I'm going to update quick, for my followers!
I made it to Korea and I got a job at a local Elementary school, just across the river from downtown Seoul. I live in a district called Dang-juk. It's a rather lively place, maybe not so bustling as downtown Seoul, but then again, I haven't been there yet, so I can't say! I teach 3rd and 5th graders, with two co-teachers, one from each grade. My 5th grade co-teacher is my main co-teacher, and she helps me with anything I need! She's very nice, I'll have to upload a picture sometime!
On my first day, Wednesday, I met with the Principal, and he seemed pleased. He took me out to a welcome dinner, Korean barbeque, of course, and he was impressed that I drank beer and could use chopsticks! I also heard said that if I like my students, that he'll like me. Ok, Got it. (*snirk*)
My apartment, if you can call it that, is really one room with a bedroom and a ridiculously tiny kitchen (by that I mean I have a stove, a sink, and a washer under the stove, and very few cupboards). I also have a small refridgerator, not much bigger than the one I had at University, a bit of a bummer. They also got me a closet, and a desk and chair. They also bought me recently a microwave and some dishes (the dishes were a bit of a struggle to get, but I eventually got them!).
So I may not be updating as much as I would like, since I can't get internet or phone coverage until I get my Alien Registration Card, which may take me a while to get (probably 2 weeks). At least today I got a desktop and internet at work, so I can at least stay in touch with some things until I get my own. (and Skype, so I can at least call my parents somehow!)
I'm expriencing a bit culture shock, but nothing too off-putting. I think it's really just the suddenness of it, and being, esentially, alone here in a foreign country. The food is great, at least. Good thing I like spicy food!! haha! I'm hoping to explore my neighborhood this weekend, if not downtown Seoul. I'm also going to try to find a Korean class, hoping that will help me get used to things a bit.
Korea is different from China, but there are still some similarities. Korean people are more polite, and you bow quite often, where as in China you don't bow to anyone. I'm still getting used to it, and it will be ok, I think.
Well, I should be off, lunch is coming soon (which is very good!! It comes out of my paycheck, but $2 a day shouldn't put too much of a dent in anything!). I'll write when I can, bye!
