making brunch!

This was brunch. Eggs and cheese on a croissant. Yummo

 This is the "kitchen" before rearranging the furniture.

 "Bedroom" before

 "Kitchen" after. We moved the fridge to the kitchen, because what good was it doing with the stupid washer?

 My bedroom after. The bed moved directions and the table just got a place by the moving wall. 

  The rest of my bedroom. The desk got a better place so I can look out the window. 

To answer my aunt Sue's question. Yes there are mosquitoes here. They are not friendly and they like to attack. I have a few war wounds. 

I am loving having Internet on my laptop. I have been on Skype with mom for 2 hours tonight. I am writing and she is going through mail. It's the little things. The dog even said hi to me, that was really cute. He started to go look for me. So at least he remembers me. I miss him so much. 

I am feeling much more settled today. I miss home, but now that I can Skype and talk to everyone I feel better. It's pretty lonely living in a small apartment in a building by myself, I'm hoping I get used to it.

Random Fact of the moment. You are not supposed to flush toilet paper down the toilet here. It's bad for the plumbing. Strange thing everyone needed to know, right?

I moved!

So today was an amazing day, it's not over, but I wanted to get a few things on here before we went out tonight. So this morning I packed all of my things from the motel and I brought them to school. Luisana was very helpful and she grabbed a load too. I made it to school and wouldn't you know it, during circle time I got a package! The kids were so excited, they wanted to know what was inside and who sent it to me. I just about cried. Here is a picture of all my loot. I realize I shouldn't miss things like granola bars, from home yet, but I do, and I don't care who knows it. 

There are granola bars, soup mix, a People, a cute frog washcloth (the kids went nuts for that), and tons of Twizzlers. I would also like to point out that there was a set of plastic silverware, nice touch.

Later in the day, after afternoon class and our staff meeting I was hurried downstairs to move into my apartment. It was very sudden. I didn't even have time to grab my outside shoes before I went downstairs. Needless to say, I had to make a second trip back to school to get all my crap to my apartment. The apartment is so nice. Currently, it has no furniture. They said tomorrow it would come. Yay! It is clean and it seems pretty safe. It is about 5 minutes from school so very close. It is also really close to most of the other teacher's apartments. Kelly will move into this building once she arrives from the US. 

Here is the video of my apartment. 

Tomorrow, Jayna is coming up from Busan. I am really excited to meet her. She seems so nice, we talked on the phone for almost a half hour tonight. We will be making a Costo run I believe and probably do some shopping downtown if I can talk her into it. 

Maybe vacation week won't be so bad. I will have time to get settled and get things unpacked. Ahhh it's the weekend!

Paperwork

So today was another adventure in being flexible. When I got to work today I was told I would be going to immigration in the afternoon and my medical check was in. My medical check was interesting. Apparently I had high cholesterol and a UTI. I think they are a little crazy. If I had a UTI I would probably be rolling on the floor in pain, or so I have been told. Thankfully I had lunch to go back to the motel to get my passport, right? Wrong. At 11:15 a teacher walks in and says that I have been summoned to Mrs. Lee's office. She said to get my passport and I am going to immigration. Well that would be fine except I didn't bring it to school. So I had to run to the motel and get it.

I was then taken in a car by Mrs. Kim's father (who speaks no English) to the immigration office. I had to be fingerprinted and something needed to be filled out. I was shuffled from one desk to another without a word. Adventure. Check. Next I got back to school and Mrs. Lee said she needed my passport. Apparently it has to go to the ARC office to be verified. Hopefully, I should have it back tomorrow.

Later in the day I got another surprise. Something had arrived for me from the States. Unfortunately, it was detained by Customs. They had some paperwork they wanted me to fill out, it was in Korean. So Mrs. Lee had to translate (kind of) and had me write some things down and now I am hoping for the best. I cried when I heard I got mail, I was so happy. Let's just hope her English to Korean written skills are better than her Korean to English speaking skills. I hope it comes before vacation.

I miss everyone so much.

Mug Shot

So today Diane cornered me in the hallway (where it is hot and small) and asked me if I went to get my passport photos taken. Apparently I was supposed to bring two photos with me for my ARC card (Alien Registration Card), I turned into an alien, who knew? So anyway I told her no, I did not go the weekend. She told me that I would need to go today, and I could take Victoria(our other new teacher) with me. She is very nice. She has lived just about everywhere, and she is 42.

