Heavy Heart. It was hard to “leave” Seattle. To finally have the “escape” that I wanted & to start fresh and be on my own. I’m lucky to have this opportunity but amongst other things, this opportunity came in at the right and the wrong time. Sacrificies had to be made and tears of joy, mixed in with sadness, had to rain down on my face.
At Last. 10-11 hours later, I arrived in Incheon, South Korea at Sept. 1 (Tuesday), approx. around 6 or 7pm. Met the rest of the group and headed over to Paradise Hotel for the Orientation. Little did we know, we were going to be stuck there for 4 days because of Quarantine. It was semi not bad. Granted, the hotel staff was amazing and gave more reason to hang out in one place and get to know other people. Unfortunately, everyone was itching to explore and people pretty stuck with their certain “groups.” LOL. My group is known to be the “The Seattle Crew,” which consists of 9 CampusPoint reps (Me, Whitney, Si-Khoa, Drake, Devin, Justin, Ryan, Jonathan, & Anthony) plus 1 Houston girl (Deborah) and 2 Toronto girls (Lavleen & Gagan).
Orientation. Even with the prison feel of the orientation, it rather went pretty quickly. We learned various facts of cultures and history about Korea. We learned things from basic Korean etiquittes to Hangul (langauge). That was good, given that I came to this country fairly oblivious. Good thing, I wasn't alone in this journey.
[Guest English Teachers, Fall 2009]
[Day 4 (?) being stuck in Paradise Hotel]
[Bupyeung!]
[Deuksodong Palace @ Seoul]
SCHOOL LIFE.
I teach @ Jodong Elementary School. Overall, it has been kind of a roller coaster. The kids are great. The first few weeks I felt like a semi-celebrity just because of the fact that I am a foreigner. On the other hand, I am short and I am Asian… so some thought I was Korean or one of the students… and I teach ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! I teach 4th, 5th, & 6th graders this semester and some of my 6th graders are taller than me! HAHAHA. My main co-teacher is Miji. She’s been very helpful. She helped me set up my bank account, talked to my landlord, etc. My principal is really nice too. He just smile and pass me. One of my vice principal on the other is a little strict! He wants me to write a SCRIPT of every lesson plan that I do and doesn’t trust me being in my office alone. Miji or someone has to be there with me. Sometimes, I feel like I’m like one of the kids who needs to be kept an eye on and as well as a tape recorder. “Please, listen and repeat after Mary Teacher.” I can’t really do much about it… their school, their rules.
KOREAN LIVING.
Living here isn’t as bad as I thought. Of course theres some like and dislikes but it goes withouth saying. After a month, I have noticed a few things:
1. Drivers are reckless but not as bad as the Filipino drivers in the Philippines. At least they semi follow the lanes. LOL. Bus drivers are the worst though!
2. I’m the last one to know. Can’t say we didn’t get warned but I found it annoying when I’m trying to work and then my co-teacher just says, “let’s go Mary. We have to do this…. & that…”
3. Korean fashion. Seems like they’re stuck between the 60’s & the 80’s with heels. I’m not hatin’ nor I’m the one to judge fashion but it makes me giggle.
4. Drinking AFTER eating the meal. Seriously, what if I choke on my food? LOL.
5. Most apartment or studio I’ve seen… their shower in the bathroom is in top of their sink. Yes. You red right. Granted, mine isn’t. Mine is actually separated with clear glass door Here’s some pictures from my apartment:
[view from the door]
[view from my bed]
[outside my door]
Well, okey.. this wasn't as "long" as I thought but I guess it'll do. I'm in the "PC Room" or computer room (which most people go to just play games anyways) and my time is limited or else I have to pay more.... spending 2 hours though... $3 :) Not too bad. Anyways, I should really eat some dinner.
This weekend should be fun. A bunch of us English teachers are heading to Deokjeok-do Island for Chuseok weekend. Chuseok is equivalent to Thanksgiving. Thus, I leave you with... What are you thankful for?.
[I miss you, Seattle!]
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