So here I am kind of freaking out, kind of feeling confident that I can accomplish this task. Well I was in Elizabeth's class in the afternoon and I told her I was going to E-Mart (where they have a photo place). She said she needed to go too. Awesome I don't have to go alone. So after school we get into Diane's car, so she can drive us (we caught a taxi home). We got out pictures taken and holy moly, it is a full on mug shot. Not a cute picture.

Elizabeth ended up getting some supplies at E-Mart and I got a couple too. Some crackers and I believe I found Digestives (The same kind that I loved in Paris), and no they are really just cookies. They do not aid my digestive system in any way. After E-Mart we went to a little Galbee restaurant. It was pretty good. It was beef, which I am sure I will pay for later, but this place didn't do chicken.

In other news I got back to my motel this afternoon and I found my room clean. Yay right? No. My towel was gone, again. This time however when I walked down stairs the lady I spoke too last time seemed a little more ticked off. I think she was mad at the cleaning lady. The little old cleaning lady was all smiles and they could tell I was frustrated. I was trying really hard to go with the flow and take what came but I had no idea what they were telling me. I smiled, I nodded and eventually the older lady took me to the roof, where the towels of the day were drying. Yes! My towel was on the roof. I think she thought it needed to be washed. How sweet of her!? Crisis once again averted. I think I have to hide my towel any time I leave the room, not just take it out of the bathroom.

Sour Taste

So it's Sunday. Friday night I went out to By the Book with most of the teachers. It is this cute little second hand English book store that also serves food. It was really cute. I could definitely see myself spending time there. The teachers were wonderful and I met one of their friends as well.

Saturday was a little interesting. I woke up with a not very happy digestive system to say the least. Before you ask, no, I have not been drinking the water. I was told that was not a good idea. I stayed in bed most of the day, trying to get up the energy to go out with everyone that night. I knew if I didn't go out with them the first weekend, I would probably be on my own pretty often.

I am all for going out and having a little fun, but good grief, the people here are hard partier's. I had one drink and I didn't have another. We left at 9:30pm and I didn't get back to the motel until 3:15am. By that point my stomach ache was back, the smokey bars had gotten to me. In Korea, you can smoke anywhere and everywhere, and it's awful. I smelled terrible when I came in last night. I had just enough energy to shower before I called it a night.

Now it's Sunday. I woke up at 8am. Not cool. I still have a sour stomach and Pepto isn't helping. I'm not even that sick and already I am feeling lazy and sad. I wish I were at home, getting a full night sleep on a bed that was actually a bed, not cardboard stacked together.

The vast majority of the teachers in my school are leaving town Friday night or Saturday morning for summer break. I really hoped I could have found a few people to hang out with before then, but the prospects are bleak.

There might be a light...

So today has been very interesting. I started the day at 4:30am. I couldn’t sleep, and I couldn’t get back to sleep. So I was awake. I watched a couple episodes of True Blood, my go to block out the world TV show. I had a few emails waiting for me when I logged in. It makes me cry, but makes me feel a little better to see well wishes from home.

Went to school. About 10 minutes into class my vice principle came to visit me. She wanted to talk to me. Apparently, when I emailed the recruited, they called the director. So everyone knows that I am regretting my decision, but it actually turned out okay. She kind of talked in circles, like I have learned she does, but I think she was trying to make me feel better.

For lunch Christine and Krista took me out to lunch. Christine got sushi, Krista got BimBop (I think). Krista offered to go with me to get my sandwich, but I said I would try it myself. I did it. I picked out a sandwich (it was chicken, with some sort of dressing with lettuce and carrots) and paid. Little victories, that’s all I have to say. While we were walking to get lunch Krista and Christine asked if there was anything they could help. Holy crap! I just about cried (really I got teary eyed, but no tears were spilled). I told them I needed food, a hair straightener, an umbrella, water bottle and slippers (because I can’t wear my fuzzy slippers in the summer, it’s frowned upon).

Several hours later....

Just got back from a lovely evening with Christine, Krista, Kaitlyn, Dani, Kaylee and Liz. Unfortunately Dani, Kaitlyn and Liz are all leaving, but they are great people. Tonight Christine picked me up at the motel (after I had to run back to the school because I left my computer cord there) to go to CitiBank so I could get money. I learned the best way to cross this super busy street, wonderful information. The underground looked exactly like Paris did, so it was nice to see something familiar. I got money! Yay! Definitely an accomplishment for me.

After CitiBank Christine hailed us a cab, I really need to write down what she says because I was lost. We went to HomePlus. I was able to find slippers, an umbrella, huge bottle of water, almonds, bananas, hair straightener (so I don't cut off my frizzy hair myself) and I even got ramen noodles. Now here is a story, get ready it's huge! I got out my Korean book (after a little peer pressure from Christine) and asked the employee which one was chicken. It took a little doing, because she tried to actually take me to the chicken, but I think I got the right stuff. Then we had pizza for dinner.

Here is the place we got pizza from. It was good, but the crust was almost purple.

These are a few of my students for my (soon) morning class.

This was my effort to eat dinner last night. I didn't have a fork or chopsticks, so a tooth brush it was. Back to the college days in the hot pot.

This is my bathroom in the motel. Not bad, I am spoiled with a bathtub.

This is the rest of my motel room. I haven't unpacked, I have just made a huge pile on the chair. And I didn't make my bed, not uncommon.

Crazy

I panicked. I thought I could do this and I can't. I didn't find a job before graduation and I thought "hey, let's take a chance and try something totally out of the box". Hell no. I am crazy! I woke up this morning at 5:30am, after sleeping about 5 hours. I cried, of course, apparently that's my theme. I ate a banana for breakfast. I emailed mom and researched flights to go home. That's right folks, this girl is not brave, by any stretch of the imagination.

Today at school was market day. Which was the most convoluted thing ever. I have no idea what the purpose was and the vice principle was crazy. She was yelling at another teacher and I "Teacher, Teacher you have to make them...." What? I just got here, and already she yelled at me. In the middle of market day, Rachel (the foreign teacher I am supposed to take over for) was talking about going home. I started to cry, in the middle of the room. Then after market day was done, thankfully, Rachel took pity on me and we went to lunch. She took me to this place where you can get pasta. Holy crap! They can't even do pasta right. It was not good.

I went to observe the rest of Rachel's morning class and I started to cry. The thought of teaching kids out of a workbook makes me so sad. I just don't understand any of this.The rest of the day went pretty much the same way. We sat at a table, I took notes on my laptop, and watched as kids "learned" through a book.

I asked a teacher if they would take me to E-Mart. Yup, not going to happen. These teachers have lives, that don't involve taking the sad pathetic newbies to the market. I was told that I can go to little market across the street to get some food. Yes, that would be wonderful, if I wasn't so uncomfortable and unhappy that I am ready curl up in a ball.

Before I left school today, I had to have a chat with the vice principle. She asked what I was doing on my computer during class. I was taking notes, while I observed. She was pretty confused about my taking notes, on a computer. Apparently that's a no-no, just like not wearing socks with my slippers.

I think I broke down and cried at least three or four times at school today. And then I walked to the motel, I refuse to call this awful place home, and I cried some more. As usual. Great day.

First Day

So today was my first day at my Korean school, but let's back track, just a little. I arrived last night. Someone did indeed pick me up from the bus station. When I arrived at my motel I kinda freaked out. It all became so real. I didn't really stop crying. I went to bed crying, tossed and turned crying, called my mom in the morning (after I hadn't slept) crying.

I put a smile on my face and walked to school. I got to school and everyone asked "How are you" "Did you sleep" "Are you jetlagged". I just fell apart. My first day and I fell apart. How pathetic (I am crying now too). I felt terrible! I am not this blubbering idiot. I feel like everyone thinks I am crazy. But, after I got myself under control I got on with my day. I met every teacher in the school. I think I remember 5 names, maybe. I met a lot of the children too, which was really nice, but it's going to be a hard adjustment.

For lunch today two teachers took us 3 new foreign teachers (myself, Kelly and Louisana) to lunch. We went for the gusto and got bimbop, I think. Here is a picture. I was definitely not a fan. The veggies were cold, the rice was hot and the red sauce was spicy. And don't get me started on the smell of the seaweed.

Bimbop, I think. The fried egg, definitely yummy. See I got some protein!

In other news I went to get my health check today. I had to put my big girl panties on and deal with the blood draw. The lady taking my blood was so nice though. One stick and she was done. Yay!

Well I have had a heck of a day. I think I have made a friend or two. Hopefully I can adjust and make the best of this "adventure". I miss so much back home. I miss my mom telling me to pick up my shoes and my stupid brother picking on me. And that damn dog barking at everything that goes by. 

27 Hours of Travel

So for this post I have decided to chronicle my journey to Daegu as I go. So far I cried at MSP. After Mom left the airport I got in line for security, at which time people looked at me like I was crazy. It’s like they have never seen a person say good-bye at an airport. Crazy people. Ha ha. Made it to Chicago, where I took the lovely tram to Concourse 5, the international concourse. When I arrived at the Asiana desk the nicest woman greeted me. She asked a few questions, confirmed that I had an aisle seat (hooray!) and I had requested a special meal (double hooray!). I told her I had never had Korean food and no, I do not enjoy the hot humid weather I am in for when I arrive in Daegu, but this is an adventure and I was going to enjoy it. She called me positive, strange.

Made it onto the plane. I am currently on hour number 7, almost 8. We are currently over the Bering Sea, we will be passing the International Date Line soon. Flight time is expected to be 13 hours and 30 minutes. Seeing as how left about 30 minutes late, we are scheduled to arrive at 4:10pm in the Seoul time zone. That is 10 minutes late, and I am sure I will start freaking out about the delay and how it will affect my bus schedule in another 2 or so hours.

The airplane is pleasant enough. I am sitting next to a little boy named Eric and his mother Chan. They are very nice. My first Vegetarian meal was manicotti it was delicious; definitely a little taste of home before I hit the culture shock of my life. Oh, seat belt sign went on. No turbulence, false alarm.

The rest of the flight went smoothly. I got through the airport fairly well. I missed Mr. Joe when I came out of the customs area so I had to call him, but that was easy. Got on the bus, that was an experience. It was a normal kind of greyhound bus, but it was a long ride, after a long plane ride.

My director picked me up, about ten minutes after the bus left. That was a very terrifying time. The taxi’s were circling. I was taken to a motel because my apartment still has a teacher in it. As soon as my director and her daughter left, I just started to cry. I haven’t stopped much since. I miss home so much.

I haven’t eaten since the airplane. I miss my dog and my mom and my bed. I miss English! I just want an English TV station. I want to go home.

Not a good start to this “adventure”. Let hope it gets better. 

I'm leaving, on a jet plane...

Don't know when I'll be back again. Ok, maybe I do. It could be a year, it could be longer. Tonight is my last night at home. I have everything (except my laptop, obviously) packed. My luggage is heavy. Both bags are about 47 lbs. My carry-on is 17 lbs, and I guess if the Asiana people tell me they are over weight I need to cry and then they will let me through. I can definitely pull out the tears, they have been flowing freely all night. 

Tomorrow I leave for Seoul. I am getting so nervous. Everyone is telling me it's a great life experience, but it's not helping me tonight. I am freaking out about leaving home. Going away to college was one thing, leaving for a new continent is a totally different animal. First stop is Chicago. From Chicago I get on a lovely 777 for my 14 hour trek to Seoul. From Seoul I get on a bus to Daegu. This is an adventure. Just keep telling myself that. 

More to come. I will update when I get internet in Korea. 

Less than a week

Wow, time has flown by. Tomorrow is Monday July 9th and I will be leaving for Korea on Sunday July 15th. I can't believe everything has fallen into place and that I am actually leaving. It became very real when my Visa actually arrived in the mail. There is was, that huge sticker, saying I was able to stay in the country and work for a year. I have started getting very nervous. Grinding my teeth to say the least. I am very excited as well.

With less than a week to go most of my clothes are laid out. Most of my toiletries are separated and bagged. I figured since I was talking two huge suitcases I should split all the shampoo, deodorant, contacts and toothpaste into the two bags. If either bag gets lost, I will still have a few of everything. My shoes will absolutely be my weakness. I love my shoes and I want to take so many, but I know that is not going to happen. I have to keep reminding myself that not only can I not fit many in my bags, but it is customary to take off your shoes whenever you enter a dwelling. So shoes are not an important feature of an outfit.

I have been talking to some wonderful people who are in Korea and in the US. Some will join me later in Korea and some will be there when I arrive. All the advice they have given me makes me feel so much more prepared. Plenty of people told me to bring tons of deodorant, so it's on the pile. Lots of advice and I hope to share some of my own once I am in Korea.

I can't help thinking how much I am going to miss back home. I will be missing the birth of my wonderful friend Jamie's baby. I will be missing the wedding of my best friend to an amazing man who could not be a better match. I will be missing so much. I just hope this experience is worth all of that.

I have taken over my brother's bedroom. There is more stuff on the floor. How am I going to pack it all?